Unusually cold temperatures hit the Ozarks in mid-November as Eric Olliverson and I met at the Branson landing on the shore of Lake Taneycomo. Early on there was no wind and it was bearable. Once the wind picked up about 11:00 o’clock our fingers became numb and continuing was not in the picture.
Fishing for Midwestern trout is usually a little different than in western or eastern waters. This is due to the f
act that most Midwestern trout are hatchery raised and often found in ponds as opposed to rivers and streams. Such is the case with most of the trout in this lake. However there is some natural reproduction. The brown trout spawn in early fall and the rainbows are just beginning the spawn now.
Spin tackle in the main Midwestern choice for trout fishing. Out west and east there is more fly fishing. Both methods are popular on this lake.
You want a relatively light rod to match the style of fishing you are doing. Light to medium-light action is best because it is very soft and limber allowing the casting of very small lures. The reason for the preference of the open spinning reel for trout is the use lighter line. It works well with 4 to 6 pound test line. Typically drag is better too.
The closed face spinning reel tends to allow light line to bunch up on the reel. It does not cast as well if you get a snag or after you catch a fish. Closed face reels are for use with heavier line and for more basic fishing.
Most trout respond to lures of 1 1/2 inch or less. In stained water you might want to use something a little larger.
Some anglers like a camo-green line because it does not put off the fish. You can also get away with a little heaver line. You might up-grade to 6 to 8 pound line. You might use the heaver line with a 2 foot leader of the lighter line. Fluorocarbon line in the 2-lb and 3-lb size tends to be brittle. Four pound monofilament line works.
Continue reading this article at this LINK….
—–
Join ODU Magazine on Facebook here at this LINK…..
Join ODU Magazine on our Twitter fishing site here at this LINK…..
Join ODU Magazine on our Twitter hunting site here at this LINK…..
.