How to Choose Trout Fishing Gear

All types of trout can be found in spring creeks, streams or rivers. Trout are not always the easiest fish to catch, but using certain types of fishing gear can increase your chances. Fishing gear for trout doesn’t need to be expensive.

1. Select a light fly fishing rod, because most trout only weigh between one and two pounds. A light fast action spinning rod is another option. Use a light rod with a six pound test line if you’re fishing for trout in a lake.


2. Use a spinning-cast reel to make casting easier. It has a button that releases the line. Reels shouldn’t be too heavy or too light.


3. Choose a longer rod if you’re fishing for trout in the spring, because water is often higher than other times of the year. The rod should be between four and five feet long.


4. Get some spoons, spinners, jigs or artificial flies. Most colors and styles work well. The artificial flies should be the kind that trout eat.


5. Find fly line sizes that match the trout size you’ll be fishing for. Use 4, 5 or 6-weight fly line for trout in small to medium size rivers. Use 5, 6 or 7-weight fly line for trout in large rivers or lakes.


6. Add hooks between the sizes of #10 to #14 size range. It's best not to use long shank sunfish hooks to catch trout. Make sure the hooks you use are not too visible.