Mid may trip to VT - trout

[Mackkie]

My brother and I want to take a trip to the black river and a couple local lakes in mid may sometime and hopefully catch some trout. We are beginners and only fish occasionally. Would we only have success with fly fishing or could we catch some nice fish using our regular poles?

What lures are suggested that will work well? Any other tips would be appreciated. Thanks for your help/patience with a beginner.

EDIT:
I found something saying that its almost better to use spinners/live bait (minnows?) in the spring instead of fly fishing anyway?

I am just trying to get an idea if fishing for trout will be worth our time. If we are better off fly fishing instead, I would rather plan a trip elsewhere and fish for smallmouth or something instead. We think it would be great to go for some trout but if we have the wrong equipment to get them I would rather go elsewhere. Thanks

[Mackkie]

Im sure you guys have some good info that would help me. Please, I am just looking for some basic tips and whether its a good idea or goto another location for bass fishing. Please, Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[albacized]

Who ever said fly fishing is not a good option is mistaken. If these fish are stocked, then simple wooly buggers would do the trick. Small kastmasters also work good on the spinning side of things. Trout in a local stream near me are hitting some kind of hatch on top. I wouldn't be surprised to see them hitting dry flies during those times.

[Chuckster]

I agree with Albacized - flyfishing should be fine. Woolly Buggers, Montanas, Black-Nosed Dace, and some white or cream colored dries.

I typically fish the White River with flyrods and ultralight spinning rods for trout and smallmouths and I usually do quite well. I'd imagine you'd have similar luck.

There's a few guys on RT that fish those waters exclusively, and I'm sure they'll agree that you'll do fine with the fly rods.

If you venture down to the White River, be sure to have a bunch of 1/8th oz white Roostertails with silver blades... :brow

[Mackkie]

No...i must have not been clear...I am NOT using fly fishing gear...I was planning on using spinners, etc. with my regular fishing pole.

Will i have success with things like spinners?
Are there some other live bait or lures that I should use when I go (aside from Roostertails)?

I am going to fish both a river and a lake.

[Chuckster]

Well... everyone has their own favorites, but let's just say before I head to the White River, I go to Dick's and WalMart and buy every single 1/8th oz white Roostertail they have.

'Nuff said.

[Mackkie]

I go to Dick's and WalMart and buy every single 1/8th oz white Roostertail they have.

'Nuff said.

Lol. Point taken.

The river and pond has recently been stocked with rainbow trout....looks like im going to head over to dicks and walmart. Any other colors you suggest other than white for rainbow trout?

[notime]

Silver/metalic lures are popular in spring.

[jsynnott]

I would suggest something in olive & black- I used that combo in wolly buggers on those stocked fish the other day and they worked well. Watch a guy spin casting to them with a copper rooster tail and not having any luck. i think color is the key. Also, I had follows but no strikes on a white wolly bugger (they whacked the black and olive stuff). have some strong line to, I had 3 flies sheared off on the strike while fishing 4x (6-7 lb) leader.
Good luck. You can also try the headwaters of the Otter Creek, they aren't too far from the Black and just got their trophy fish on Friday. I was there yesterday and it was silly with 20" bows and browns.

[eshuang]

I'd have to agree with the olive and black recommendation. The wooly bugger I've been using with a sink tip has both these colors and the stillwater stockies can't seem to resist it.

I've been thinking of using a hare's ear dropper with the wooly bugger. Does anyone have any experience with this? Should I use a floating line or continue with the sink tip? I primarily fish from the float tube.

[Mackkie]

You can also try the headwaters of the Otter Creek, they aren't too far from the Black and just got their trophy fish on Friday. I was there yesterday and it was silly with 20" bows and browns.

That sounds great. We plan to fish Amherst Lake as well as the black river. Have you had any experience with Amhert lake or the black river in that area (in plymouth, vt) and care to share some active areas? If you could give a little more info as to how to get to the headwaters of the otter creek that would be much appreciated.

I just picked up two 1/16oz white roostertails and plan to grab a few more according to what you guys suggested. Ill prob get some 1/8 as well (I couldnt remember if the prev. poster said 1/16 or 1/8).

Two more questions...What pound test should I be using? I currently have spiderwire xxx 6lb on there. Also, should i get rid of the swivel im using and just tie on a lure every time i want to change?

[eshuang]

Two more questions...What pound test should I be using? I currently have spiderwire xxx 6lb on there. Also, should i get rid of the swivel im using and just tie on a lure every time i want to change?

With roostertails up to 1/8 oz I use 4 lb monofilament, no swivels. I've had success also with the trout pattern roostertails.

[Mackkie]

Great...I think im going to stock up on some more rooster tails and some Kastmasters. Im thinking a chrome, the rainbow one, and the chrome/green combos all in 1/8 size for the Kastmasters. Any other colors to get? Also, are these available in walmart or dicks or should i just order them online?

EDIT: I just picked up a rainbow and a chrome kastmaster, another 1/8 white rooster tail, and a pack of yamamoto worms 3" and 5". Other than picking up a few other lures, I think im gonna use these when I go.