Rainbows are the most common species at Big Lake, and there are plenty of fish to go around. Bait and bobbers in shallow water are the go-to tactics in fall and spring when trout are freshly stocked. For shore anglers, the best bet is to look for rocky points with access to deep water.
What is the best bait for rainbow trout?
Best Bait to Catch Rainbow Trout
- Powerbait Trout Nuggets (especially for hatchery fish)
- Worms.
- Live nymphs and minnows (best used in winter)
- Kernel corn and colored marshmallows (for hatchery fish)
- Salmon eggs.
How do you catch trout in Arizona?
Effective baits are worms, salmon eggs, powerbait, corn, cheese, marshmallows, artificial lures and flies. The number one key to successful trout fishing, is to use light line (2 to 6 pound) and small hooks (10-14 sizes), and small sinkers. Depending on the fishes diet, the meat can be white to orange-red in color.
Are there rainbow trout in Arizona?
Several Arizona State Parks offer fantastic trout fishing in rivers, lagoons and lakes throughout the state. These amazing opportunities are made possible every fall through spring with rainbow trout supplied by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
What is the best time to catch rainbow trout?
Conventional wisdom suggests that late spring is the best time to catch trout, especially if you’re looking for larger fish. The warmer it gets, the more fishing pressure from other anglers, the thicker the grass and brush surrounding their habitats and the lower the water levels.
What size hook do you use for rainbow trout?
size 8 to 14
In general, trout hooks that are size 8 to 14 are going to be best. Always use barbless hooks for trout unless you plan to eat what you catch. Smaller hooks are always best for trout because they will see larger hooks if the water is clear enough.
How many trout can you keep in Arizona?
The limit is 10 trout; the limit is 6 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 10 catfish in any combination; the limit is 25 sunfish or crappie in any combination.
Where is the best trout fishing in AZ?
The very best trout fishing is in the spring and fall. The best stream fishing is found in Canyon Creek, Chevelon Creek and East Clear Creek.
Do I need a trout stamp in AZ?
Arizona Game and Fish has developed a completely new fee structure for their fishing and hunting licences. Gone are the stamps that you would need to attach to your fishing license such as a two pole or trout stamp. Check out what is new and where to get yours here.
Is rainbow trout good eating?
Rainbow Trout is the sustainable, low mercury fish labeled a “best choice” by the EPA and FDA. This colorful patterned fish is a member of the salmon family and is one of the healthiest fishes you can include in your diet. Plus, it’s an excellent alternative to the often-overfished salmon.
What kind of rod do you use for rainbow trout?
In general, you want a 35 (3500) size spinning reel with a medium to medium light fishing rod.
What should I use for trout fishing?
The Best Gear for Trout Fishing
If using a rod, it’s best to pick a medium-weight one that’s about six or seven feet in length. Pair it with a spinning reel and four or six-pound monofilament line. You’ll also need to stock up on sinkers, swivels, hooks and bobbers. Another common way to catch trout is fly fishing.
Where are the biggest trout in Arizona?
Sunrise Lake – A 900-acre reservoir in the White Mountains, Sunrise Lake is home to brown and rainbow trout, as well as brook trout, for which it holds the state record.
Are there any trout streams in Arizona?
Currently, two Gila trout recovery streams in Arizona (Dude and Grapevine Creeks) are open to seasonal catch-and-release only angling regulations. However, Gila trout in the East Verde River, Frye Mesa Reservoir, Watson Lake, Lynx Lake, and Goldwater Lake can be angled year round.
Are there wild trout in Arizona?
Arizona Game and Fish Department manages many waters statewide to provide anglers the opportunity to catch several different species of trout, including two found only in the Southwest, Gila Trout and Apache Trout. Catch all five species of wild trout in Arizona.
What color are trout attracted to?
Most trout waters have a “secret combination” of colors that seem to always catch fish. Classic color pairs include yellow/black, red/yellow and black/fluorescent.
What depth do rainbow trout swim at?
from the surface. During the warmer months, Trout are at-least 15 ft. deep and can even get down to 160 ft. Advanced trolling equipment and techniques are required to target these deeper areas.
Should I use a bobber for trout?
Is it better to fish with or without a bobber? If fishing live bait for trout, panfish, and bullheads, or you want to suspend your bait off the bottom, a bobber is beneficial to most fishermen. If you are fishing large bait for bigger fish or fishing on the bottom, a bobber can be detrimental to your fishing success.
Do you need a sinker for trout fishing?
The most effective way to catch trout at The Lakes is to use a sliding sinker rig and one of the prepared floating baits such as Eagle Claw Nitro Bait. The rig is very simple. Take a small egg-shaped sinker and slip it on your main fishing line.
How much is a trout stamp in AZ?
A general license is required for all anglers, both resident and non-resident. The cost is $37 for residents and $55 for non-residents. A special pioneer license is given to any person who is more than 70 years in age and has lived as a bonafide Arizona resident immediately preceding the application.
How many hooks are allowed in Arizona?
Here’s is Arizona Revised Statutes 17-101 A1—“Angling” means the taking of fish by one line and not to exceed two hooks, by one line and one artificial lure, which may have attached more than one hook, or by one line and not to exceed two artificial flies or lures. Lures are not defined in statute.