Specifics of winter trout fishing on paid reservoirs

Main features of fishing

For many anglers, the opportunity to catch trout is a real drug , because it is enough to take part in a fight with such a predator once in your life and in the future it will be impossible to refuse such happiness. Due to the phenomenal activity that continues throughout the year, the fish bite excellently even in winter, which increases the number of adventurers. Trout is considered a very interesting fishing object, which has many advantages:

1. Almost always large specimens weighing 5 kilograms or more are caught on the hook.
2. The fishing process lasts a long time, making the fisherman experience an unforgettable sensation.
3. Trout meat is a real culinary delicacy that simply has no competitors.

Anglers who know how to catch trout on a platform in winter (a private reservoir) claim that in most cases they come across individuals weighing from 1.5 kg, reaching 50-70 centimeters in length. In larger bodies of water or in natural wild conditions, these figures exceed 6 kilograms with a length of 70 centimeters. Therefore, the capture of large trophy prey is not uncommon.

Plunge fishing with a spinner

The rattlin bait is becoming increasingly popular among spinners.
Wide yellow or silver spinners are well suited for this method. It’s good if the trout spoon has a bright dot that resembles an eye. Such a target, red or yellow-red, in my opinion, significantly improves the bait.

It is important to choose the shape of the “piece of iron” so that when immersed it noticeably deviates to the side. During weak bites, the lure can be supplemented with a leash with an additional hook. The same piece of reliable shrimp or a couple of maggots are attached to the hook. The leash itself with an additional treat is attached to the main hook of the spoon.

For trout fishing with a spoon in winter, a nod is a necessary measure. The game is played with a small amplitude, at times reminiscent of the game of a jig.

A bite on a spinner can happen completely unexpectedly; it often feels like a powerful blow to the hand. It's simply impossible to get used to this. It is probably for moments like this that anglers appreciate the unique fishing at trout farms.

Best time to go fishing

Before you start fishing, you need to find out the best time to start fishing, based on the preferences of the fish, time of day and weather conditions.

It is known that trout are excellently caught with a winter fishing rod immediately after the ice freezes, but there is no need to rush to the reservoir on the very first day. Instead, you need to wait until the ice is completely strong and fishing is safe. Only after this can you prepare your gear and safely run to your favorite activity. Trout can be caught from early morning until dusk. According to experienced fishermen, the most intense bite occurs during daylight hours, and at night it subsides. However, until 10 a.m. the trout stays in one place, but then begins to move throughout the entire reservoir.

The inhabitant of paid reservoirs, which bites excellently in winter, is called rainbow. It was brought to us from America, where it was populated specifically for winter fishing, long before this type of activity appeared in the domestic space.

Promising places to find fish

Currently, paid reservoirs and private trout farms exist in almost every city or nearby. Therefore, in literally an hour's drive you can find yourself in an amazing corner and spend time usefully and happily doing your favorite activity . And although a good bite in such conditions is practically guaranteed, you cannot do without knowing the important subtleties.

Particular attention should be paid to choosing the place where fishing will take place. In this case, it is necessary to at least know how many years ago the fish were released into the pond, because adult individuals prefer to stay in their favorite places, from where it is almost impossible to scare them away, with the exception of dangerous circumstances in the form of loud talking, stomping or careless behavior.

If young animals have recently been released into the reservoir, then most likely they will not stand still. This fish leads an active lifestyle and intensively studies the water area. Here it is advisable to use the “intercept” fishing method, having previously studied the trout routes.

There is an opinion that in most cases the predator moves along the edges, but if you do not know the features of the bottom topography, then you need to be guided by the following options for determining a promising route:

1. You can calculate the exact location of the fish on your own, starting by drilling holes near the shore, and then going deeper to the middle of the reservoir. If you find a sharp change in depth, it means there is an edge there. It is recommended to start fishing in a place where there is a decline in relief.
2. You can also check the necessary information with a security guard or huntsman. Such people know where there are concentrations of rainbow trout and where they are practically absent. Therefore, communication with them always gives good results.
3. Chat with other anglers who have been fishing on this body of water for a long time. As a rule, trout seekers set up ambushes near promising spots, so just join them.
4. You can try to find old, frozen holes. In this case, it’s easy to guess that fish have already been caught there and the bite will be stable.

It is important to note that trout are caught at different depths, because sometimes they react to the bait directly at the bottom, but then rise to the surface of the water and try to find food there. If activity has decreased, try changing the fishing depth. The lack of a bite after such actions is a reason to change place.

Where to catch trout in winter

Now, in almost every city, there is a platform with rainbow trout launched into it. Just a few kilometers from the city you can have a good time fishing for trout. But even though the probability of a catch is almost guaranteed on a paid site, knowledge of the places where trout can potentially congregate will give you a much better result.

There are options here. And the choice of place for trout fishing in winter depends on how often trout are released into the reservoir. The fact is that trout, which were released into the reservoir several years ago, have already taken a liking to certain areas of the reservoir and try to stick to them throughout their lives. A trout can be scared away from its favorite place only by the feeling of danger, so in no case should you allow yourself to stomp, talk loudly or simply behave carelessly on the ice.

Trout, recently released into a pond, does not stand still. It is in constant motion along the perimeter of the reservoir and interception fishing operates here. For interception fishing to be successful, you need to know the trout's route. And as you know, such trout always moves along the edges. If you do not know the topography of the bottom of the reservoir, there are several options for calculating the trout’s route through the reservoir:

1. Calculate the location of the edge yourself. To do this, you just need to drill holes from the very shore, going deeper and deeper to the middle of the reservoir. As soon as a sharp change in depth is detected, the edge has been detected. It is optimal to fish at the very beginning of the relief decline.
2. Ask the pay guard. The guard or huntsman of the reservoir is always aware of where the probability of catching trout is high, and where you should not hope for results. Find out where you can sit if this is your first time on a pond and they will show you maybe not the best places, but you will be almost guaranteed a catch.
3. Take advantage of the knowledge of fishermen who have been to this body of water for more than their first time. Usually, fishermen hunting for trout gather in groups at the most promising places. Don't be shy and join one of these groups.
4. Find old holes. In places where trout have already been caught, there is a high probability of its presence. Most likely this is where the edge passes or there was simply a good bite.

The depth of trout fishing is not always the same. Trout can walk near the very bottom, and then suddenly move to the upper layers and look for food there. Therefore, if the trout bite has stopped, you should first change the fishing depth and only then think about changing the fishing location.

Types of winter gear

Currently, trout is caught in different ways:

1. Float winter fishing rods.
2. Fishing rods with a nod.
3. Zherlitsy.

Using one of the above methods, you need to know what to use to catch trout from the ice in winter, because the appropriate bait is selected for each of them. For example, for the first tackle a bloodworm or shrimp is used, and for a fishing rod with a nod - any artificial bait in the form of a spinner, wobbler or jig.

By the way, the use of such gear gives the angler maximum pleasure, because during the fishing process he can feel the slightest movements under water and beautifully play with the bait. A float rod works in almost the same way, forcing you to concentrate on the bite indicator - the float.

When using girders, the emphasis is not on the process, but on the result. After all, such structures are completely passive, so the fisherman just has to wait until one of them reacts to the bait.

Selection of tackle and bait

You can catch trout from the ice using several fishing rods. 1. Float tackle is not much different from the usual jig fishing rods. Only the fishing line for fishing large fish requires a thicker line (0.18...0.22 mm). Before lowering the bait into the hole, you should adjust the reel brake so that if the trout jerks sharply, the tackle does not break. The fishing rod should not be left unattended, as a large fish will instantly drag it under the ice. 2. Experienced fishermen use modified fishing rods with a nod. It is made on the basis of winter gear with a reel and a guard. To prevent loss of the fishing rod during a sharp pull, an ordinary student's ruler 25-30 cm long is mounted on the whip. A hole is made in the middle of the measuring device, the diameter of which corresponds to the thickness of the whip at the base. When biting, the ruler is placed across the hole, and the fishing rod is turned over with the handle up. With this type of equipment, the line should be easily released from the reel.

3. Fans of passive fishing catch trout using winter girders. They are similar to models for catching pike or pike perch. Recommendation! Instead of a metal leash, the girder should be equipped with a piece of fluorocarbon fishing line 0.3...0.5 m long. Such a thread is not visible in the water, it will not arouse suspicion in cautious trout. To catch trout on paid ponds, both natural and artificial baits are used. Supporters of float and nod tackle take with them such baits as: • bloodworms; • worm; • shrimp meat; • maggot; • live bait; • Red caviar.

A special trout paste works well on a paysite. For active fishing, artificial baits are used, which allow you to search for trout in different bodies of water. • Most often, balancers end up on the line of spinners. The optimal length for trout fishing will be 4...6 cm. In addition to the size, you must choose models with a bead on the tee. This element provokes the fish to bite, and the number of successful retrieves increases sharply. Catching trout models include the Salmo Lucky John Classic, Strike Pro Super Ice, and Rapala GiggingRap balancers. • Metal lures also work great in the right hands. One of the main requirements for a trout spoon is its ability to plan. These are usually thin, purlined models that have dots drawn on them. For greater attractiveness, you can attach a shrimp or worm to the hook of an artificial bait. Many anglers consider models from the “Wabler Ice Jip 60” series to be the best lures for catching trout. Williams baits are also good because they have sharp hooks. For bait fishing, you can use Japanese spinners, these are the “Sattellit Super Vespa” and “Waterland Deep Diamond” models. • Many anglers like to catch trout using a jig. The shape and color of the bait does not play a decisive role. You can successfully fish even with miniature jig heads weighing 3...8 g. To reduce the risk of fishing, it is better to choose jigs with a long shank and a large hook. The most fashionable models today are edible nymphs. The fish savors the dark brown “Hohy Hog” bait for a long time, allowing it to be hooked in a timely manner.

Trout baits and lures

It was said above that the type of bait is selected taking into account the gear used . It is known that trout are omnivorous aquatic inhabitants, so they are excellently caught both with live baits and with artificial baits in the form of spinners and wobblers.

Also, when choosing baits, the individual characteristics of the reservoir are taken into account, because if in one place the fish reacts well to one bait, then in another it may completely refuse it. For more effective fishing, it is advisable to take several different options with you to the pond and conduct experiments.

If we talk about popular baits, then among them are the following:

1. Shrimp (can be used either cooked or raw).
2. Worm.
3. Bloodworm.
4. Maggot.
5. Live bait.
6. Trout pastes.

These components demonstrate good results when using any winter gear, be it a float or nodding fishing rod, or a girder.

Live bait is used to search for large prey, so it will be effective for those reservoirs in which individuals weighing 500 grams or more are found.

Shrimp is considered the best trout bait, because it can interest even the most inactive and lazy predator, provoking it to become active. In winter, you can take both cooked and raw shrimp for fishing, although, according to experts, the first option is much more effective.

When setting the bait, it is important to ensure that the hook point does not remain exposed. In this case, the number of bites will drop sharply. Having been pricked by the hook, the fish will immediately spit out the bait, so you won’t even have time to hook.

If you are going to cook shrimp, do not use spices for this. It is enough to lightly salt the water.

As for traditional baits in the form of bloodworms, worms and maggots, they are especially effective when catching small representatives of the species. Although hungry individuals also often greedily pounce on such easily accessible food.

In addition, retail outlets sell special pastes for trout fishing, which enhance the attractiveness of the bait, making it especially aromatic.

Effective artificial baits

Catching trout in winter using artificial bait is not only interesting, but also useful, because such an activity is compared to a sports competition . Throughout the fishing, you have to move the bait and lure the fish out of the depths, changing the fishing horizons and fishing technique. It is also necessary to find the optimal game and depth.

In the list of the most catchy lures for winter trout fishing, the balancer, 4-5 centimeters long, stands out clearly. When choosing such a product, you need to make sure that it meets certain requirements. The main thing is that there is a bright-colored bead on the tee of the bait.

Many anglers have verified from personal experience that the presence of such an accessory increases the chances of a successful bite, depriving them of idle and insignificant bites.

It is also necessary to approach the issue of choosing color options correctly. First, you should conduct a thorough examination of the reservoir with balancers with a silver stripe. The most catchy models are silver-blue, silver-green or simply bright green. Although trout are well attracted to other colors, including white, orange or any other.

In most cases, it is the bright color that interests the fish especially well, but sometimes it is powerless, which forces anglers to use darker, even black, baits.

Ways to catch trout in winter

Float rod

When fishing for trout from ice with a regular fishing rod, two rig options are possible: the standard one - a fishing line, a sinker at the end and a leash with a hook 15 cm above it, and an alternative - with a weight located above the leash. In the second case, it is necessary to select a ratio of the float and lead pellets at which the nozzle will smoothly sink to the bottom. That is, the float should only be held by a weight and a hook, and when there is a bunch of maggots, a piece of shrimp or trout paste on it, it will begin to slowly sink. In this case, the depth is set so that the process of tempting diving begins above the bottom at a height of approximately 30-40 cm. A slowly descending bait is very attractive to trout.

Mormyshka

Most often, jigs with a slightly elongated shape, such as “ant” or “droplet”, are used to catch trout. It is more convenient to attach bloodworms to them, and it is also much easier to pull them out of the mouth. For fishing on a clear day, black baits are suitable; in cloudy weather, silver and white baits are suitable.

The play of the jig depends on the degree of activity of the fished object. If the fish feeds heavily, comes close to the shore, and is found throughout the reservoir, then the vibrations of the bait should be high-amplitude. Pauses at the lower and upper points of the wiring are required. After lifting and stopping, the jig must be released into free gliding. The best bait during periods of high activity is shrimp meat, especially thinly sliced. Of course, because a strip of white and pink pulp with fluffy fibers moves very temptingly in the water.

If the trout is lethargic and refuses to take a moving bait, then it is better to reduce the amplitude of oscillations and limit the fishing to the near-bottom horizon. In such cases, bloodworms, or rather a bunch of red, tasty larvae, work more effectively.

Balance

To catch trout more effectively using a balance beam, many fishermen are improving classic winter fishing rods. They remove the petal and install a mylar nod at the end of the whip, which softens the game of the bait. The balancers themselves undergo some modifications - they are equipped with a voluminous rabbit tail fluff. It is advisable to paint such “plumage” in a bright red color.

The movements of the balancer should not be too sharp, otherwise the fish will be wary. A smooth swing followed by lowering the bait onto the bottom surface - that’s, in fact, the whole simple technique. Usually the bite occurs at the moment when the artificial fish stops completely, so you need to take a short pause at the very bottom. Sometimes it's useful to use short swings at the bottom to lift a little haze, but don't go overboard.

Zherlitsa

Trout can be successfully caught using pike jigs, provided that the gear is finely tuned. Even after a slight pull, the line must immediately come out of the clamp, otherwise the fish will feel resistance and spit out the fry. Monoline is used no thicker than 0.18 cm, weight - up to 10 g. Live bait for such fishing are tops and miniature roach. A medium-sized peeled shrimp is also considered an excellent bait. Fish and shrimp are lowered into the bottom layer, but not lower than 20 cm above the bottom. If the bite is active, the trout grabs it greedily and swallows deeply, you can hook it almost immediately after the bite alarm goes off. If the bite is sluggish, you should wait a second or two, allowing the predator to reel out 30-40 cm of fishing line.

Unlike pike fishing, trout fishing in winter on girders does not require a large amount of gear. You also need to know that the smaller the distance between them, the higher the chances of a successful fishing outcome.

Wiring technique and game

To successfully catch trout with a balance beam, you must correctly bait using the figure-eight method. To do this, just throw the bait 20 centimeters with a sharp movement, and then return your hand to its previous position. At the same time, the balancer will begin to return to its original place from where the jerk was made, performing a figure-of-eight movement.

However, continuously tugging the bait without taking pauses is not enough. According to statistics, in 90% of cases, bites occur precisely when pauses lasting from 15 to 30 seconds are maintained. Failure to do them will lead to failure.

When examining a hole, it is important to remember that trout can stick directly to the bottom, and maybe even to the surface of the reservoir. Therefore, after thoroughly fishing the lower horizon, move on to the upper horizon.

In winter, trout can also be caught with a spoon, which demonstrates a different, unique game. In contrast to the figure-eight movements, when lowered into the water column, the spoons float freely, deviating from one side to the other. When reset, the spinner glides to the side, and when pauses are maintained, it returns back.

To successfully catch fish with such bait, you need to give preference to strong models with beautiful painted eyes, silver or copper color and impressive weight. As for the game, it consists of a jerk up several tens of centimeters and a pause, during which the spoon manages to return to its original position.

When using spinners, you can use both bare hooks and those equipped with some kind of attachment. This is necessary in case of complete absence of biting.

Technique and tactics

In most cases, the trout bite, especially in winter, is characterized by its aggressiveness. The fish attacks the bait without any thought or consideration. The hook must be rigid and high speed. However, in some cases, the trout is not in a hurry to grab the bait, but tries to butt it, thinking that it is a rival. It is best to wait for a confident and sharp bite, so as not to disturb the predator.

Landing trout is the best moment of all fishing. It is especially pleasant to fight with those fish that offer active resistance, requiring the application of strength and their mass. When fishing for this predator, the main thing is not to let the line weaken. It is important to do everything so that the trout is at the bottom edge of the hole and shows its head in it. After this, you need to instantly press the predator with your hand against the ice wall, gradually pulling it to the surface.

It is strongly recommended that you fish as quickly as possible so as not to scare away the rest of the fish. Otherwise, you will have to reel in the fishing line, take a drill and look for a new place to fish.

In the end, I would like to say that trout fishing in winter is quite an interesting activity that requires a special approach and careful selection of gear and bait. It will be difficult for a beginner to get the proper result, but over time, such fishing will begin to bring indescribable pleasure.