EQUIPMENT

Brook trout are one of the species favored by fly fishermen. It strikes greedily on both dry and wet flies. However, baitcasting, spinning, or spincasting can be just as effective.

Fishing tackle should be lightweight, whether you're fly rodding, spin fishing, or baitcasting. But more about this is explained in the Technique section.

Baits

Although some anglers may grimace at the thought of using worms for trout fishing, worms are excellent bait in certain situations. They are especially good when floated naturally in narrow streams containing heavy vegetation. Brook trout prefer the small garden hackle type rather than the big dew worms.

Worm rigs are a favorite of small brooks and smaller headwater streams. Use a small short-shanked hook, similar to those favored by rainbow trout fishermen, with a garden worm two to three inches long on a spinning line or fly line leader. Drop the worm at the head of the water, allowing the worm to drift freely. If the water is too high and fast, a splitshot may be necessary to get the worm down but it will reduce the action of the worm.

Minnows and bits of crayfish can also be used effectively as bait in certain conditions.

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