Thanks Dave. We are VERY fortunate to have world class trout fisheries right here in SE Minnesota. If someone was considering getting into fishing for trout in streams what equipement would he/she need to start out with? Can you please tell us more about your guide servive too? Thanks, Bill
Thanks Bill.
I’ll answer your questions in a few ways.
1.) If you just wanted to get out and do some basic bait/spinner fishing, it’s pretty simple really. Get a basic 5-6 foot spinning rod, some 4-6 lb. test line and give it a whirl. Waders are completely optional (but if it’s cold, they are pretty nice to have ).
2.) For basic fly angling, an 8′ 4 weight rod with double taper line (DT), a basic leader attached to the line and a few tippet spools are really it. Flies…well, flies are what they are. All you really need are some basic nymphs (flies that are sub-surface) and maybe a few dry flies (flies that float). For nymphs, I’d suggest scuds, pheasant tial nymphs, hare’s ear, some caddis larvae, and maybe some soft hackled emergers. For Dries: a few Adams, some blue winged olives (BWO’s), a few caddis, some sulphurs, maybe a few terrestrials (like ants, beetles, and hoppers).
I could literally go on for pages here , but remember that trout fishing (especially fly fishing) is only as complicated as you want to make it. I prefer fly fishing only because I enjoy the challenge, and personally I think that I catch way more fish than with a spinning rod (around 625 trout this year).
*The DNR has several free maps available, including the “new” easement guide that came out this past spring, which lists all designated waters, easements, habitat improvement areas, AND areas that have stream specific regulations and what that regulation is. I’d highly recommend getting this booklet before you head to the stream.
As a guide, I take out people of all ability levels. I supply everything you’ll need on an outing (rods, reels, flies, transportation, food and beverage, digital pictures). Otherwise, many clients like to fish their own gear. Whatever they prefer. Most of my clients are not local (out of town), but if they are, usually it’s because they are interested in fly fishing and want to see what it’s really all about. For others, they hire a guide to see new water and shorten up the sometimes very large learning curve that fly fishing can be. My job is to shorten that curve, make it a fun and eventful day, teach a little, and put my clients on fish.
I fish when I’m not guiding, so I get around quite a bit. Having that knowledge is crucial especially when the weather is uncooperative (rain or wind), and it’s especially important when you weight in the ability level of the client. I don’t put people in areas that are high traffic (espeiclaly on a weekend), and I avoid putting them in situations that are too tough for their ability.
Hope this made some sense.
As always, questions are welcome.
Take care,
D.A.
I just wanted to say thanks for the helpful info and the great posts. I am an avid bass fisherman and haven’t seen too many trout posts. I am going trout fishing for the first time in my life Oct. 13-16th when I visit a friend in Bozeman Montana, so I can just imagine the scenery out there, all I care is if I catch 1 trout. I can’t wait, he said we will just use spinning gear, like you mentioned. I look forward to the new adventure. -Jeremy LaVelle
Thanks Dave. Too many times we all hear about what a great walleye and bass fishery we have in SE MN with the Mississippi River and don’t know about or hear much about the great trout stream fisheries we have. SE MN is truely blessed for sure. Thanks for the information you just furnished.
Dave can be contacted for setting up guide trips by sending him a pm [private message] or by going to his website or just by replying here.
Thanks Dave. We are VERY fortunate to have world class trout fisheries right here in SE Minnesota.
If someone was considering getting into fishing for trout in streams what equipement would he/she need to start out with? Can you please tell us more about your guide servive too?
Thanks, Bill
Thanks Bill.
I’ll answer your questions in a few ways.
1.) If you just wanted to get out and do some basic bait/spinner fishing, it’s pretty simple really. Get a basic 5-6 foot spinning rod, some 4-6 lb. test line and give it a whirl. Waders are completely optional (but if it’s cold, they are pretty nice to have
).
2.) For basic fly angling, an 8′ 4 weight rod with double taper line (DT), a basic leader attached to the line and a few tippet spools are really it. Flies…well, flies are what they are. All you really need are some basic nymphs (flies that are sub-surface) and maybe a few dry flies (flies that float). For nymphs, I’d suggest scuds, pheasant tial nymphs, hare’s ear, some caddis larvae, and maybe some soft hackled emergers. For Dries: a few Adams, some blue winged olives (BWO’s), a few caddis, some sulphurs, maybe a few terrestrials (like ants, beetles, and hoppers).
I could literally go on for pages here
, but remember that trout fishing (especially fly fishing) is only as complicated as you want to make it. I prefer fly fishing only because I enjoy the challenge, and personally I think that I catch way more fish than with a spinning rod (around 625 trout this year).
*The DNR has several free maps available, including the “new” easement guide that came out this past spring, which lists all designated waters, easements, habitat improvement areas, AND areas that have stream specific regulations and what that regulation is. I’d highly recommend getting this booklet before you head to the stream.
As a guide, I take out people of all ability levels. I supply everything you’ll need on an outing (rods, reels, flies, transportation, food and beverage, digital pictures). Otherwise, many clients like to fish their own gear. Whatever they prefer. Most of my clients are not local (out of town), but if they are, usually it’s because they are interested in fly fishing and want to see what it’s really all about. For others, they hire a guide to see new water and shorten up the sometimes very large learning curve that fly fishing can be. My job is to shorten that curve, make it a fun and eventful day, teach a little, and put my clients on fish.
I fish when I’m not guiding, so I get around quite a bit. Having that knowledge is crucial especially when the weather is uncooperative (rain or wind), and it’s especially important when you weight in the ability level of the client. I don’t put people in areas that are high traffic (espeiclaly on a weekend), and I avoid putting them in situations that are too tough for their ability.
Hope this made some sense.
As always, questions are welcome.
Take care,
D.A.
I just wanted to say thanks for the helpful info and the great posts. I am an avid bass fisherman and haven’t seen too many trout posts. I am going trout fishing for the first time in my life Oct. 13-16th when I visit a friend in Bozeman Montana, so I can just imagine the scenery out there, all I care is if I catch 1 trout. I can’t wait, he said we will just use spinning gear, like you mentioned. I look forward to the new adventure.
-Jeremy LaVelle
Thanks Dave. Too many times we all hear about what a great walleye and bass fishery we have in SE MN with the Mississippi River and don’t know about or hear much about the great trout stream fisheries we have. SE MN is truely blessed for sure. Thanks for the information you just furnished.
Dave can be contacted for setting up guide trips by sending him a pm [private message] or by going to his website or just by replying here.
Thanks, Bill