If you’re a seasoned trout angler, you’ve likely come across a myriad of methods to pursue this delightful species. But if “back trolling” isn’t on your list, you’re missing out on a remarkably effective technique. Let’s deep dive into this method, which helps you engage with the world of trout fishing more intimately and increases your chances of a stellar catch.
The Principle of Back Trolling
Back trolling isn’t your everyday casting and retrieving approach. Instead, it’s a strategic dance with the currents of a river. The essence of back trolling is to use your boat’s motor to move upstream at a speed slightly slower than the current. The result? Your boat stays nearly stationary, allowing you to present your bait or lure to a specific spot for extended periods, mimicking natural prey drifting downstream.
Setting Up Your Boat
Setting up your boat for back trolling is relatively simple, but it’s crucial to get it right for the best results:
- Motor Type: Invest in a good quality trolling motor. Electric motors are preferred as they offer quiet operation.
- Boat Control: A foot pedal or hand tiller allows for better control when trying to maintain a specific position in the river.
- Depth Finder: This tool isn’t mandatory but is incredibly useful for identifying depths and potential trout hangouts.
Essential Gear
The beauty of back trolling is that it doesn’t require an exhaustive list of equipment:
- Rods and Reels: Medium-action rods paired with baitcasting or spinning reels are ideal. They provide enough sensitivity to detect subtle trout bites.
- Line: A 4-8 pound test line should suffice for most situations.
- Anchor: An anchor can be useful in maintaining your boat’s position if the current is exceptionally strong.
Go-To Lures and Baits
While personal preferences always play a part, some lures and baits have proven successful for back trolling:
- Plugs: Small diving plugs, such as FlatFish or Hot Shots, mimic small fish effectively.
- Spinners: Rooster Tails or Panther Martins, in various colors, can be irresistible to trout.
- Bait: Drifting nightcrawlers or minnows can also be productive. Just ensure they’re presented naturally in the water.
Regions Where Back Trolling Reigns Supreme
While back trolling can be employed in many trout-rich rivers globally, it’s particularly popular in the Pacific Northwest, especially in regions like Oregon and Washington. These states are home to countless rivers teeming with trout, making them an angler’s paradise.
Back Trolling for Winter Steelhead in Great Lakes Tributaries
Winter steelhead fishing is an exhilarating experience, and when combined with the technique of back trolling, it becomes an art form. The tributaries of the Great Lakes, from the Brule River in Wisconsin to New York’s Salmon River, offer ideal habitats for this elusive species. Here’s how you can use back trolling to your advantage in these icy waters.
Understanding the Steelhead Behavior
During winter, steelhead in the Great Lakes tributaries are less aggressive due to the colder water temperatures. Their metabolism slows down, making them more lethargic. As such, they’re more likely to remain in deeper, slower-moving pools. This behavior is why back trolling, with its prolonged lure presentation, is particularly effective. It allows the lure to remain in the strike zone, triggering the steelhead’s predatory instincts.
Gear Up for Cold Waters
While much of your trout gear can transition to steelhead, there are some changes to consider:
- Rods and Reels: A medium-heavy rod with a baitcasting or spinning reel that can handle 8-12 pound test lines is preferable.
- Line: Given the size and strength of winter steelhead, opt for a stronger line, like a 10-12 pound test.
Lures for Winter Steelhead
- Diving Plugs: Lures like MagLips or Wiggle Warts in silver, chartreuse, or pink can be very effective.
- Bait: Drifting roe bags or cured salmon eggs can be irresistible to winter steelhead.
- Spoons: Silver or gold spoons can reflect the limited winter light and attract steelhead from a distance.
Techniques Specific to Great Lakes Tributaries
- Depth Control: Given that steelhead will often be in deeper pools, maintaining the right depth with your lure is crucial. Consider using a diving bill or added weight to ensure your bait stays in the strike zone.
- Slow and Steady: In the colder months, slow down your trolling speed even more. A lethargic steelhead will not chase fast-moving prey.
Safety First
Back trolling in winter requires extra precautions. Always wear a life jacket, be aware of ice on the water, and consider using a buddy system. Cold water can be dangerous, and safety should always be the top priority.
Tapping into the world of winter steelhead in the Great Lakes tributaries is an adventure like no other. With the technique of back trolling, you’re positioning yourself for a memorable experience and, if the stars align, a trophy catch to boast about. Tight lines and always respect the resource!
Back Trolling Rivers in a Drift Boat
Drift boats, with their sleek design and unparalleled maneuverability, are a perfect vessel for back trolling rivers. Unlike motorized boats, a drift boat uses the river’s current and oars to position and navigate, offering a more intimate and nuanced fishing experience. Let’s delve into the intricacies of back trolling from this classic craft.
The Drift Boat Advantage
Drift boats, being lightweight and nimble, provide a unique advantage. They allow you to silently approach feeding zones, making them perfect for spooky fish. Moreover, the boat’s structure lets you utilize the river’s flow while maintaining a controlled pace, a key principle of back trolling.
Setting Up Your Drift Boat
- Oar Control: Mastery over your oars is essential. Use them not only for propulsion but also for making minute adjustments to your position and speed.
- Anchoring: A sturdy anchor system is beneficial. It lets you hold in prime spots longer or take a break without losing your desired fishing zone.
- Boat Layout: Ensure that rods, nets, and tackle are easily accessible but not in the way of your oaring.
Essential Gear and Lures
While the gear remains similar to general back trolling, consider the constraints of a drift boat:
- Rods and Reels: Opt for medium-action rods. They should be long enough to allow for good line control but not so long that they become unwieldy in the boat.
- Lures: Diving plugs, spinners, and bait are all effective. Given the quiet approach of a drift boat, you can also experiment with more subtle presentations.
Techniques and Tips
- Controlled Descent: Utilize the river’s flow to guide your boat, making subtle adjustments with your oars to control speed and direction.
- Reading the River: Understanding the river’s structure—like riffles, pools, and seams—is crucial. Aim to keep your lure in potential holding spots as long as possible.
- Stay Alert: Without a motor’s constant hum, you can better tune into the river’s sounds and movements. This heightened awareness can clue you into fish activity.
Safety Considerations
Drift boats, while stable, can be tricky for newcomers. Always:
- Wear a Life Jacket: The river’s unpredictable nature demands it.
- Be Aware of River Obstacles: Rocks, downed trees, or rapid changes in depth can pose challenges.
- Know Your Exit: Always have an understanding of your take-out point to ensure you don’t overshoot or miss it.
Back trolling from a drift boat offers a serene and rewarding fishing experience. It merges the ancient art of rowing with modern angling techniques. With patience and practice, you can master this method, turning each fishing trip into a dance with the river’s rhythm. Happy fishing and enjoy every moment on the water!
