Brook Trout Tips & Tricks
Our 6 Top Tips & Tricks to catch Brook Trout
Find the best time.
Early to mid June appears to be the most desirable time to catch Brook trout, but July through September is also very good.
Choose the right tackle.
All lures/hooks utilized in Manitoba must be barbless. Choose from your favourite Brook (Speckled) Trout Rapala in various sizes and colors; Little Cleo and Len Thompson spoons in various sizes and colors (in the one-quarter to three-quarter ounce size); Mepps or Panther Martin spinners up to size 4 and 5; jigs tipped with various grub baits or leech/twister tails in various sizes and colors; and finally various flies and streamers for the fly angler. In general, a wet fly can be utilized in June and a dry fly in July, August and September. Again each angler has their favourite fly, and some of the types utilized include the caddis, cahill, adams, mayfly, crayfish, wooly bugger, humpy and stone flies.
Release all trophy fish.
All Brook Trout are catch and release only. Since many northern lakes are listed as conservation water, all Lake Trout, Northern Pike and Walleye are governed by a slot size. That means that all fish in those species over a certain size must be released. Therefore all trophy sized fish must be released and given an opportunity to grow and be available to be caught by another angler.
Ask for advice.
Tackle shops carry a variety of rods, reels, line and the lures that have proven to be most effective in Manitoba waters. Seek advice from the tackle shop or your guide as to the right choice for the species that you will be pursuing on that particular day.
Bring spinning, trolling, casting and fly rods.
Remember to bring along medium to heavy spinning, casting and/or trolling rods and reels. Reels should be of sufficient capacity to accommodate test line in the 14-30 lb. range. Fly rods should be in the medium/heavy weight range. It is advisable to carry rods in a secure rod case and remember to bring a spare rod and reel.
Bring the right clothing.
In Manitoba, we enjoy over 200 days of sunshine per year, but the weather can vary considerably from year to year. July is the only month where we have never recorded snow! You can generally count on sunny, warm days and a drop in temperature over night of about 15 – 25°F. Be sure to pack: warm jackets, pants, shorts, long underwear, gloves, rain jacket and pants, waterproof footwear, wool socks, walking shoes, sun screen, personal sundries, camera and batteries. If you intend on taking personal items on the boats with you make sure you have your own waterproof carry bag. It’s best to always be prepared and over-dress. You can always remove a layer of clothing if necessary.
