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I usually find that during the first opening days of trout season, the fishing is slow. I usually manage to catch a few trout opening day, but I rarely reach my limit. Up here in Northern PA, the waters are still real cold mid April, and the trout respond accordingly. By the third or fourth week of trout season, the fish are more active and catching your creel limit is expected.
Fishing The Streams and Rivers
The trout stocked streams and rivers around the Poconos vary a bit, but in general, they are filled with rapids and are usually shallow. This doesn't mean that trout fishing suffers. Following these streams and locating pockets and holes is one of my favorite attack plans and proves to be successful. The places to cast for trout are usually right after downhill rapids where the water pools and stays rather still. The trout know that bait comes down the rapids and gets caught in the pool. Easy pickings.
These pockets after rapids are excellent to throw a spinner, powerbait, or a meal worm. If you use spinners, watch for rocks, branches, and floating debris because it is easy to lose spinners in rivers.
Fishing The Trout Lakes
There are a few trout stocked lakes in the Poconos and these lakes provide great fishing and fun. Bank fishing and boat fishing are fine activities on nice days. Some people say not to use bobbers while trout fishing in lakes, but I have had huge success with bobbers and meal worms. Use a small hook, a few splitshots, and keep your bobber about 20"-24" from the bait. If fishing bobbers, ensure there is little wind current and calm waters.
Know The Laws And Regulations
Every area has their own fishing and trout regulations and failure to follow them can result in a hefty fine. Harvesting trout for consumption is OK as this fish is stocked and regulated. Be sure to abide to posted and written rules, obtain and display a genuine fishing license, and if you plan on harvesting trout, most areas require a trout stamp on your fishing license.
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