Pond Fishing Practice for the Blue River | Near Deere, Rainbow Warrior, and OPST Commando Head

Halloween Day last weekend. Was not able to fish the Blue River in Oklahoma but did take the opportunity to practice fishing using the same setup I would use on the Blue River.

Fished the local pond – Bethany Lakes in Allen, for whatever would bite. Opted for a tandem-rigged leading Near Deere and trailing Rainbow Warrior. This is the same rig I like to use when fishing for trout, changing out the fishing flies as the fish dictate.

Caught a Bass and several Bluegill after switching to a single fishing fly and using a short pull, fast retrieve. Another presentation I like to use on the Blue River when the trout are actively feeding on minnows, nymphs, and other emergent.

Do give it a try… especially liking the One Handed Spey setup: Redington Classic Trout 9ft 5wt, Echo Ion 4/5wt reel, and the OPST Commando Head with Lazarline Running Line!

Five Fly Fishing Presentations for this Season... Trout Fishing Anyone?

Here is a follow-up fishing video that describes five fly fishing presentations that have worked well for us when trout fishing in Oklahoma – specifically, the Blue River, Broken Bow (also known as the Lower Mountain Fork), and Turner Falls.

The five fly fishing presentations are:

– Upstream

– Upstream 45 degrees

– Cross Stream

– Downstream 45 degrees

– Downstream

Of note, one must continue to maintain a drag free drift to ensure the fishing fly mimics a natural moving “bug”.

PS: Video includes one more presentation that is a variation of several them.

Texas Rainbow Trout Fishing | Ultralight BFS Fishing for Trout with 1/16oz Roostertails

Rain delay has us sidetracked but was able to make it Saturday afternoon for a round of Texas Rainbow Trout fishing BFS Fishing style – Bait Finesse Systems fishing, at Frisco Commons Pond.

Went with ultralight gear that included the Kastking Zephyr BFS Reel, Berkley Lightning Rod, and 1/16oz Roostertails! Trout were active and did manage to catch three trout for dinner.

Reel is casting nicely plus keeping only 100 feet of line on the reel helps with clearing backlashes as yours truly re-educates his thumb to baitcasting again!

Trout were active and did manage to catch three trout for dinner.

Fun stuff!

Watch This Video To Learn What We Discovered | About Trout Fishing | Corn vs Trout

Interesting discussions about corn and its affect on trout. Key items noted about trout fishing with corn:

1. Mostly anecdotal comments either good and bad
2. Very little published researched.
3. One study mentioned

• Learned it was a Question and Answer reply by PFC (PFBAC) that references a study
• No published research results online of the study; does not mean it was not conducted
• Specific details of the study by others that were not mentioned in PFC’s QA reply suggests results were available at one time.

4. Conclusion

• Given study cited by PFC (PFABC), short term affect suggests not harmful
• Publications from State agencies offer suggestions and tips to use corn
• Legal in all states except one – Rhode Island trout waters
• No reports of mass fish kills as a result of corn

Bottom-Line: Personal choice and in seasonal fisheries where trout will die off in warmer months, impact of corn is lessened.

Turner Falls Park Fishing | Rainbow Trout Were Picky!

Able to make it yesterday – Saturday – January 23, 2021 to Turner Falls Park for Rainbow Trout fishing. Was not able to fish the Park when they stocked Rainbow Trout late last year. No worries was there yesterday.

The trout are still there but were extremely “picky”. Tried different fishing flies including the Pat’s Rubber Leg, Near Deere, Megaworms, Mop Flies, Dry Flies, and Midges. After removing the strike indicator, had several take an Olive Near Deere managing only one trout and missing the other two.

Fishing buddy caught four on Powerworms fished with a split shot and near bottom. Water was clear and could see the trout react to different baits and fishing flies.

Was different than past trips… more vegetation clobbering the river made for tough fishing. Had to locate open areas and fish the pockets and holes. Also, there were more campers and fishermen than in past trips.

However, area was not crowded; trout were just “picky”!

PS: Also, learned barbless hooks were required; different than past seasons. And, did note the warning signs concerning wild hogs… definitely saw signs of them.

First Fish for 2021!

Was out and about today. Too nice a day to stay indoors. Decided to make a quick trip to Waterloo Pond while passing through Denison today. Was hoping for a limit but it was not the case. That said, yours truly caught his first fish for 2021… a little trout that went for a Tandem Rigged Near Deere and GRHEN. Trout went for the GRHEN! Great start to 2021!

Texas Rainbow Trout Fishing | Which Technique Works Best?

Had some fun this past weekend fishing for Texas Rainbow Trout at Pottsboro Lake in Pottsboro, TX. Brought the @GoFish Cam to get some underwater video; able to capture some of the action. But, was sidetracked on a quest… Which technique works best for trout?

We tried the “Cranky, No Yanky” technique that calls for keeping a tight line and reeling faster when the trout strikes. This one worked the best; no need to use the rod to set the hook, just reel faster.

And, we tried the “Rip Thy Lips” technique… this was not the preferred method for limiting out. This technique calls for setting the hook immediately and with a strong pull of the rod at any indication of a strike.

Was a fun time; windy conditions… but we limited out. Do check out the video; added underwater footage of the trout moving about at the end of the video.

Texas Rainbow Trout Fishing | Live at Bethany Lakes!

Impromptu livestream checking out the fishing action at Bethany Lakes. Fun stuff for some Texas Rainbow Trout Fishing. Bite was slow but did see some catching a trout or two. Learned they stocked around 9AM on the West side of the pond. Hope to stop by again later today for a chance at catching one on the GoFish Camera. All for now!

Blue River Oklahoma Fishing | Two Trout This Round

Fished the Blue River in Oklahoma this past Sunday for a chance at trout for dinner. Fishing was tough for yours truly. Managed a Longear Perch, and two Rainbow Trout.

Used the 6wt TFO Fly Rod and caught the Perch on a Pink Near Deere with Rubber Legs, one Trout on a White Megaworm, and the other Trout on a Tandem Rigged White Megaworm with trailing PMC Emerger.

Was hoping for a limit of trout to cook blackened fish style using a recipe from @30milesOut – see video at Blackened Redfish Recipe. Ended up adding two Catfish to the two Trout to make dinner… tasty, tasty.

Do check out the video, and do note the clear water and trout moving about below and above the low water crossing!

Catch and Cook Pan Fried Habanero Trout

Throw back Wednesday to celebrate “Hump Day” and get us through the midweek blues… how about a catch and cook of trout we caught last season?

Froze the trout in ice, and they stayed as fresh as the day we caught them last Winter. Used a Rubber Legged Near Deere to get them to strike!

For cooking, decided to try a new recipe – Pan Fried Habanero Trout!

Ingredients:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic Powder
• Chopped Habanero (with or without the seeds, proceed with caution)
• Stocker Sized Rainbow Trout fillets

Directions:

• Season fillets with salt, pepper, and garlic powder
• Sprinkle chopped Habanero over fillets
• Let sit in the refrigerator for two hours or more
• Pan fry in oil on high heat for two minutes each side. Three minutes if crunchy fillets are desired