Springtime fishing will find the Brook trout near the surface of the water and also close to shore. I usually employ to tactics for these trout. One is trolling as close to the shore line as possible, which is usually in three or 4 feet water. I let out lots of line up to 50 or 60 yards behind the boat. You have to be very careful when you go around points that jut out from the mainland as you are quite likely to run your lure up on shore. The best solution is start heading out towards open water when you are coming up on to the point. On the business end of the line I usually run the minnow imitations. They usually run in the 3 to 5 inch range, and you have to experiment with a color. One of the most successful lures I have used is a perch colored Rapula in the 4 inch range. Now there is not any perch in this lake but it works quite well.

The other method I employ is called still fishing by many. This is usually accomplished by anchoring just offshore or just off a point that runs out into the lake. Using two anchors wanted the front and one at the back seems to work the best. This way your boat doesn't keep swinging in the wind, saving you from getting your lines all tangled up. You simply put a minnow on a hook, at a couple of split shots for weight, and throat over the side of the boat keeping it just off the bottom. Another method is to use what is called a slip float. This float allows your line to drop below the float at a predetermined depth. A tiny rubber stopper, but you tie in your line will decide the depth you fish at. The advantage of this is that you can lay your fishing rod down and just watch your float.

The best time for still fishing as with any style of fishing is anything. What do they say, a couple hours of fishing beats working eight hours, or something like that. But the most productive time for still fishing is usually early morning or as the sun is going down.

When heading north for your spring trout fishing adventure be sure to pack clothing that can be put on in layers. I've seen the temperature at 90° Fahrenheit and I've also seen it snowing hard. So if it's warm you can put on one layer, then as it cools down just keep adding layers until you can fish comfortably. I fished in my snowmobile suit and also shorts and T-shirt, so you just never know.

But it sure is nice to get back up north come springtime. Now not everybody has cabin up north but there are a great many lodges and camping areas to suit everybody's needs. These can range from five star Lodge, that includes everything you need, to a campsite where you make the decisions about your comfort. So for some of the best Brook trout fishing head to northern Ontario in the springtime.

Rolland Meigs