RE: NATIVE BROOK TROUT
2008/02/08 10:57:15
(permalink)
Masterangler: I'm not sure where you are located, but the New York DEC posts a list on their website of all the ponds that they stock and what species they are stocking. It is a good starting point to look at that list, find out what ponds are in the vicinity where you would fish, and start there. While there are some exceptions, you will have to plan on doing some hiking to reach the more productive ponds. I also check the stocking list 3 or 4 years ago to insure the pond I am looking at holds some bigger fish--particluarly if it was reclaimed. Be aware that in most of these ponds, using minnows for bait (dead or alive) is prohibited. It usually takes a considerable amount of time to hike in to a bunch of these ponds & find out what ones are producers and what ones aren't. They can also be fished out if unscrupulous fisherman catch and keep more than they are supposed to so most Brook Trout fisherman are really closed mouth about their favorite ponds. That being said, most of the ponds on the stocking list will produce brookies in the early spring--you just have to hit it right. Its also been my experience that Brook Trout are much better fished near the bottom as opposed to the surface unless there is a hatch on. Alot of the fun of catching these fish is just getting back in the boonies and enjoying the solitude. Some of the ponds are really beautiful and the mystique of not knowing what the pond will be like is part of the enjoyment/excitement of the trip.