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Scents for high Sierra trout fishing?


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Home Forums Off Piste Fishing & Tenkara Scents for high Sierra trout fishing?

Viewing 9 posts - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)
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  • #1332048
    Ben H.
    BPL Member

    @bzhayes

    Locale: No. Alabama

    I've done a bit of surf fishing recently and the research I read recommended using scented bait. In my limited experience they work well. It makes me wonder if I should be using scents while trout fishing in the high Sierra (Inyo NF/Sequia). Last time I was in Sport Chalet, I noticed they sell a Pro Cure trout scent. I am wondering if anyone has experience with the stuff or similar? http://pro-cure.com/store/bait-scent-products/scents/super-gels/trout-kokanee-magic-super-gel.html I notice it contains anise and corn. I think that type of stuff works well for hatchery fish (that grew up on corn), but I've heard it doesn't work as well for wild trout.

    #2223275
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    " I think that type of stuff works well for hatchery fish (that grew up on corn), but I've heard it doesn't work as well for wild trout." You don't need that kind of thing up in the Sierra. If you're spin casting, just bring a few of the smallest Panther Martins and/or Mepps. If you're fly casting, bring maybe 3 patterns, e.g. Adams, Mosquito, Black Gnat in sizes 12-18, with tippets to match, and you'll do just fine. Assuming you have a modicum of experience and ability, and are a few miles away from the TH ponds and streams. The fish are generally hungry 24/7 and not too picky, IME.

    #2223337
    Lori P
    BPL Member

    @lori999

    Locale: Central Valley

    I have used corn – for planted Kokanee, in larger lakes. High backcountry lakes require only lures. A Mepps, a needlefish, a Bouyant, a rooster tail, and a plain old spinner for me. A selection of flies – hopper, black ant, stimulator, caddis, mosquito, wooly bugger, bead head nymph – a bobber, a few split shot, a spin cast reel with a pack rod, dinner time!

    #2223360
    Ben H.
    BPL Member

    @bzhayes

    Locale: No. Alabama

    Thanks Tom and Lori, Your experiences match mine. Those are the lures I use and usually they work well. Though, I was up there in August once. The mosquitos were thick and the trout would just watch the lures spin past. I was wondering if anyone has tried scents but it sounds like most don't consider it worth it.

    #2223462
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    "The mosquitos were thick and the trout would just watch the lures spin past." I've had that happen several times, mosquitos or no. My experience is that you'll get better results with flies as a general rule.

    #2223562
    Lori P
    BPL Member

    @lori999

    Locale: Central Valley

    And I have swapped trebles out to single hooks. Catch and release only areas abound, and trebles wreck fish. Barbless is required – I use my forceps to pinch down barbs. Wigsons lures rock.

    #2223603
    Dave T
    Member

    @davet

    Thanks for all the good suggestions and info. Still have to get over to the east side with the kayak. Too busy catching lingcod in the ocean to think about catching little trout. :) But a long week of fishing lakes and camping is definitely on the agenda. And yes, trebles are bad. I swap them out too, though not on the smallest of spinners. Got some guidance online about suggestions for what to swap out or not, and sizing for single hook replacements.

    #3404332
    Kenneth D
    Spectator

    @turboken77

    try the Thomas buoyant spoons they are the best

    #3456822
    Barry Foster
    BPL Member

    @bazzer

    Locale: Redding

    Bloody hell, scents for fly fishing? You must be the worlds worst fly fisherman and desperate!

    Barry

    fly fishing guide for twenty two years

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