With an early retreat of winter, it leaves the angler some extended opportunities to find some cold water trout. In this multi-part post, I want to share some trout fishing locations that are relatively close to Huntsville. A successful trout fishing trip may not be as far away as you think.
Spring is an opportunistic season for trout anglers. When I say trout, I am generally referring to 3 species you could find in this area: lake trout, speckled trout and rainbow trout. Once the ice is gone, the lake water temperature remains consistent throughout its depths. This means you can catch various trout species close to shore and in areas normally reserved for warm water fish. Lake trout and rainbow trout tend to prefer cold water temperatures of 13 degrees C (55 degrees F) or less. That being said, rainbows are known to survive in temperatures of up to 18 degrees C (65 degrees F). Brook trout enjoy temperatures less than 18 degrees C (65 degrees F).
The kind of tackle that you need to catch these cold water swimmers is simple (at least as far as I am concerned). Pick a silver or gold colored lure from either of the spoon, spinner, or crank-bait sections of your tackle box. If you are in speckled or rainbow trout waters pick something small. Lake trout will take larger sized lures that you would might use for summer pike. These guidelines change completely if you are fishing in Great Lake waters.
Local Huntsville Trout Haunts
Generally speaking, the key to finding trout in our area would be to find a lake that has trout in it and and capitalize on the fact that cold water trout could be anywhere. You can try from a dock, a local boat ramp, or the boat you just took out of winter storage. That’s the benefit to spring trout fishing. I target areas where river and stream mouths empty, drop-offs, sandbars and rock faces that plunge into deep water.
The Huntsville Locks (potential species – lake trout, speckled trout and slight chance of rainbow trout)
Various trout species can be caught on either side of the spanning dam structure. I have had most of my luck on the downstream side of the dam. Trout can be caught in the faster water below the damn and the calmer section of the river that is accessed via a short walk downstream along Brunel road. Many rocky snags exist in the fast moving water here. Expect to lose some hardware. People fish from the dam but there are signs prohibiting this on the structure.
If you are going to fly fish, the river’s edge is sheltered with small trees and brush. There are random holes to fish from but not large enough for a worry-free back cast. You could try wading on the lower section of the river (away from the dam) but the water is deep and cold.
Do not be afraid to drop a line into the final downstream lock section. I have watched a successful angler haul in a nice lake trout from within the narrow section.
Vernon Lake (potential species – lake trout and speckled trout)
The subject location of many blog posts on my blog. Lake trout could probably be caught anywhere in the lake in spring. Unless your pro (I am not) or own a submarine to locate trout, I suggest you consider starting your trout quest at the mouth of the Big East River. It is in close proximity to Hutcheson Beach (section A in photo below) so you could launch a canoe from the beach. Alternatively, there is a very shallow boat ramp there but, despite its designation, I do not recommend it for large boats.
When you get there I recommend trolling/casting close to shore in along the letter (A to B to C…E) pattern in the photo right. Careful around section C, where the river first empties into Vernon. The sandbar structures will suddenly rise fast despite warning from your fish finder. This also is the area where I have caught the most trout. The bars seem to attract trout and they can be caught in the shallows or on the drop-offs leading off the sandbars. It would be worth your time to anchor ‘on’ or ‘just off’ the sandbars. Spend some time working the sand bars (and drop-offs) with various crank-baits and spoons. Some people have had success jigging white twister tails down the drop off.
As you approach section D expect a shallow, sandy bottom that extends well into the lake. Watch your depth finder and find a comfortable depth for your boat. I have also caught some nice trout in this section.
Optionally, you can troll your way over to section E. A small lake empties here and draws its share of bait fish.
Keep in mind that you could catch trout anywhere in this lake. My favorite trout lure in Vernon Lake is a large silver Mepps Syclops.
I call it trout candy.
-End of Part 1-
