For most of my early days growing up, trout was the number one fish I targeted. I began fishing at the age of 6, but really got heavily into it by 8. My mom was the support team, driving me, or allowing me to walk or bike to streams and lakes on Long Island, NY. I caught my first trout in a small stream about 5 minutes from my house. It was about a 10-inch brown and it inhaled a nightcrawler.

From NY to Colorado to Florida, I now chase any and all species in freshwater and saltwater alike. For this piece though, let's dive into a few easy ways to catch, fillet, and cook trout.

Different Types of Trout

Trout come in all sizes and a lot of different variations. There are lake trout, rainbows, browns, cutthroat, Mexican golden, Gila, bull, Dolly Varden, tiger and at least 25 more.

The best thing about trout is depending on where you are fishing, they all can be caught using basically the same methods. In North America anglers' favorites include the rainbow, brown, brook, lake, and the poster child for fly fishing advertisements, the cutthroat.

For the most part, trout like cooler water temperatures, with their range stretching from the Canadian border down through the Rocky Mountains, across the states, and up into the Northeast to Maine.

How to Fish for Trout

Trout are not hard to catch, but they are not as easy as throwing a worm at a bluegill bed and smacking fish-after-fish. Trout can, and will readily take a worm, fly, spoons and spinners, live minnow and insects, but they can also get lockjaw, especially during "hatch" periods.

I have found that one of the easiest ways to catch trout is called float 'n fly fishing. What is nice about float 'n fly is it is easier for the kids, entertaining and somewhat challenging to appease the older anglers too.

Fly fishing is another great way to target trout, and can be one of the most challenging as well. The last methods would be drifting or casting live bait, or casting and retrieving spoons and spinners.

Float 'n Fly Fishing for Trout

For float 'n fly fishing, first pick a variety of flies from wooly buggers, small nymphs and streamers in a variety of colors. Long casts are not generally needed unless you are fishing wide open lakes or reservoirs from the bank.

In streams and smaller rivers, allowing it to float with the flow will lessen the casting distance. The set up is simple – a small float with a fly in size 18 to 12. I like wooly buggers, small nymphs and streamers. 

This method, in my opinion is one of the easiest to master and will account for great action. Allow the float to be 2-3 feet above the fly. I like to use 6-pound test 13X Finesse fishing line and a 10 to 15-foot trace of 6 to 8-pound test fluorocarbon leader to the fly.

After you have your rig ready, make long casts, then slowly reel in the line, making erratic stops and starts and even subtle twitches as you reel. If you pause, the fly will drop in the water column; keep reeling, it stays higher.

Once you find where the trout are feeding it could be lights out fishing with non-stop action. If you are not getting bit, try changing flies or moving to a different location on the water. KastKing has got you covered when targeting trout with the float 'n fly method. The KastKing Kestrel 1000 spinning reel matched to the 6'8" Kestrel Finesse spinning rod is light, smooth and offers plenty of force to tackle any trout using the float 'n fly method. There are a lot of reels and rods in the KastKing lineup that will fit the bill too, especially if the wallet comes into play. 

Spinners and Spoons for Trout Fishing

The next method I like is with spinners and spoons where a bit longer cast is usually needed, especially in open water. I fish these using the same Kestrel 1000 spinning reel spooled with 6-pound test 13X Finesse fishing line and 6-pound fluorocarbon leader. Match the reel to the Kestrel Finesse spinning rod in 7'2" and you have a great combo.

I am not a fan of snap swivels, but without one, line twist and wind knots will be more prevalent. If you want to minimize these, use the smallest snap swivel you can find.

For this method a hearty cast and then relatively quick retrieve is all that is needed. Kastmasters or Mepps spinners in gold, silver or rainbow work best, with weights usually in the 1/16 to 1/4-ounce range.

Although I primarily use the spinners and spoons with long casts, they can also be worked well in shorter casts to pools in rivers and streams or in areas where cover limits the backswing while casting.

For this I'll opt for the Kestrel BFS (Bait Finesse System) reel and matching Kestrel Finesse rod in 6'8" or 6'4" with extra fast or fast tapers respectively.The BFS and SFS Kestrel rod and reel combos are high end, offer super smooth drags and will last you a lifetime.

Other Trout Fishing Methods

There are a lot of other methods to catch trout with fly fishing probably being the most utilized, but also by far, the most difficult. From casting, stripping line, choosing flies and space needed, this method could be an article in itself. 

Trout, especially big browns and lakers can also be trolled using large deep diving lures and planer boards, but again, we will save these for possible future articles. 

Trout Casting Distance Guide

• Spinner and spoon (open water): over 100 feet

• Spinner and spoon (tight quarters): 10–20 feet

• Float 'n fly: 50–100 feet

• Fly fishing: 10–30 feet

How to Clean and Cook a Trout

You hit the water and had a great day catching trout. The day is done and now the best part – cleaning and cooking! Trout are probably one of the easiest fish to clean and cook. 

How to Fillet a Trout

Like so many other fish that need a good fillet job, all you need for trout is the 7-inch KastKing Speed Demon Pro Fillet Knife. Simply butterfly the belly, removing all the internal organs, leaving the head intact. Rinse the trout off with some fresh water and you are ready to grill, bake or even fry!To make the process even easier and cleaner, the KastKing EZ Fillet Fish Fillet Mat is a great addition. It provides a non-slip, easy-to-clean surface that keeps the fish secure while filleting and helps contain the mess, whether you’re working at home, on a tailgate, or at the water’s edge.

How to Cook Trout on the Grill

One of the simplest ways I have found to cook trout is on the barbecue. After rinsing your catch, add a few lemon slices to the body cavity, some parsley, and put the fish in a tin pan or on tin foil. Grill for about 5 to 10 minutes and your dinner is served.

Bear in mind, bones will need to be avoided, and this is a simple task as well. With the fish lying flat, run your knife along the lateral line and slowly peel back the top half and bottom of that side away from the bones. After removing those fillets, grab the tail and slowly lift the internal cartilage and bones away from the remaining fillets. Check for bones, and then off to the table!

There are countless trout recipes available online, but in my opinion, the simplest recipes often produce the best results.

What Does Trout Taste Like

Trout is widely regarded as one of the best-tasting freshwater fish. Its meat is mild, clean, and slightly nutty, without the strong “fishy” flavor that turns some anglers away from other species. This makes trout appealing even to people who don’t normally enjoy eating fish.

The flavor and texture of trout can vary slightly by species and environment. Rainbow and brook trout are typically mild and delicate, while brown trout may have a slightly richer taste. Trout from cold, clean water generally tastes better and has firmer flesh than fish taken from warmer or stagnant environments.

Trout meat is tender, flaky, and moist when cooked properly. It absorbs flavors well, making it ideal for simple preparations like grilling with lemon and herbs, pan-frying, or baking. Because of its naturally good flavor, trout does not require heavy seasoning to taste great.

When and Where to Find Trout

Trout fishing can be excellent during the winter months as long as lakes remain ice-free. Streams and larger rivers usually stay productive, and in many areas, trout stockings occur in late fall, keeping populations strong and accessible.

Trout are an incredible species to pursue, whether you enjoy catching them on light tackle or preparing a fresh meal after a day on the water. Until next time, tight lines and screaming drags.

About the Author: 

Tom Melton is an outdoor writer and lifelong angler with over 40 years of fishing experience. In 1994, he served as Editor of The Fisherman Magazine on Long Island. He has written more than 5,000 fishing articles and columns and is the author of Fishing the Long Island Coast. Now based in Florida, Tom focuses on freshwater bass fishing as well as saltwater species, sharing practical techniques and gear insights for anglers of all levels.

Learn More about Trout Fishing

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Best Fishing Gear For Trout

Choosing The Right Braided Line For Trout Fishing

KastKing’s Best Ultra-Light Fishing Rod for Trout Fishing

What Is The Best Fishing Pole For Trout?

People Also Ask

What gear is best for trout fishing?

A light spinning rod paired with a 1000-size reel is ideal for trout fishing. Use 6 lb braided line with a fluorocarbon leader for better sensitivity and stealth. This setup works for floats, spinners, and spoons.

What lures work best for trout?

Spinners and spoons are among the most reliable lures for trout. Gold, silver, and rainbow finishes perform well in most water conditions. They are effective in both open water and moving streams.

How far should I cast when trout fishing?

Casting distance depends on the method used. Spinners and spoons often require long casts in open water, while float ’n fly and stream fishing use shorter, controlled casts. Adjust distance based on water size and structure.

What is the easiest way to cook trout?

Grilling trout is one of the simplest cooking methods. Add lemon and herbs, then cook for 5–10 minutes.