TAKING TROUT ON LURES
Small lures are very effective for taking early-season trout. Because S-L-O-W" is the keyword in lure presentation in springtime's cold waters, it is important to fish lures that have good action at very slow retrieve speeds. The flash and vibration created by weighted spinners with broad, flat, French-style blades are especially good spring trout lures.

Accurate casting is always important when fishing lures for stream trout, but accuracy carries even more weight early in the season. Trout will not move far in the chilly water to intercept or chase a lure. Muddy or stained water also lowers their ability to see the lure.

In addition to representing food, flashy lures also appeal to the trout's curiosity. It pays anglers dividends to cover a lot of the stream. Present the lure often and with broad coverage upstream of holding areas and cover so that many trout will see your spinner as you retrieve the lure downstream.

You can also tease sluggish trout to bite. Sneak up even with, or slightly beyond, the likely holding area when the stream size and water turbidity allow you to stay undetected. Cast the lure across the stream, let it sink a bit, and sweep it in front of the trout. The sudden increase in lure speed can entice a fish to strike, especially when presented close to trout.

Ultralight spinning rod-and-reel combos are ideal outfits for both bait- and lure-fishing for early-spring stream trout. I prefer a rod a bit longer -- 6 to 6 1/2 feet -- than the more common 5-foot lengths to make casting and line control easier. And spinning reels of high quality should be used -- those with a sturdy bail system to support the many short casts you'll make each outing. High-quality reels also operate smoothly and easily in cold weather.

FLY-FISHING
Fly-anglers who think "big meal" when fishing early in the season can often make better catches than those who look to small fly patterns for their action with the long rod.

Warm spring afternoons may bring on some insect hatches, but trout still feed most of the time near the bottom. Bright streamers fished slowly in slower flows of your favorite stream draw strikes from lethargic -- but hungry -- browns, brookies and rainbows. Drifting large, buggy nymphs will also entice coldwater trout to put a bend in your fly rod. As with lures, upstream presentations with downstream retrieves help drive streamers and big nymphs along the stream bottom. Quarter your cast across and upstream, too, and sweep your streamers downstream in front of trout stationed in slow water near current lines.

'WEARING' OUT EARLY-SPRING TROUT
Staying comfortable when stream fishing for early-season trout can be a challenge. Choose your clothing wisely and you'll enjoy your outing.

Smart wading anglers use lightweight breathable chest waders. These are typically constructed of a Gore-Tex type of material. Layer your clothing under the waders as necessary for the cold you plan to encounter. For many, breathable boot-foot waders provide more room for layering socks than do stocking-foot waders. However, you can also choose neoprene stocking-foot waders and quality wading boots with a strong toe for toe space, and plenty of room at the sides and the uppers for layering, to keep your feet warm. Just don't pull your boot-strings down tight. Doing so constricts the booties around your feet.

Spring is upon you! No matter how you prefer to catch trout, celebrate the season now by chasing up the browns, brookies and rainbows in the warming waters of your favorite trout stream or river.