The opening of trout fishing is an event eagerly awaited by fishermen. It's an opportunity for them to return to the rivers and streams they love, and to compete against the queen of freshwater: the trout. To succeed in this opening, it is important to have good preparation and knowledge of the different fishing techniques depending on the location.

Purists will say that trout is fished exclusively with nylon to limit breakage and unhooking, which is therefore highly recommended.

I. Colors

When opening, it can be useful to use lures with very visible colors to attract the attention of the fish. The fish have not been contacted for 6 months, their distrust has diminished, we must take advantage of it. Brightly colored lures like yellow, red and especially orange can be particularly effective. This is because these colors are very noticeable in the water and can attract the attention of trout, especially if the water is clear or the weather conditions are sunny.

Lures with contrasting colors can also be used, such as dark-backed and light-bellied lures or striped lures.

Note: I personally hate pink.

It is important to keep in mind that trout color preferences can vary depending on fishing conditions, so it is recommended to experiment with different colors to find the one that works best.

Photo of the Sleepeur with its 6 colors to suit all situations.

II. The choice of route

When it comes to lure fishing for trout in rivers, the choice of route is of crucial importance. Each stretch of river has distinct characteristics that directly influence the chances of fishing success. It is essential to consider elements such as depth, current speed, presence of structures (such as rocks, submerged trees or caches) and water quality.

By choosing the right route, you maximize your opportunities to catch active, foraging trout. Take the time to observe the watercourse, spot currents, swirls and gray areas, as they are often trout's favorite places.

Another determining factor is fishing pressure. Frequently fished rivers can make trout more wary and less likely to bite. In this case, it may be wise to turn to less frequented and wilder routes, thus offering more promising fishing opportunities.

It is also important to consider the regulations in force. Some courses may be subject to specific rules, such as no-kill zones, specific opening and closing periods, or restrictions on permitted lures. Be sure to scrupulously respect these rules to preserve fisheries resources and contribute to the sustainability of fishing.

By adapting your approach according to the chosen route, you will increase your opportunities to catch beautiful trout and live memorable experiences in the heart of nature.

1. Fishing in small mountain streams

When fishing small mountain streams, it is important to take a discreet and light approach so as not to spook the trout. It is recommended to use a short, light rod, with a fine line and a discreet leader. Casts must be precise and short so as not to frighten the trout. As the water is cold and the banks are snowy, you will have to look for them in caches.

In terms of lures, the spinning spoon remains a classic for mountain fishing. Small models (between 0 and 2) will be most suitable for these narrow waterways. Soft lures (moths, worms, larvae, etc.) can also be used successfully because they perfectly imitate the small insects that are the main food source for trout in mountain streams. We also find micro-undulating spoons, which allow hollow fishing in cold water, very effective in these conditions. Finally, in order to offer larger bites to Dame Fario, it is possible to use swimming fish of 30 to 50mm.

In summary, to succeed in fishing in small mountain streams, it is important to:

• Use light and discreet lures, such as micro-waves, small spinners and PNs.
• Adopt a discreet and light approach.
• Use a short, light rod, with a fine line and a discreet leader.
• Make precise throws.

2. Fish in rivers on the plains

Fishing flat rivers is another strategy for fishing for trout with lures during the opener. Rivers in the plains are often wider and deeper than small streams in the mountains; and above all the water is warmer. It is therefore important to use lures adapted to this fishing technique.

The most used lures in this type of river are spinning spoons and swimming fish. Spinning spoons are very effective because they trigger fish aggression. As the water is warmer, the trout will be more able to move around. Swimming fish also offer a good alternative as they also imitate trout prey and can be very effective when used in slow animation. By this we mean two animations:

• Fishing downstream letting the current carry the lure with a few twitches and pauses.
• Upstream drift fishing which consists of casting flush with an obstacle and letting the lure drift naturally (without reeling) while applying small twitches to it with a high rod.

To fish in flat rivers, it is important to search both in areas of deeper water, such as pools, which provide natural shelter for trout, but also at the head of the current, which is a key position where the food arrives and the trout feel safe. It's also important to fish edges and areas where water breaks against natural obstacles such as rocks and branches.

In short, no area should be neglected because trout have something to be found in each of them.

In summary, to succeed in fishing in these conditions, you must:

• Use lures that swim shallow, such as light spinning spoons and twitching crankbaits.
• Do not neglect any fishing area because they are all equally conducive to the presence of trout.

3. Fish in big rivers

Finally, the final way to fish for trout on lures during the opener is to fish large rivers. Large rivers are often very wide and provide plenty of room for trout. The water is generally warm, which encourages trout to move around to feed. It is therefore important to use lures that can cover a large area.

In terms of lures, the most effective are jerk-type swimming fish, which are formidable in all conditions. Then, there is no real lure to favor, they are all effective. The water is still colder than in summer and the trout are less mobile, using undulating spoons and soft lures allows deeper fishing. In the event of systematic refusals, an ultra realistic soft lure can decide them.

Note : Close swimming is preferred for swimming fish in order to catch beautiful fish. For sizes you can use 50 to 75mm, or even more (the 50 being the most versatile and the most efficient in terms of keys of all sizes while the larger ones will select the attacks).

To fish in large rivers, it is important not to neglect any area and above all not to be afraid of strong currents. If the fish move a lot, fishing upstream may be preferred, while if conditions are difficult it is better to fish downstream, drifting. In fact, this will slow down the animations and emphasize the areas crossed.

In summary, to succeed in fishing in these conditions, you must:

• Opt for large, deep-swimming lures to reach trout in deep water.
• Lures such as spinning spoons and soft lures are recommended for this technique, the flagship model still remains the swimming fish.
• Do not neglect any fishing area.
• Use a longer fishing rod and heavier line to better control lures and trout in white water.

III. Conclusion

Fishing for trout with lures when opening is often difficult but can be optimized if done correctly. It is important to choose the right lures based on the conditions where you are fishing. It is just as important to choose your route carefully depending on the weather conditions. The colder the water, the less active the fish will be. On the contrary, the warmer the water, the longer the fish's feeding phases will be. You will therefore need to adapt your fishing route to these conditions. The melting of the surrounding snow must be taken into account to determine the “warmth” of the water. If there is still a lot of snow visible, it has not melted too much.