Trout Streams - How to Find New Streams and Trout Fishing Opportunities
Trout fishing, especially with fly tackle, is a venture that can involve careful planning and deliberation. Fishermen like to maximize the time they spend at the stream and will, if necessary, pay top dollar for guide services to lead them to that “magical� trout pool or get them to that “un-fished� rapid. This is well and good, and fishing with a local guide is many times the key to enjoying a fishing adventure. However, fishermen seeking trout venues may overlook free resources which are right at their fingertips; namely, their own state’s online fishing guides.

Many trout fishing states spend large amounts of money to breed trout, stock them in streams and preserve the habitat of those streams. Fishing is big business, as is evidenced by issues such as the stocking vs. natural population argument going on over the Batten Kill River in Vermont and the huge effort to fight whirling disease in the Western states. Since states collect money from trout stamps and use that money to pay for stocking streams they have a direct interest (as well as a responsibility) to let sportsmen know where and when those fish are released.

Most states stock in the early spring and early autumn, when stream temperatures are most conducive to sustaining farmed fish. For example, the state of Virginia has an excellent trout stocking map and schedule. Virginia has divided its program into zones, each one relegated to a clickable and zoomable map detailing available streams and tied into the stocking schedule. It’s great fun to load up and go “exploring� with the map in hand and quite rewarding to find streams and conditions exactly described by the website. Maryland has a similar, though more exact map to accompany its stocking schedule. It includes boat ramps, handicapped accessible venues and street maps. These two examples barely scratch the surface of what is available. If stocked trout lose their luster, Virginia also details its wild trout program, marking wild trout streams in red on their map. Using these resources fishermen can plot their way to streams they may never have visited or know about. So, before heading out the door to that same old fishing hole do a little research and try something new.

Another tool fishermen may find useful is their state's Department of Natural Resources email list server where and if one exists. One example of a well run information distrubution system for sportsmen is Colorado. Colorado publishes its "DNR Insider", alerting outdoorsmen to new regulations, opportunities, and stocking information. Vermont is a shining example of a well run outdoor resources website. The state of Vermont sets the standard with interactive maps, schedules, press releases, licensing and more. So, it seems there's no excuse for not knowing where to go for the trout. With the information available online these days you can't miss!


Jeffrey Gray, founder of TroutWorld.com, has been helping trout fishermen find their way to new and different fishing venues via the internet since 1999. Trout World -- bringing you great fishing gear deals, trout fishing news and a world of information. http://www.MagnaScreen.com -- Turn your SUV into a tent.

Article Source: Jeffrey Gray - EzineArticles.com Expert Author