Trolling with fly rods and spoons in the spring

In Maine, trolling is probably the most common way people fish for trout and salmon. Personally, it’s a style of fishing I often find a little dull — except during early spring.

This time of year, I love trolling fly rods with sinking lines paired with spoons. My preferred spoons come from Pine State Sports Supply, but honestly, any spoon you have confidence in will work. I’ve found the ideal speed to be around 1.6–1.9 mph.

Most of the trolling I do happens while traveling between casting spots or when the wind gets too strong to comfortably cast a fly.

Either way, spring trolling for lake trout, salmon, and trout can be incredibly exciting and often produces fast action. I focus on shallow shoals because all three species push into the cold, shallow water this time of year — and fish hooked shallow tend to fight much harder.

Www.pinestatesportssupply.com

I recommend the Pearl Smelt UV, and the bottom feeder.