Both.... a lot of the time casting up stream is your best bet, especially when searching for fish. If you know where a pod of trout are, however, it can be very productive to cast across and downstream. Hold the spinner on a tight line and let the current drag your spinner back to your side of the stream, called swinging. Work very well with a long rod, as you can hold the spinner right in a trouts face for as long as it takes.

 

I cast both up an down. I have fished a hole from down stream and got nothing then went upstream and bring it slowly through the current and caught big browns and I have had it happen the exact opposite. I do prefer to go upstream most of the time though mainly because alot of my streams are small and you might only get one cast at a 20+" wild brown and you can reel it slower if going against the current.

 

both, work one direction then fish the whole way back to were I started. up and across seems the most productive though.

 

I haven't fished spinners in a number of years myself, but I have taken a friend fishing with me a number of times who is a very good spinner fisherman. Mind you, we were floating in my drift boat on one of the major Montana rivers. He often cast straight upstream and retrieved downstream, and routinely caught some very nice trout in doing so.

I will say though that the biggest trout he caught while fishing with me were ones he caught while casting across the curent toward shore and retrieving back toward the middle of the river/stream. Granted, that might be easier to do on a larger river while fising from a boat, but I believe that feeding fish are often in the shallower water, and you'll have considerable success if you concentrate you fishing efforts in this area of the river/stream, whether fishing upstream, downstream or across the current. Just my $0.02 worth.

John

 

I wade and fish upstream only. I cast ahead of myself and retreive my spinner back to me in the same direction as the current. This brings my spinner to the trout from the same direction they are used to getting their food. With rare exception it also puts me behind the trout where they are less likely to see me. If an angler fishes downstream on a small mountain stream most of the trout will see the angler and hide long before the angler's spinner even hits the water.

If I'm fishing a larger stream, say one that is 75 feet wide, I typically make my upstream casts at angles of 11 0'clock and 1 o'clock and retrieve with my rod pointed toward the side I cast to (11 o'clock would be the left bank; 1 o'clock would be the right bank).

For productive fishing, it's also important to cast upstream well ahead of yourself. On a small mountain stream many of my casts will be at least 40 feet or more. The key is to not let the trout see you. I wear full camouflage too. My boots are dark green. I would not be caught dead wearing the light-colored breatheable waders that I often see fly fishermen wearing.

- Frank Nale -

 

It really depends on the hole and current for me. Sometimes I like to cast upstream when there is a fast current and then by the time I begin to reel the bait will already be infront of me coming across the current.
If im fishing slow moving water I'll cast downstream and reel slower with a couple of light tugs in between.

 

Everythjng that Frank says except That I've been known to wear some flashy clothes in my day on the water. Never really effected my catch rate though vs. Drab days. I'm a ninja though lol. Either way. Drab is solid advice

 

I agree with Frank with exception to color of waders and such. If a trout is facing upstream and I am approaching from downstream, what would it matter what color I am wearing, it's not seeing me in the first place.

I've changed to breathables through the years in tannish color and it has not affected my results.

Do remember, if you are fishing during a gun season, it is wise to wear some type of orange, especially in and out of the stream.

 

I agree with Frank with exception to color of waders and such. If a trout is facing upstream and I am approaching from downstream, what would it matter what color I am wearing, it's not seeing me in the first place.

I've changed to breathables through the years in tannish color and it has not affected my results.

Do remember, if you are fishing during a gun season, it is wise to wear some type of orange, especially in and out of the stream.

They can turn there heads can't they? Is your real name Troy?

 

They can turn there heads can't they? Is your real name Troy?

No....on both!

 

I agree with Frank with exception to color of waders and such. If a trout is facing upstream and I am approaching from downstream, what would it matter what color I am wearing, it's not seeing me in the first place.

I've changed to breathables through the years in tannish color and it has not affected my results.

Do remember, if you are fishing during a gun season, it is wise to wear some type of orange, especially in and out of the stream.

Because when a trout turns to chase your spinner it will often be looking directly at you. That's also why when I fish in the sun that I make sure my wristwatch is hidden under my sleeve. I also wear my license in a plastic holder on the back of my vest so that glare from it will not alert the trout.

I do find it facinating that you and Trout 2003 do so well while not wearing camouflage. I've seen your pictures and read your accounts of days fished. But I also have always wondered how many more trout you would catch if you dressed to blend in with the surroundings.

 

Ill have to do a comparison Frank.

Not to get off topic too much of throwing spinners up or down stream, below is link to a good read on understanding what trout see. You can draw your own conclusion on how it may affect your particular style of fishing.

http://www.troutu.com/class/what_can_trout_see

 

I was basically joking about the clothes although I have been know to wear some not so perfect color on a less serious outing. Joking aside I think you'll struggle to find a photo of me where I am not in black, gray, brown, or some other dark colors. I wear my camo Tee a lot too and camo shorts every single time. I wouldn't really go out on a serious outing in a yellow, white, or orange shirt....not a chance and I would never advise anyone else to do so. I'd also yell at Craig if he tried it haha. You're dead on Frank......drab at the bare minimum is a requirement if you are on a serious outing. Ya basically wanna look like a tree if a trout turns to follow.

 

Normal apparel for Craigy

Normal Apparel for me

 

The hat does not me the color code I will admit but I would say Craigs breathable waders most certainly do....more then my bare skin legs haha!!

 

ryan, keep in mind the outfit these guys are using also. That has much to do with one's ability, well I should say capability, of casting up and retrieving down. In particular, the reels they are using allow for an adequate speed on a downstream retrieve. The reels are geared to perform as such. A few hundred dollar Stradic comes to mind ???

 

I bought a Stradic Ci4 last year so I believe I have the capabilities to perform such a maneuver. Best fishing purchase I've made actually. Great reel.

As for the outfits, well I'm on the other end. I wear a bright green Gander Mt fishing shirt although I do have standard brown neoprene chest waders which cover up most of me. I think camo/dark is important when fishing for natives in small water, but I do most of my fishing on medium/large streams for stockies. I could prob dress up like a clown and catch fish. Most people probably already think I do when they see my bright green shirt. The shirt comes in handy though. Its UV protected, has 2 large chest pockets where I keep my small terminal tackle box, has a rod holder, sunglasses loop, and easily goes from long to short sleeve with a few rolls. I decided to keep the fishing vest in the closet a few years ago. Too many pockets which i filled with clutter. Then I couldn't find something when I needed it quickly, plus its just another layer on a hot day. I'm already wearing neoprene, I don't need anything else to get a good sweat going. I used to have tan breathable waders. Once I went to neoprene, I can't go back. The flexibility is amazing. I'm a big guy, so that's important. Plus shedding a pound or 2 from sweating isn't gonna hurt me. Small price to pay for being comfortable on the water. That's me there on the left; I used to own the same waders as my buddy on the right, but I prefer the flexibility of neoprene much more.

 

Mountain in the back looks awful familiar. Wouldn't be Laurel Hill would it ?

 

no, thats up in the northeast after a day of fishing the Loyalsock at a camp near a town called Forksville. Nice area of PA.

 

I always cast upstream and retrieve toward me with the current. I was taught this when I first started fishing, I was told because the fish sit and wait for food to come towards them. Had a lot of success doing so. I have casted down stream and to me the fish that hit don't seem to hit as hard cause the lure isn't moving as quick vs burning it down stream the chase it and grab it and turn to go back up instantly. Just my personal experience and my opinion.

 

Ci4 is the best spinner fishing reel on the market in my opinion so yes, you are very well equipped to fish spinners correctly.

 

well now that i know what i'm doing with these spinners, I'll see if I can start putting up numbers like Frank!

 

Its like taking candy from a baby lol.

 

well now that i know what i'm doing with these spinners, I'll see if I can start putting up numbers like Frank!

I know you're just kidding around but knowing what to do and having the right equipment is only 1/4 of the battle. Casting accuracy, conditions and stream selection is extremely important.

Pick the right stream on the right day and your day will be great. Hit every cast on that stream and your day will be legend.

Craig

 

What!?!?!? All that Troutspinner said (Formerly Troy McClure) is wrong. Tie the spinner on, cast, trout on....simple as that!!!