Trout Fishing for Beginners – Bait, Techniques & Tackle

Trout fishing can usually be done in trout ponds in Belgium and the Netherlands. You do not need a permit and can fish with trout dough, worms or lures. A light spinning rod, fine line, and good bait are crucial. Trout often bite actively in the morning. Start with a float rig or bottom fishing with dough.

What is trout fishing?

Trout fishing is targeted fishing for rainbow trout or salmon trout, usually in trout ponds. These ponds are commercially stocked and often accessible without a permit. You can fish there with natural bait, trout dough, or lures.

Where can you fish for trout?

• Belgium: e.g. Destelbergen, Ghent, Limburg, Ardennes

• Netherlands: mainly in the south and east (e.g. Putten, Neer, De Ronde Venen)

Note: fishing for trout in the wild is rare in the Benelux.

What do you need to get started?

Recommended equipment for beginners

What is the best bait for trout?

Natural bait types

• Waxworm larvae: classic for float rigs

• Mealworms: lively and attractive

• Dendrobena worms: good choice for bottom fishing

Trout dough (Powerbait)

Trout dough is the go-to trout bait in ponds. Especially Berkley Powerbait scores well thanks to scent and flavor additives. Use a dough mold to make it spin well underwater.

Lures

• Small plugs (3-5 cm): imitate baitfish

• Spinners: fish actively, ideal in currents

• Spoons: subtle flashing, works well in clear water

Techniques to catch trout

1. Float fishing

Perfect for beginners. You let the bait float at the desired depth. Handy in summer when trout swim higher.

Rig:

• Thin float

• Small sinkers

• Hook size 8-10 with worm or dough

2. Bottom fishing

Trout often stay deep, especially in colder weather. You use anchor sinkers and a swinging line with floating dough or larvae.

Tip: keep the line tight and watch for small taps – that’s a bite!

3. Spinning with lures

Need more action? Cast small spinners, plugs, or spoons and retrieve them with varying speed.

Note:

• Use thin line

• Change color and shape if few bites

How deep should you fish for trout?

That depends on the season:

• Summer: often at 0.5 to 1 meter depth

• Winter: deeper, just above the bottom (2–3 meters)

Use adjustable floats or sliding sinkers to test at which depth they bite.

Handy beginner tips

• Fish early in the morning or late in the afternoon

• Regularly vary bait and technique

• Always use fresh bait

• Pay close attention to the action of your float or line

• Keep the drag of your reel smoothly adjusted

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Frequently asked questions about trout fishing

Do you need a permit to fish for trout?

No. In commercial trout ponds, no fishing license is needed. You usually pay per session.

Can you take the trout home?

In most ponds, you may take the caught trout home. Check the pond’s rules.

What is the difference between rainbow trout and salmon trout?

Salmon trout is a farmed rainbow trout that gets red flesh due to feed with colorants (such as astaxanthin). They are the same species, just fed differently.