Rainbow trout drops

[MYellowRose]

On Saturday morning 5700 rainbow trout were released in the San Anotnio River behind Mission San Jose, between 1 and 2 miles from where I live. A newspaper article stated that after the release of the fish they went deep, probably 8 feet or so, to the bottom of the river. Those using weighted lines and bait were the most successful. Tomorrow morning another 5800 will be released in the river north of downtown at Brackenridge Park.
My question: Should I buy a license, with rainbow trout stamp, and see if I can catch myself a mess? It will cost $28 for the license and stamp and I need to buy a rod & reel and something for bait. I haven't been fishing since the '60's and I'm not sure I would actually catch anything. The south end of the river is about a mile or so from me and I can walk down there if I need to. Any and all suggestions for catching them will be appreciated.

[Toad_Sticker]

Having lived in Colorado for 25 years I can say stocker fish are mushy.
Once they have been wild for a while they will taste much better.
I would start fishing this spring for them.
Just my $.02
TS
BTW- I have some very good friends that moved back to SA this fall after about 20 years in CO.

[DV8]

I sure do think you should try. Abliet the expense, I think it'll really pay off, & ya may catch some fish to boot.

If ya haven't been since the 60's imagine the entertainment & relaxation value you'll recieve. Fishing is a GREAT hobby, as it promotes being outdoors, Being at one with the Land & water, & is a low impact hobby shared by many people.

I wish you luck.

Catch us a mess of em, or catch em & release em, either way, Just make sure you're enjoying it all !!

~DV8

[scoutinlife]

Go Fishin Myyellowrose!!!!! I fish down in Ky a few times a year when they stock trout! Power baits due work usually a few days after they stocked is best that I found and later I switch to live minnows or ultra light spinners that I make and due the same in WV trips. And fresh trout rules!!! ;D Specialy over a camfire with good friends and cold beer!!!!!

[MYellowRose]

Scout what do you mean by "power bait"? I'm not familiar with the term.
I've decided to wait until early February to set myself up when I'm sure I won't be using the money that should go to pay a bill or buy groceries. I know that's a few weeks down the road but I'm trying to keep my finances in better shape.

[deerhunter1362]

Power bait, its like a dough bait, it comes in ALOT of colors and it comes in little glass bottles. I live in GA and when I fish for trout I use hole cornal CORN....I know it sounds weired but it does work. The only reason they bite it is the color, thats what I think. It dont really matter what kind of rod and reel you use, but I assume being stock trout there probley not going to be that big, so get you some kind of ultra-lite pole, so then when you catch one the will put up a better fight, it u use a heaver rod they wont fight much....good luck!!!!! 8)

[momo]

Hello MyYellowRose,

From your description, I take it that you live in San Antonio? I visit your city couple times a year for work. Our office is near Sea World and I eat at Rudy's BBQ every time I'm there.

I've never gone fishing in Texas, so am not certain where they get the trout. In California (where I am) our DFG buys trout from fish farms. Back in 1980s they were still okay tasting with full fins. But by 1990s the quality declined. The fish tasted muddy and the fins are often damaged. Lately the fish has gotten a lot smaller too. I suspect it's because they're raising them in fish farms with concrete pools and not so fresh water now.

If you're into fishing for the relaxation and sport, I'd buy the fishing license. I buy them every year, plus ocean stamp and 2nd rod stamp. I have a chronic tension headache problem and fishing is very good at relieving work stress for me.

Back in 1980s, Trout could still be easily caught with salmon eggs, marshmellows, and cheese. But today it's very hard to catch DFG stocked trout on those baits. Many people switched to artificial baits like Berkley's Power Bait jars. My favorite is the green, rainbow, and yellow colored variety.