The Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture stocks a number of ponds with rainbow trout to provide an accessible, sustainable fishery availble to the majority of the province. Stocked trout are small but plentiful, and eager to bite on a number of simple tactics throughout the winter. Berkley Power Bait is king for stocked trout, it just works. but later in the season I like to get away from the Power Bait and use a favourite technique of mine, hair jigs.

When justifying my use of Power Bait vs hair jigs for stocked trout, it comes down to matching the hatch. That seems less applicable when it comes to something like power bait, but it’s valid. The scents used in Power Bait key in on similar flavours that stocked trout are used to eating in their hatchery pellets. When a trout has grown up on a specific flavour, having that flavour in a little ball of dough can be enough to get a bite. But after these trout have had a couple months to survive in the natural lakes, they tend to learn some more natural flavours and signs of food, including a variety of insects, larvae, and other bugs in the water under the ice. So, match the Hatch. Early season you can’t beat Power Bait, but when the bite slows , try a more natural presentation, for me that’s a blonde/tan coloured hair jig worked actively while using the sonar to keep an eye on the action below.

My favourite hair jigs for trout start with a black 1/32 oz jig head, a golden retriever, and a bit of effort.

Technique is simple, light action rod, 6lb test mono, and keeping your bait active under the water. You’re trying to match the hatch, which often times would be a larvae or bug dancing on bottom, or other creatures slowly lifting through the water or slowly dropping back down to the bottom. Keep the movements subtle, but always keep your bait moving. And cover the water column, stocked trout will always be on the move, but they can be anywhere from right on the bottom to just right under the ice.

Stocked trout are a fantastic excuse to spend a few hours outdoors in the middle of winter. Get out and take advantage of the opportunity while the ice is safe.