Is it ethical to fish for trout this time of the year?

[goose54cdd]

Opinions vary. Some people think you should stay away until the spawn is over and others feel it's okay as long as you don't fish the Redds. Anyone care to weigh in? I'm not trying to start an argument, just a discussion.

 

[dudemanspecial]

I personally haven't been the last few years, but I used to while trying to avoid obvious spawners and redds. I try not to judge anyone for doing any kind of fishing that is legal though. I dont think the number of people fly fishing in Nov and December is going to do any ki d of meaningful damage anyhow, but that opinion is based off of feeling, not fact.

 

[Nymph-wristed]

I am a hypocrite around this subject because I cringe at social media posts and YouTube videos this time of year, but I've convinced myself that I know how to fish ethically this time of year after 40 years of experience. Maybe in the back of my mind I am saying, "I hope this YouTube clown knows what to avoid"?

I tend to switch to surf and striped bass most Novembers, but I will fish a bigger creek or river where most redd making is in the tribs this time of year and avoid potential spawning areas completely. Many a fun dinkfest/average fish day can be had while the adults are elsewhere.

The fish are all on different clocks, so if I arrived at a creek and saw active spawning, I would not fish, just take pics, and then find another creek that is not littered with redds and/or actively courting fish.

 

[3wt7X]

Depends on how you’re fishing.

Depends on where you are fishing.

Deep pools on stocked streams in put and take waterways is completely fine in my opinion.

Riffles/spawning habitat in streams containing wild trout should be avoided. Avoid wading in gravel suitable for reds.

I’ve seen surface feeders in slow pools on wild trout streams late season on many occasions. I don’t think there is any ethical issues with targeting those fish as long as you’re not wading through reds to get there.

 

[6xAdams(Jones)]

Follow good C&R practices and don't wade through redds and the fish will be pretty much okay. Wash out a hole with a jug of bleach or drop M80s in the water... not so much.