6 expert tips for early-season brook trout

#6 TARGET THE SUSPENDERS

If the water temperature is still fairly uniform throughout the water column, perhaps due to a late thaw or severe cold front, the brook trout will range a fair distance to find their preferred temperature. That’s the time to throw small, heavy metal spoons, such as a Williams Ridge Back (above), Acme Kastmaster or Mepps Syclops. Use a small-diameter, six- or eight-pound-test braided line and retrieve your lure relatively quickly and erratically—and get ready for a big brookie to strike.