Trout Progressions

A buddy of mine called one morning recently as I was driving to the marina. After about 30 seconds of small talk he asked me where I was planning to start my day. I told him where my first stop was going to be and while he didn’t come right out and ask why I chose to fish that spot I could hear the curiosity and maybe even a hint of doubt in his voice when he said, “Hmm. Oh. Okay.” Then I felt compelled to explain to him that the particular community of trout that I was following was due to filter into this certain area any day based upon the changing conditions. Every angler realizes that trout move over the course of the year but some may not understand all of the triggering mechanisms causing them to relocate, so let’s talk about some of the main factors that influence the whereabouts of the most sought after species of fish on the Gulf Coast.

This particular “community” of trout that I’m referring to spent their winter in a back lake comprised of typical preferred cold weather habitat characteristics. Vegetation, small oyster reefs and mud-lined bottoms with deep buffer areas (safe refuge from extreme cold) not only provided insulation but harbored many species of forage for these fish throughout the colder months. As water temperatures begin to climb during the spring these fish start to flow out into the bay, but not before spending a fair amount of time in neighboring grass-lined coves with a good mix of silt and sand-bottomed troughs. Coves possessing these features are where we typically spend most of our time from the latter weeks of January through mid-May.

Our fish will begin their move to hard sand and hard shell reefs as water temperatures creep into the low to mid-70s range. It’s important to understand that I follow this community of trout (and many other groups of trout) every year as they move from place to place. Therefore, the words I type on this keyboard are true representations of my observations while on the water over the course of the year. The Galveston Bay Complex is very large (more than 600 square miles) and each and every part of our bay shares the same counter-clockwise trout migration from winter to summer every year. I stay on top of these schools by relying upon my historical knowledge and what I think I know about the timing of when they make their move.

When I say timing I’m not necessarily referring to any particular date or set of dates on a calendar. Obviously, the time of year is important when it comes to patterning seasonal migrations of trout but we cannot get completely caught up in the calendar. While I’ve found that there are date ranges where seasonal trout movements occur, those dates fluctuate by as many as two to three weeks just about every year based mainly upon water temperature, salinity levels, food supply and availability of suitable habitat. Obviously, mild winters lend themselves to earlier spring and summer patterns. Conversely, I can remember catching beautiful trout on Corkys in early April in some of my winter spots because those late fronts just didn’t want to stop coming.

The water temperature is holding consistently in the 70s now, and by the time this fine magazine hits our mailboxes trout will be living over sand flats near passes and on mid-bay oyster reefs. Forage species such as shad and brown shrimp will have grown to larger sizes and trout will have begun to form actual schools and their metabolism will be at the highest level it’s been in months. Our topwater bite will be the best it’s been all year. Areas of bunched-up bait or “nervous” bait are telltale signs of predators such as trout and reds staging nearby. Tightly rafted mullet are also flashing neon signs that we shouldn’t pass up. And, those small well-defined, hard-edged slicks might as well be Buc-ee’s billboards along Interstate 10 advertising Beaver Nuggets and clean restrooms. You just gotta stop!

Our larger specks will continue to exhibit somewhat of a nomadic loner behavior, staying tight to shorelines in moderate depressions, out of harm’s way and safe from apex predators, and also as far away as possible from boat traffic. Those of us who choose to target these above average sized specimens will need to do so in a stealthy and methodical manner. Wading quietly up into the shallows while crouching and keeping a low profile with the sun in our face is a must as our shadows will easily spook them. Oftentimes small topwaters like a MirrOlure She Pup or a Baby Skitter Walk will create the subtle presentation that we need to trick these larger trout. Other times it will be the soft rattle and suspending action of a Texas Customs Double D or a Borboleta Lele.

When the wind is up, don’t be afraid to make long casts up against a windward shoreline with a Saltwater Assassin rigged on a 1/16 ounce Pro Elite jig head. A MirrOlure Lil John rigged the same way can be just as deadly. The advantage of fishing a windward point, bank or shoreline is that the water is typically streaky or even off-colored, which makes it easier for us to trick those photo-worthy trout that would otherwise turn their nose up at our offerings in clear water. Additionally, mullet, shad and other prey tend to get pushed up against the windward grass and shell banks where they become easy pickings for trout, reds and flounder.

We’ve been noticing multiple hatches of shad and glass minnows. The brown shrimp are steadily making their way from the bayous and back lakes to the Gulf. Consequently, the trout we seek are also on the move with warmer water temperatures and bait migrations. Speaking of being “on the move,” our trout seem to be on the move these days more than ever because of a shortage of live habitat to hold them in certain areas. The addition of increased late-spring fishing pressure has become an issue as well. With boats that can run in as little as 4- to 6-inches of water, I’m seeing folks fishing in areas that were never accessible in years past. It gives a new meaning to the famous Captain Kirk quote from Star Trek, “To boldly go where no man has gone before.” In addition, there are channel dredging projects and other activities continuously going on throughout our bay system that has an effect on trout movements. Regardless of the ongoing changes, we must fish harder, smarter and find ways to navigate around the changes and obstacles thrown our way. The effort usually ends up being worth it in the end.

Water temperature, food, salinity and fishing pressure all affect trout movements. Extreme high tides tend to scatter the fish. Very low tides will concentrate them. The list goes on. Paying attention to the factors affecting trout movements will keep us several weeks ahead of the crowds. It’s always better to make reports then to follow them because following fishing reports never seems to pan out that well. As you plan your fishing trips, always remember to do your homework. Use common sense, historical knowledge, and trust your instincts.