One of the most popular trout fishing techniques is called trolling. Trolling is popular as far as trout fishing techniques go because on still bodies of fresh water like lakes and ponds, the act of fishing for trout is meant to be as relaxing and enjoyable as the act of catching trout is exhilarating.

Of all the trout fishing techniques available, trolling is one of the easiest to perform. It can be done by all experience levels from beginner to expert and by all ages from six to sixty. But don't let this fool you. Although trolling is one of the easiest trout fishing techniques, it is also one of the most effective. A well-executed troll in a stocked lake will give you very satisfying results.

What you'll need for trolling is a fishing boat equipped with oars or a motor for propulsion, your rod and reel, your troll (blade string) and a lure. You will let your troll and lure out behind your moving boat, using both the length of your line and the speed of your boat to determine how deep you'll be fishing. When fishing anytime between spring and fall, in most lakes, you should aim for about 15 to 50 feet down from the surface.

Trolling is one of the most effective trout fishing techniques because it appeals to the number one instinct of fish: find food. The rotating blades of the troll send vibrations into the water that make the trout think food is lurking. When trolling for trout, virtually any trout lure will work, but the three most effective are small spoons, small plugs or worms.

Three main guidelines while trolling for trout should improve your success. First, troll slowly. Ensure that the fish can easily catch your bait, because they are not going to waste energy chasing after a meal. Second, vary your speed, which will change the vibration pattern of the troll. This will more realistically imitate prey. Third, troll your boat in an S-curve. This will cause different action in the troll during each movement of the boat, which emulates prey as well.

For the persistent fisherman, trolling is one of the most accessible and effective trout fishing techniques you can use on still water like lakes or ponds. Happy fishing!