Casting and Retrieving Lures

Depth and Casting Strategy

1. Positioning:

   • Wade into the lake until you are at least waist-deep in the water. This allows for longer casts and positions you where fish are more likely to be actively feeding.

   • If using a ladder, place it in 3 to 5 feet of water and climb to gain better visibility and casting distance.

2. Casting:

   • Cast as far as possible, aiming for areas where the water depth transitions from shallow to deep.

   • Pyramid Lake is known for deep drop-offs close to shore, so targeting these edges increases your chances of intercepting cruising trout.

3. Depth Control:

   • After casting, let the lure sink completely to the bottom before beginning your retrieve. This can take anywhere from 5 to 15 seconds, depending on the weight of your lure and the depth of your target zone.

   • If fishing in shallower water (5-10 feet), begin retrieving after a 5-second sink. For deeper water (15-30 feet), wait 10-15 seconds before starting your retrieve.

   • Periodically pause your retrieve to allow the lure to drop back down if fish are sitting deeper.

Retrieval Speed Based on Season and Water Temperature

1. Cold Water Period (October - February): Slow and Methodical

   • During the colder months, Lahontan Cutthroat Trout are less aggressive and less likely to chase a rapidly moving lure.

   • Use a slow, steady retrieve (approximately 1-2 seconds per crank of the reel).

   • Occasionally pause the retrieve for 2-3 seconds to let the lure flutter and imitate a dying baitfish.

   • When using spoons, gently twitch the rod tip upward every few seconds to create erratic movement that entices strikes.

2. Springtime Pre-Spawn (March - May): Moderate to Fast Retrieval

   • As the water warms, trout become more aggressive and willing to chase faster-moving lures.

   • A moderate retrieve (1 crank per second) works well early in the season.

   • On warmer days, or when trout are feeding actively near the surface, a faster retrieve (1.5-2 cranks per second) can trigger reaction strikes.

   • When using jigs or soft plastics, adding quick, aggressive hops can simulate struggling baitfish and provoke hard strikes.

Proven Techniques to Trigger Strikes

1. The "Hop and Drop" Method (Best for Jigs, Soft Plastics, and Heavy Spoons)

• This technique mimics a wounded baitfish struggling near the bottom, which is highly effective for triggering a predatory response.

• How to do it:

  1. Cast and let the lure sink completely to the bottom.

  2. Lift the rod tip sharply upward (about 1-2 feet) to create a hopping action.

  3. Immediately let the lure fall back down, maintaining slight tension in the line to detect strikes.

  4. Repeat this motion every 3-5 seconds, adjusting based on fish activity.

2. The "Pause and Flutter" Technique (Best for Spoons and Blade Baits)

• This method works exceptionally well with Thomas Buoyant spoons and Acme Kastmasters.

• How to do it:

  1. Cast far and let the lure sink for 5-10 seconds.

  2. Begin a steady retrieve, then pause every 5-10 cranks to let the spoon flutter downward.

  3. Resume retrieving and repeat the pause-flutter cycle.

  4. Most strikes occur during the fall, so be ready to set the hook quickly.

3. The "Slow Roll" Retrieve (Best for Cold Water Conditions)

• Ideal for winter months when trout are lethargic and less aggressive.

• How to do it:

  1. After casting, let the lure hit the bottom.

  2. Begin a very slow, steady retrieve (about 1 crank every 2 seconds).

  3. Occasionally drag the lure along the bottom by lowering the rod tip and reeling even more slowly.

  4. This method works best with jigs and soft plastics like the Zoom Super Fluke.

4. The "Burn and Kill" (Best for Aggressive Fish in Spring)

• This technique triggers reaction strikes by rapidly retrieving the lure and then suddenly stopping.

• How to do it:

  1. Cast and immediately begin a fast retrieve (1.5-2 cranks per second).

  2. After 5-10 seconds, stop reeling completely and let the lure fall.

  3. Repeat this pattern of quick retrieval bursts followed by sudden stops.

  4. Works well with jigs, spoons, and swimbaits.

Key Adjustments Based on Fish Behavior

• If trout are following but not biting: Slow down your retrieve, add more pauses, or switch to a smaller lure.

• If trout are short-striking: Change to a longer soft plastic bait or add a stinger hook to your jig.

• If fish are hitting aggressively but not getting hooked: Switch to a single barbless hook with a wider gap for better hook-ups.

• If the bite is slow: Try changing lure colors or downsizing to a smaller profile.