Finding trout is the most important key in catching them. Consistently finding trout means understanding how the trout themselves behave, how they interact with their stream environment, and how they interact with – or, more properly, react to – fishermen.
John Merwin, The New American Trout Fishing
In the dance of angler and trout, do what you like and the fish will follow. Trout fishing has its blue-ribbon waters, rivers like the Blackfoot, the Madison, the San Juan, and the Battenkill. In trouser trout angling, quality streams are the good places to meet men, some of which may have been recommended by your mother.
If you like to dance, go to dances or dance lessons. There are plenty of other dance opportunities besides the “singles” variety. You’ll find all sorts of different trout populating swing dances, country western clubs, folk dances, contra dances, tango soirees, square dances and more. You’re likely to find athletic rainbow trout, graylings and perhaps a few golden trout in these streams.
If you like to camp or hike but don’t have buddies to go with, join the Sierra Club or other outdoor groups – some are remarkable trout markets. Many universities and colleges offer low-cost extension classes that combine learning with a great outdoor experience. Some even organize trips just for fun. The outdoorsy rainbow, some brown trout, whitefish, and salmon are likely candidates here.
If you like popular science, check out the local astronomy club. Star parties provide a great excuse to get close to a man in the dark (“Ooh, let me look in that telescope!”). Computer user group meetings bring all sorts of smart folks together.
Archeology, zoology, biology, all the scientific fields hold opportunities for learning and meeting a good catch. The intellectual whitefish and the nice guy lake trout are likely lurking in these streams.
If you’ve got a spiritual nature, attend a church, synagogue, mosque, or whatever suits your religious leaning. You could hook a trout for a match made in heaven with a salmon, lake trout, or cutthroat.
At the very least, you’ll get a break from your busy schedule to relax and gain some valuable perspective reflecting on life. An attitude of gratitude can really lift your spirits, and may clarify your vision.
Go out and learn something! Learn to play guitar in a group, take art or history lessons, sharpen your business skills, or perhaps indulge in a wine appreciation class.
In addition to learning something new, you may also experience personal growth and insights, a nice by-product of taking a class. You’ll find whitefish galore, and many other types of trout, depending on the kind of class you take.
Join a club or volunteer with any kind of organization that brings people of common interests together. There are clubs and organizations devoted to just about any activity you’d care to name, and coed groups are good for meeting all kinds of trout.
Professional organizations are rich with brown trout, sea trout and whitefish, even golden trout. Parents Without Partners can be loaded with brookies. The YMCA or health clubs are a good source for rainbows or any type of trout concerned about staying in shape.
Don’t overlook the connections that friends and co-workers can provide. Your friends won’t deliberately steer you wrong, if they are indeed true friends. And your co-workers have no reason to hook you up with an Other Fish in the Sea, unless you’ve been a jerk on the job.
By going to places to do things you like to do, you’re likely find a similarly inclined trout. Bingo! You can hook up because you have something in common. In doing whatever we enjoy, we find others who enjoy it too. Chances are you’d probably enjoy doing whatever it is together.