BEGINNER SCOUTING FOR AN OPENING DAY SPOT by Jeff Woleslagle photos by the author S uccess on the opening day of trout season often comes down to location. Choosing the correct starting spot for the 8:00 a.m. opening day of trout season can make a big difference in an angler's success. To get a good handle on where a great location may be, start walking along stocked streams in your area a few days before trout season. Wear neutral-colored clothing to avoid startling fish and polarized sunglasses to help see through the surface glare. If the water is clear, you should find holes that are holding fish and get an idea of how the trout are orienting themselves. Sometimes, fish will be congregated toward the tail of a pool, but many times they will be stacked in the main pool itself. Once fish are located, make mental notes of the ideal location to cast. Consider room to make the casts and think about where other anglers may set up. Scout smaller holes and pockets along a stream as well. Trout often disperse widely after stocking. Many times you can find small groups of fish holding in these areas between pools and swifter water. It is good to always have more than one spot in mind for options. One opening day, a few years ago, steady rain fell the day before in the area I wanted to fish. The low-lying stream that meandered through farm country was a raging torrent of brown water. With high water 8 Pennsylvania Angler & Boater fishandboat.com By scouting streams just prior to trout season, anglers can locate places where beautiful golden Rainbow Trout may be holding.