To fish PowerBait for trout, mold a quarter inch ball of floating dough onto a size 8 to 10 octopus hook and pinch it into a teardrop around the eye so it stays on. Fish it on a slack line off an egg sinker with a 16 to 20 inch fluorocarbon leader, since the buoyant bait floats up off the bottom. Cal Kellogg fishes near shore in under 10 feet of cold winter water, lets the fish run, then reels tight and gently sets. Spike the dough with Power Powder for more bites.
How do I put PowerBait on a hook?
Roll a ball of dough just over a quarter inch across. Insert the hook point, then work the bait around the shank and eye. The key is to pinch it around the eye of the hook so it forms a teardrop rather than a loose ball, which keeps it from sliding off on the cast. Cal uses a single octopus hook rather than a treble.
What rig do I use for PowerBait trout fishing?
Cal runs a light spinning rod spooled with 10 to 15 lb braided line. The main line passes through an egg or bullet sinker from a quarter to a half ounce, then a bead to protect the knot, then a small snap swivel for quick leader changes. Off the swivel he ties a fluorocarbon leader. A VMC octopus hook finishes the rig.
How long should my PowerBait leader be?
PowerBait is buoyant and floats up, so leader length sets how high the bait rides off the bottom. Cal runs 8 lb fluorocarbon, dropping to 6 lb only when the water is very clear and fish are shy. His leaders run 14 to 24 inches, and 16 to 20 inches puts you in the ballpark on most days.
Where do I fish PowerBait for trout in winter?
Fish near shore in 10 feet of water or less, sometimes as shallow as 2 feet, because the shallows warm first and hold more bait. Cal targets pinch points, points, the backs of bays and coves away from boat traffic, mud and sand flats, and small tributaries. He avoids steep banks and sharp drops in cold water.
How do I set the hook when fishing PowerBait?
It is a slack line technique. Fish with a belly in the line, then when a trout takes it, open the bail and let it run. When you are confident it has the bait, close the bail, reel until the line comes tight, and gently set. In very cold water fish may not run at all, so engage the reel, start reeling, and set when you feel weight.
Should I use a treble or single hook for PowerBait?
Cal has always used a single octopus hook. Trebles work but are harder to store and snag on hats and shoes. A single sets deep in the throat on a slack line take, giving a solid connection. If you plan to release fish, cut the line close to the mouth rather than digging the hook out, and the trout will expel it.
Does PowerBait only catch planted trout?
No. It catches wild trout, holdovers, and trophies too. Cal has taken 3 to 4 lb wild rainbows at Shasta on green glitter garlic dough, and the biggest at Collins Lake topped 11 lbs. Spike the bait with Power Powder, a blend of amino acids and bite stimulants, to get the most out of it.
Watch the technique
Fishing PowerBait for trout FAQ
Cal favors rainbow garlic and green garlic dough with glitter or sparkles in it. The rainbow glitter PowerBait is a proven producer, and the garlic scent pays off when the water is cold and stained in winter and early spring.
Yes. Fluorocarbon reflects light at the same rate as water, so it is nearly invisible to the fish. Cal uses 8 lb, dropping to 6 lb in very clear water. Do not skip it just because the water looks stained, because some days it still makes a real difference.
Spinning reels twist line, and braid handles twist without jumping off the spool the way monofilament does. Braid also casts far, lasts longer, and resists sun damage. Cal spools 10 to 15 lb braid, often in bright yellow so he can watch the line for takes.
PowerBait shines when the water is cold and stained, around the high 40s, and especially early and late in the day when trolling is tough. Cal reached for it at Collins Lake at 49 degrees with 18 inches to 2 feet of visibility after heavy winter rain.
Just over a quarter inch ball is plenty. Cal does not use a big giant gob because the dough is expensive and you do not need much. A small teardrop pinched around the eye holds well and catches just as many fish.
Power Powder is Cal's shaker of bite stimulants and amino acids that you roll your PowerBait in before fishing. It boosts the bait and keeps the residue off your hands. He has used it religiously for years.
Shallow. Cal keys on water under 10 feet deep near shore, sometimes only 2 feet, because that is where the water warms first and the plankton and minnows get active. He does not sit a spot longer than 20 to 40 minutes before moving 50 to 100 yards.
