Originally Posted by
Ornery Bob
My vote is Friday as well. If you watch the videos made by the trout hatchery people who supply SARL, you'll learn that they do not feed the fish for a few days before shipping them so the water in the truck stays cleaner. They arrive hungry and the less chance they have to feed before seeing your bait, the better.
When the bait is just sitting there, trout have plenty of time to check it out before they decide to bite and smell matters. Even if your bait is garlic scented, as soon as you touch it, you've added your smell to the mix. By dipping it in garlic after handling it, you cover your smell.
Don't expect to just show up and catch fish. Lots of people get skunked at SARL. You've got to be on your game and you've got to think ultralight. I use a 2 lb leader and would never go higher than 4 lb.
As others have said, check the board for recommended baits or ask in the bait shop. The folks there want you to catch fish and they will give you the straight dope on what's working.
Also, don't forget that fluorocarbon line sinks, so if you're using fluorocarbon leader, be sure to check your bait in the water before you cast out to make sure it really is floating. For mice tails, I use mono leader because they don't float by much and even the slight weight of the leader can sink them. Bright colors seem to work best.
Good luck!