Warmer weather has finally returned and along with it water temperatures have started to rise. For anglers, spring usually clouds our thoughts with the craving for a big mess of crappie, but there’s one other species who’s time has come.

For those who may have forgotten, the Everyday Pond on the campus of Missouri Western State University was stocked with more than 800 rainbow trout ranging in size from 10 inches to a whopping 24 inches.

While trout fishing is strictly catch and release throughout the fall and winter, anglers may keep up to their daily limit of four rainbow trout from Feb. 1 to Oct. 15. Interested anglers need only have a valid Missouri fishing license (or be exempt) along with a trout permit, which costs $7 and can be purchased at any permit vendor.

The trout in the Everyday Pond, like those in more than 20 other winter trout parks in Missouri, enjoy cooler water temperatures. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, trout have an average lifespan of four years and thrive in cold streams and lakes where water temperatures generally remain less than 70 degrees.

As many of the trout stocked in the Everyday Pond won’t tolerate the summer water temperatures in the Everyday Pond and other winter trout parks, anglers are encouraged to take their daily legal limits and enjoy a meal of fresh-caught rainbow trout.

Those wanting to take advantage of this opportunity must learn to adapt their normal fishing techniques used for species in the region. While stronger rods and reels and heavier line may work for bass, catfish and panfish, trout are a bit more finicky.

Trout fishing doesn’t require a lot of expensive gear, but anglers will need to forgo their heavy-action rods and opt for something a little lighter. Rainbow trout are very picky about taking a lure or bait, and often the bite or nibble is very faint. Lighter action rods and reels are a must with, even more importantly, a light line or leader.

While 6- to 12-pound test line work well for other species in this region, the majority of trout won’t take a second look at any offering unless it’s presented on a minimum of 4-pound test line or — even better — a leader of 2-pound test or smaller.

Baits and lures also should be presented in the most natural way possible. While a blue gill may bite a worm threaded right onto a hook, trout will often snub such an offering.

This is another reason to pursue rainbow trout right now. The limitation on lures is lifted during the period where fish can be kept. During the catch-and-release period, only artificial lures, unscented plastic lures and flies may be used. After Feb. 1, anglers are allowed to use any natural bait along with other scented plastic lures.

When selecting your offering, keep in mind that rainbow trout are carnivorous and commonly feed on insects, crayfish, crustaceans, snails and other small fish. Rainbow trout rely on both their sense of sight and smell to detect food.

There also are a wide variety of colorful, commercially prepared scented baits that are very effective for catching trout, such as synthetic salmon eggs, pastes and insect imitations. For those wanting a more homemade approach, many trout have fallen to a mixture of Velveeta-type cheese and bread.

While rainbow trout are known to be most active at dawn and dusk, persistent anglers can catch them throughout the day. Remember that trout often strike very lightly, so keep a tight line and be prepared to set the hook at the slightest twitch.