Rouge River Rainbows

[Rayomatic]

Yesterday I was wading around in the Rouge and saw tons of big rainbows (I think) and carp hanging around a few pools (also saw a massive dead fish that I think was a salmon...see pic).

Came at them from downstream and cast a nightcrawler ahead of them, but no bites. Tried a Mepps Aglia, dropshot with plastic minnow, etc. and still nothing. Was using a bigger hook (#4 or 5 maybe?) and 30# moss green braid.

For fun I walked up close behind and dangled the worm in front of one fish's face, right around its mouth, and still nothing! It didn't flinch.

I also spooked something massive that took off upstream and thrashed violently in the shallow rocks before reaching some deeper water. Judging from its power, I assume it was a salmon. The carp and rainbows didn't spook like that at all unless I got really close or made a racket.

Amazingly frustrating to see so many big fish that I could get so close to I could practically touch them, yet not get a single bite. I'm really new to trout/salmon fishing...what can get them to bite this time of year?