[njflyfisher]

I've always heard if you see a fish the fish most likely see's you. Those big fish are pretty smart if you can see them. You also mentioned your fishing your trout magnet 6-8 inches below your float. You got to get your lure deep to where the fish sit. Early mornings fish will usually lay on the bottom and you have to get your lure there to get any hits. As the water warms up the fish can move up in the water column.
If you really want to catch a trout you might have to fish those popular holes. Learn to read the river and you will have more success. I've also realized that smaller presentations are also better. Stocked trout fishing isn't that hard. It wont be long until you get the hang of it. GoodLuck