The Best Trout Spoons: Top Picks for Trout Fishing Success

By: FishUSA Staff

August 22, 2024

Fishing spoons are an essential part of any angler’s tackle box, especially when targeting trout. Unlike your dining utensils, fishing spoons are specialized lures designed to mimic the movement of swimming or injured baitfish. Their unique shape and action trigger the predatory instincts of trout, leading to aggressive strikes. With a vast array of styles, colors, and sizes available, choosing the best trout spoon can be overwhelming. This guide will highlight six of the top trout spoons that have proven to be highly effective for catching trout in various conditions.

Best Spoons for Trout

Acme Kastmaster Spoon

Acme Little Cleo Spoon

Acme Phoebe Spoon

Luhr Jensen Krocodile Spoon

Eppinger Dardevle Spoon

Thomas Buoyant Spoon

Final Thoughts

Best Spoons for Trout

Acme Kastmaster Spoon

The Acme Kastmaster is one of the most iconic trout spoons on the market, and for good reason. Its simple yet effective design imitates a minnow’s profile, creating a tight wobble that drives trout wild. This lure’s aerodynamic shape allows for long casts, even with smaller sizes, making it ideal for reaching deep-holding trout without additional weight.

Buy Acme Kastmaster Spoon

Key Features

Design: Flat-angled front profile for a realistic swimming action.
Sizes: Available in a wide range of sizes, from 1/32 oz. for small trout to 3/4 oz. for larger species like salmon and steelhead.
Colors: Popular color options include Chrome/Chartreuse, Chrome/Neon Blue Stripe, and standard Chrome, along with Gold and Copper for varied water conditions.

Best Use

The Kastmaster excels in deep water and fast currents. Its tight wobble and fast sink rate make it perfect for targeting trout in lakes, rivers, and streams. A quick retrieve can imitate an injured baitfish, triggering aggressive strikes.

Acme Little Cleo Spoon

Another classic from Acme Tackle Company, the Little Cleo Spoon has a long-standing reputation for catching big trout, particularly rainbow trout and steelhead. Its traditional spoon shape creates an erratic wobble that mimics the natural movement of prey, making it irresistible to predatory fish.

Buy Acme Little Cleo Spoon

Key Features

Design: Available in both smooth and hammered finishes for added versatility.
Sizes: Ranges from 1/8 oz. for smaller trout to 1 1/4 oz. for larger game fish.
Colors: Must-have colors include Nickel Neon Blue, Nickel Neon Green, and Nickel Black Stripe. Glow finishes are also available for night fishing.

Best Use

The Little Cleo is perfect for casting in larger rivers and lakes. Its fluttering action on the drop and erratic wobble on the retrieve make it highly effective in both shallow and deep water. It’s also a great choice for night fishing, especially with glow-in-the-dark finishes.

Acme Phoebe Spoon

The Acme Phoebe Spoon is a highly realistic baitfish imitator, featuring a unique curved body and protruding fins that create a lifelike wobble. Although it may not be as well-known as the Kastmaster or Little Cleo, the Phoebe Spoon is a hidden gem that consistently produces results.

Buy Acme Phoebe Spoon

Key Features

Design: Unique curved body with hammered texture for enhanced realism.
Sizes: Lightweight, making it ideal for small water trout fishing.
Colors: Metallic Perch, Brown Trout, and Copper are top choices, especially in stained water.

Best Use

The Phoebe Spoon is particularly effective for targeting aggressive species like brown trout. It’s a great option for ice fishing, jigging, and casting in smaller streams and creeks. The Phoebe’s lifelike action often outperforms other lures, making it a must-have in your tackle box.

Luhr Jensen Krocodile Spoon

The Luhr Jensen Krocodile Spoon is designed for targeting larger predators, including trophy-sized trout. Its elongated shape and heavy weight make it ideal for deep water fishing, where big fish are often found.

Buy Luhr Jensen Krocodile Spoon

Key Features

Design: Long, skinny profile mimics large baitfish.
Sizes: Available in lengths exceeding 3 inches, perfect for attracting big trout and other large game fish.
Colors: Features a small red paddle near the treble hook to simulate a bleeding baitfish.

Best Use

The Krocodile Spoon excels in deep lakes and reservoirs where large trout hunt for bigger prey. Its slow, hypnotic wobble and realistic red paddle make it a top choice for anglers seeking trophy fish. It’s also highly durable, standing up to rocks, submerged structures, and fish teeth.

Eppinger Dardevle Spoon

The Eppinger Dardevle Spoon is one of the most recognized fishing lures in history. With over a century of success, this spoon has earned its place as a staple in every angler’s tackle box. The Dardevle’s classic shape and versatility make it effective for a wide range of fishing conditions.

Buy Eppinger Dardevle Spoon

Key Features

Design: Classic spoon shape with a wide range of color options.
Sizes: Available in sizes from 1/4 oz. to 1 oz., suitable for both casting and trolling.
Colors: The Red/White Stripe is a must-have, along with Chartreuse/Green Stripe and Chartreuse/Fluorescent Orange Diamonds for stained water.

Best Use

The Dardevle is a true all-rounder, effective in both fresh and saltwater. Whether casting from shore, trolling, or fishing in rivers, this spoon delivers consistent results. It’s particularly effective in stained water where visibility is low.

Thomas Buoyant Spoon

The Thomas Buoyant Spoon has been a favorite among trout anglers for decades. Known for its erratic wobble and ability to maintain action at slow retrieve speeds, the Buoyant Spoon is a reliable choice for both small water and larger bodies of water.

Buy Thomas Buoyant Spoon

Key Features

Design: Asymmetrical bend and offset cutouts create an erratic, irresistible wobble.
Sizes: The 1/6 oz. and 1/4 oz. sizes are ideal for small trout, while the 1/2 oz. and 5/8 oz. sizes are perfect for bigger fish.
Colors: Offers unique color options with different finishes on each side of the lure.

Best Use

The Thomas Buoyant Spoon is versatile, working well in mountain creeks, small rivers, and larger lakes. It’s particularly effective for targeting rainbow and brook trout. The Buoyant’s slow retrieve capability makes it a great choice for fishing in cold water or during early spring.

Final Thoughts

Trout fishing with spoons offers a dynamic and rewarding experience, especially when you have the right lures in your tackle box. The six spoons highlighted in this guide have stood the test of time, consistently outperforming newer lures on the market. Whether you’re targeting small stream trout or hunting for trophy-sized fish, these spoons should be at the top of your list.

Remember, while having the right spoon is important, success in trout fishing also depends on understanding the conditions, water clarity, and the behavior of the trout you’re targeting. With these spoons and a little bit of knowledge, you’ll be well on your way to landing more trout on your next fishing adventure.

Shop Trout Fishing Tackle