FishUSA Angler Resources

Catch More Trout Today: Discover the Best Trout Lures Every Angler Needs!

By: FishUSA Staff

August 1, 2024

Trout - one of the most sought after game fish in not only the US, but everywhere in the world they inhabit. If you can figure out how to catch them with their finicky eating habits and moody temperament, you’re rewarded with a fish sporting amazing colors and incredible patterns. Despite them being sometimes notoriously difficult to catch, some of the best trout lures are as simple as they come. In this article, we’ll highlight the best trout lures out there and explain why they’re able to make these tough to catch fish tick.

Trout - one of the most sought after game fish in not only the US, but everywhere in the world they inhabit. If you can figure out how to catch them with their finicky eating habits and moody temperament, you’re rewarded with a fish sporting amazing colors and incredible patterns. Despite them being sometimes notoriously difficult to catch, some of the best trout lures are as simple as they come. In this article, we’ll highlight the best trout lures out there and explain why they’re able to make these tough to catch fish tick.

Table of Contents

  • Understanding Trout Fishing
  • Best Trout Lures
  • Spinners
  • Spoons
  • Hair Jigs
  • Trout Worms
  • Crankbaits
  • Soft Plastics
  • Final Thoughts

Understanding Trout Fishing

Trout thrive in various environments, from clear mountain streams to larger rivers and lakes. When choosing trout lures, consider the following:

  • Water Clarity: Clear water calls for natural and subtle colors, while murky water benefits from bright and flashy lures.
  • Trout Species: Different trout species, like rainbow, brown, and brook trout, may prefer different types of lures.

Seasonal Changes: Trout behavior and preferences can vary with the seasons, affecting lure choice.

Best Trout Lures

Spinners

Spinners are compact lures with a rotating blade that creates flash and vibration, attracting trout from a distance.

Recommended Use: Cast across current seams or alongside structures and retrieve with a steady or varied speed.

Our Top Picks

Why Spinners Are Effective

The spinning blade generates both visual and vibrational cues, which can attract trout even in murky waters. Their simplicity and effectiveness make them a staple in any angler's tackle box.

Tips for Using Spinners

  1. Vary Retrieve Speed: Change your retrieve speed to find the most effective presentation.
  2. Target Current Edges: Focus on areas where fast and slow water meet, as trout often hold there waiting for food to drift by.
  3. Experiment with Blade Colors: Different colored blades can make a big difference depending on the light and water conditions.

Spoons

Spoons are known for their wobbling motion and reflective surface, mimicking the movements of injured baitfish.

Recommended Use: Cast upstream and let the spoon flutter down with the current, then retrieve with varying speeds.

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Why Spoons Are Effective

Spoons are versatile and can be used in various water conditions. Their unique shape allows them to reflect light and create vibrations, attracting trout from a distance.

Tips for Using Spoons

  1. Adjust Weight: Use heavier spoons in strong currents to maintain control and reach deeper areas.
  2. Vary Retrieval: Experiment with different retrieval speeds and techniques, such as jigging or steady cranking, to entice bites.
  3. Color Selection: Bright colors work well in murky water, while silver or gold finishes are ideal for clear water.

Hair Jigs

Hair jigs are crafted with natural or synthetic hair, providing lifelike movement in the water.

Recommended Use: Bounce along the bottom near rocks and structures.

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Why Hair Jigs Are Effective

The natural movement of hair jigs mimics small baitfish or insects, making them particularly appealing to trout. They can be fished slowly, making them effective in cold water when trout are less active.

Tips for Using Hair Jigs

  1. Slow and Steady: Use a slow and steady retrieve to make the jig's movement appear natural.
  2. Add Scent: Enhance the jig's appeal by adding a bit of fish attractant.
  3. Focus on Structure: Target areas with rocks, logs, and other structures where trout are likely to hide.

Trout Worms

Trout worms are soft plastic baits that mimic the appearance and movement of natural worms.

Recommended Use: Rig on a small hook or jig head and fish near the bottom or under a float.

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Why Trout Worms Are Effective

Trout worms provide a natural presentation that trout find hard to resist. Their soft texture and lifelike movement make them effective in various water conditions.

Tips for Using Trout Worms

  1. Natural Presentation: Rig the worm in a way that allows it to move naturally with the current.
  2. Use Light Line: Lighter line can make the presentation more subtle and appealing.
  3. Combine with a Float: Use a float to keep the worm at the desired depth, especially in moving water.

Crankbaits

Crankbaits mimic the action of injured baitfish, attracting trout with their lifelike wobbling motion.

Recommended Use: Cast upstream and retrieve with the current to cover more water.

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Why Crankbaits Are Effective

Crankbaits cover a wide range of depths and water conditions. Their built-in action and ability to dive make them suitable for exploring different sections, from shallow banks to deeper pools.

Tips for Using Crankbaits

  1. Vary Retrieval Speed: Adjust your retrieval speed to find what triggers the most strikes.
  2. Bounce Off Structures: Allow the crankbait to deflect off rocks and submerged objects to create erratic movements.
  3. Use the Right Depth: Choose crankbaits with different diving depths to match the specific areas you are fishing.

Soft Plastics

Soft plastic lures like grubs, swimbaits, and worms offer lifelike action and can be rigged in various ways.

Recommended Use: Use a jig head or Texas rig for effective bottom bouncing.

Our Top Picks

Why Soft Plastics Are Effective

Soft plastics mimic a wide range of prey species, from worms to small fish. Their realistic texture and movement make them appealing to trout, especially in pressured or clear waters.

Tips for Using Soft Plastics

  1. Match the Hatch: Choose colors and shapes that resemble local prey.
  2. Use Scented Baits: Scented soft plastics can attract more bites in certain conditions.
  3. Rigging Techniques: Experiment with different rigging methods to find the most effective presentation.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best lures for trout fishing involves understanding the environment and the preferences of the trout you're targeting. By considering the factors discussed in this guide and experimenting with different lures, you can increase your chances of a successful and enjoyable trout fishing experience. Whether you're after rainbow, brown, or brook trout, the right lure can make all the difference.

Remember, the key to successful trout fishing is not only the lure you choose but also your ability to adapt and learn from each outing. Tight lines and happy fishing!

Shop Trout Fishing Gear

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  • Trout Attractants & Cures