Fishing for trout is fun! But to catch more fish, you need the right fishing lures for trout. There are so many kinds. How do you choose? This guide will help you pick the best fishing lures for trout. We will look at five things: performance, price, durability, brand, and what other people say. We will also talk about when and where to use each lure. This helps you pick the right one for your fishing trip.
This guide is made for people in North America. We will think about the weather, lakes, rivers, and rules in the U.S. and Canada. Let’s get started!
Performance means how good the lure is at catching fish. A good lure looks and moves like real food. Trout eat bugs, small fish, and worms. Your lure should act like one of these.
Top Lures by Performance:
- Spincast Spoons: These shiny lures spin in the water. They flash like a small fish. They work great in rivers and lakes. Good for spring and fall.
- Inline Spinners: Like the Mepps Aglia or Blue Fox. They spin and make noise. Trout can hear and see them. Great in clear or slightly dirty water.
- Soft Plastics: These are fake worms or grubs. Use them with a small weight. They move slow and look real. Good for deep or still water.
- Crankbaits: These dive under the water and wiggle. They look like little fish. Best in lakes with deep spots.
- Fly Lures (for spinning rods): Some lures look like bugs on the water. They are light and float. Good in calm rivers where trout eat bugs.
Tip: If the water is clear, use small, natural colors. If the water is dark or fast, use bright colors like red or chartreuse.
You don’t need to spend a lot to catch trout. But cheap lures may not last. Let’s see how much each type costs.
| Lure Type | Average Price | Is It Worth It? |
|---|---|---|
| Spincast Spoon | $2 – $5 | Yes – works in many places |
| Inline Spinner | $3 – $7 | Yes – one of the best for trout |
| Soft Plastics | $2 – $4 (pack of 5) | Yes – cheap and works well |
| Crankbait | $5 – $10 | Sometimes – best for big lakes |
| Popper Lures | $4 – $8 | Only if fish are near the top |
Best Value: Inline spinners and soft plastics. They cost little but catch lots of fish.
Rule of Thumb: Start with 3–5 lures. Try them out. See what works. Then buy more of the best ones.
Some lures break fast. Others last for years. Durability matters if you fish a lot.
- Spoons and Spinners: Very strong. Made of metal. Can hit rocks and still work.
- Soft Plastics: Can tear if you get stuck on a rock or log. But they are cheap to replace.
- Crankbaits: The lips can break if you drop them or hit a tree.
- Poppers: The hooks can bend. But most come with strong hooks.
Tip: Keep your lures in a box. Don’t toss them in your pocket. This helps them last longer.
Most Durable: Spoons and inline spinners. Great for rocky rivers.
Some brands are trusted by anglers. They make good lures that catch fish.
Top Brands for Fishing Lures for Trout:
- Mepps: Famous for spinners. Made in the USA. Lasts a long time. The Mepps Aglia is a top pick.
- Acme: Makes the Kastmaster spoon. It’s shiny and works in almost any water.
- Rapala: Known for crankbaits. Looks very real. Sinks and wiggles like a hurt fish.
- Zoom: Makes soft plastics. The Mini Maggot is a classic. Many trout have been caught on it.
- Strike King: Makes good crankbaits and spinners. Trusted by many pros.
Are Big Brands Worth It?
Yes, most of the time. They test their lures a lot. But some cheaper brands (like FireLine or Piscifun) also work well. Just check the reviews.
We looked at real reviews from fishing sites and stores like Bass Pro Shops and Amazon. Here’s what people say:
- Mepps Aglia Spinner: “I’ve used this for 10 years. Catches trout every time.”
- Acme Kastmaster: “Great for rivers. I caught 5 trout in one hour.”
- Zoom Mini Maggot: “Small but deadly. Works in ponds and streams.”
- Rapala Countdown: “Dives deep. Good for cold water in spring.”
Bad Reviews: Some cheap lures have weak hooks. They bend or break. Always check the hook quality.
Tip: Read reviews before buying. Look for ones that say “catches trout” or “works in rivers.”
Where you fish changes what lure you should use.
1. Fast Rivers
- Use: Spoons or inline spinners
- Why: They can cut through strong water.
- Try: Acme Kastmaster (1/8 oz) or Mepps Aglia (size 0 or 1)
- Tip: Cast upstream and let the lure bounce down.
2. Calm Streams
- Use: Small spinners or soft plastics
- Why: Trout see small food here.
- Try: Mepps Black Fury or Zoom Mini Maggot on a 1/32 oz jig
- Tip: Move slow. Let the lure drift like a real bug.
3. Deep Lakes
- Use: Crankbaits or heavy spoons
- Why: Trout go deep when it’s hot or cold.
- Try: Rapala Countdown CD-3 or Johnson Silver Minnow
- Tip: Count how many seconds it takes to sink. Fish at that depth.
4. Shallow Ponds
- Use: Popper lures or floating crankbaits
- Why: Trout look at the surface for bugs.
- Try: Rebel Pop-R or Mister Twister Shad
- Tip: Twitch the rod tip. Make the lure “pop” on the surface.
5. After Rain or Cloudy Days
- Use: Bright colors (red, yellow, chartreuse)
- Why: Less light = harder to see. Bright lures stand out.
- Try: Orange or glow-in-the-dark soft plastics.
Before you go, check the rules:
- You need a fishing license in every U.S. state and Canadian province.
- Some places ban live bait. Lures are always allowed.
- Catch-and-release areas: Use barbless hooks to protect the fish.
- Size and number limits: You can’t keep too many or too small trout.
Check your local fish and wildlife site for rules. It’s easy to find online.
- Start Simple: Buy 3 lures: a spoon, a spinner, and a soft plastic.
- Match the Water: Clear water = natural colors. Murky water = bright colors.
- Fish Slow: Trout like slow-moving food. Don’t rush the lure.
- Try Different Depths: Use a heavier lure to go deeper.
- Keep Your Hooks Sharp: Dull hooks don’t catch fish. Check them often.
Here are the top 3 fishing lures for trout in North America:
- Mepps Aglia Spinner (Size 0 or 1)
- – Best all-around lure
- – Works in rivers, lakes, and streams
- – Trusted by pros and kids alike
- Acme Kastmaster (1/8 oz)
- – Great for rivers and cold water
- – Super shiny and tough
- – One of the most used lures in the U.S.
- Zoom Mini Maggot (White or Chartreuse)
- – Super cheap and effective
- – Use with a small jig head
- – Perfect for small streams and ponds
These three lures will help you catch trout in most places.
Finding the best fishing lures for trout is easy when you know what to look for. Think about how well it works, how much it costs, how long it lasts, the brand, and what others say. Match the lure to where you’re fishing. Use spoons in rivers, soft plastics in streams, and crankbaits in lakes.
Start with a few good lures. Try them out. See what works best for you. Soon, you’ll know the best lure for every trip.
Now go catch some trout!
