Our Top Pick:
Panther Martin
★★★★★
Best Value:
Rapala Original Floater
★★★★★
Editor’s Choice:
Berkeley Gulp!
★★★★★
Trout lives in streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds as long as the water is clean and cool, and the fish has ample food. In summer, it is common for the fish to go into deeper water to stay cool and avoid predators. However, the water temperature is most favorable for trout in spring and fall, and that is the time many trout anglers head to waters replete with trout. It is common during the rains to find trout teeming in water, heading downstream.
If you are an angler, who wants to catch trout, you should ensure you are equipped with the great lure. With so many different lures in the market, it takes serious research to find the best. Thankfully, you have nothing to worry about as we have shortlisted the 15 best lures for trout fishing to make it easy for you to choose one that best suits your needs.
| Table: 15 Best Lures for Trout | |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Price |
| #1 Panther Martin | Check Price » |
| #2 Rapala Original Floater | Check Price » |
| #3 Berkeley Gulp! | Check Price » |
| #4 Rebel Lures Jointed Minnow Fishing Line | Check Price » |
| #5 Acme Kastmaster | Check Price » |
| #6 Rapala Ultra Light Minnow | Check Price » |
| #7 Worden’s Original Rooster Tails | Check Price » |
| #8 Berkeley Sparkle Power Eggs Floating Magnum | Check Price » |
| #9 Mepps Aglia | Check Price » |
| #10 Dynamic Lures Trout Fishing Lure | Check Price » |
| #11 Blue Fox Classic Vibrax | Check Price » |
| #12 Trout Magnet Original | Check Price » |
| #13 Tasmanian Devil | Check Price » |
| #14 Fishing Ghost Spoon Set – Casper | Check Price » |
| #15 Wooly Bugger | Check Price » |
Best Lures for Trout Reviews
#1. Panther Martin
This lure is colorful and designed to attract trout. The distinctive color stands out in the water, and this increases the chances of hooking a trout. You will also find that the weight distribution in the lure plays a role, as you can cast the fly further than usual, allowing you to catch more trout than you would have caught.
Product Specs
- It comes with three hooks
- Has convex and concave blade for sonic vibrations
- Weighted body
- Made in USA
Why We Recommend This Product
Even though this is a tiny lure, we liked the fact that we can cast it far. The spinning and sonic vibrations help to catch trout and we ended up catching more than we anticipated. The hooks are resilient and strong and do not bend very easily. So, that is a plus point. The lure can be used for trolling, casting the line from the shore, deep lake fishing and short casts in streams.
Pros
- An effective trout fishing lure
- Hooks do not bend very easily
- Copper ensures that the lure is durable and long-lasting
- Weighted lure
Cons
- Can be too small for some anglers
Tip: You can use this trout fishing lure in dirty water without any problem as the distinctive color of the lure is easily visible to the fish.
Info alert: This lure can be used to catch medium and large-sized trout in any water body with relative ease.
#2. Rapala Original Floater
This lightweight trout fishing lure is buoyant and strong so that you can catch a lot of trout. Made from balsa wood, the lure has a profile like a real fish and that is what helps it excel. It fools unsuspecting trout. It comes with three hooks made from nickel and once it snares a fish, the hooks will not come off.
Product Specs
- Nickel hooks
- Made from balsa wood
Why We Recommend This Product
We found that the lure was quite good at catching trout. Also, it is available in a host of patterns, right from classic to bleeding, so anglers have a wide option to choose from. It is resilient, durable, and long-lasting. The nickel hooks do not rust or corrode.
Pros
- Three nickel hooks
- Lightweight
- Buoyant
- Life-like fish profile
Cons
- Some anglers may find the lure too small
Tip: This trout lure is best for use in reservoirs and lakes, where it can be pretty effective.
Info alert: he lure is good enough to catch trout not just in summer, but also in winter without any hassles.
#3. Berkeley Gulp!
If you are looking for soft baits to use in lakes or you want a tackle that you can use with a jig head, this could be just what you need. It is a scented lure that entices trout with its aroma. It also looks life-like, so trout are going to bite it. Just give the Gulp! a little shake and the tail will begin to wriggle, simulating a real, live bait.
Product Specs
- Ideal for trolling and jigging
- Biodegradable
- Measures 2-1/2 inches
- Comes in smelt color
Why We Recommend This Product
We really liked the tail wriggling action that comes with a gentle twitch. If you suspend it to a hook and let it reach the bottom, you will get the desired results. Just remember to lift the rod and reel the slack, allowing the jig to swim back to you. This will get the bait moving. We also like the realistic appearance of the lures.
Pros
- Very effective in catching trout
- Unique movements in the water
- Scented to attract fish
- Realistic color
Cons
- Movements may not be as realistic as other soft baits
- Can fall apart quite easily
Tip: The baits have a shelf life of 4 to 5 months, but it is necessary to seal the packet after each use to ensure this.
Info alert: You can drop short rig these baits and this will ensure a rather realistic movement in the water and also let you have precise control over the depth.
#4. Rebel Lures Jointed Minnow Fishing Line
This trout lure comprises two parts of the body. Thanks to the jointed body, it can ensure a lot of movement in the water. And, that is what makes it an effective trout bait. You can use it for surface fishing or you can cast the line to a depth of two to three feet in smaller streams to get great results.
Product Specs
- Made from hard plastic
- Has three treble hooks
- Glossy and shiny finish
Why We Recommend This Product
We liked the movement capabilities of the lure and we had good results while testing it. You can keep the lure moving with constant twitches of the rod and this will get it wriggling and moving in the water to attract the fish. This is one of the main reasons you will have a fruitful trout fishing trip.
Pros
- Made from hard plastic
- Durable and long-lasting
- Superior movements in the water
- Can be used for multiple fishing techniques
Cons
- Some users may find that the jointed body does not have a straight or true run during retrieval
Tip: Allow the lure to settle in the water and sweep the tip of the fishing rod a few feet to get the lure to move and wriggle in the water to attract the trout.
Info alert: Use a combination of steady cranking and timed hesitations to get the lure to move differently to attract a fish in the vicinity.
#5. Acme Kastmaster
This trout fishing lure is quite heavy, making it the perfect choice for deep lakes and streams and open waters. It is the perfect bait for trolling, and it will impress you with its casting abilities. You can use it in freshwater for trout fishing or enjoy angling in seawater without worrying about rusting and corrosion.
Product Specs
- Stainless steel split ring
- Treble hook
- Gold, chrome, copper or nickel-plated
- Painted finishes are baked to ensure they last
Why We Recommend This Product
We loved the casting ability of the lure and also liked the fact that we could bait some of the different types of trout that inhabit saltwater. The hooks and split ring do not corrode when exposed to saltwater and that is a plus point in our books. We also liked the fact that the shiny and glossy finish attracts trout and can be used effectively with different fishing techniques. The lure is available in a range of colors and weights to suit the needs of the angler.
Pros
- Weighted bait
- Can be used in freshwater and saltwater
- Can be cast far
- Ideal for deep streams and lakes
- Can be used with multiple fishing techniques
Cons
- The plating can wear out over time, causing the flashing and shining to diminish
Tip: For best result, cast the line and allow the bait to sink for about 10 seconds before slowly reeling the line about two times. Wait for a couple for seconds and the movement should help you land a catch.
Info alert: The Kastmaster works best from the lakeshore or boat but you can also use it with ease in rivers and streams to catch pan-size lunkers.
#6. Rapala Ultra Light Minnow
This weighted bait allows you to cast it far and it is amazing considering its size. It is a slow-sinking bait that has a great rolling and twitching activity to help you attract and catch the game fish. It is considered the ideal lure for light as well as ultra-light equipment.
Product Specs
- Stainless steel split ring
- 2 treble hooks
- External scales
- 3D holographic eyes
Why We Recommend This Product
We liked the fact that even though the bait is weighted, it is small in size. It is about 1-1/2 inches in length and 1/8 oz. We also loved the fact that the bait could be cast far even though it is light and small. Another important aspect is that it reaches running depth slowly and steadily, and the movement lures fish to take a bite and get hooked. The holographic eyes and external scales give it a life-like appearance.
Pros
- Weighted body
- Lightweight and convenient to use
- External scales
- Can be cast far
- Amazing movement in the water
- Fantastic lip design
Cons
- The hooks cannot be used in saltwater
Tip: The backing action is responsible for attracting game fish to bite the lure so use it when you are running the bait through the cover.
Info alert: The lure works best in deeper waters and perfect for novice anglers who want to bait rainbow trout.
#7. Worden’s Original Rooster Tails
These lures have been making a name for themselves since the 1950s when they were created by Howard Worden. With the spinning blade along with the vibrantly colored hackle tail that pulsates, you can be certain that trout will not be able to resist this lure.
Product Specs
- Weighted body
- Pulsating hackle tail
- Blade made from silver, brass or copper
- Possible to get lure with a UV finish
Why We Recommend This Product
We recommend this lure for trout fishing because you will consistently catch fish with it. It requires minimal maintenance and adjustment, making it the perfect lure for anglers who do like to tinkle with their lures. The tackle comes with a treble hook that is free-swinging and this works to minimize the leverage of the fish.
Pros
- Unique design
- Pulsating tail
- Sharp hooks
- Spinning blade
- Ideal trout lure
Cons
- At times, the lure can hang up and then get snagged
Tip: It is possible to get the Original Rooster Tails in different colors and sizes. So, you can find one that is perfect for your fishing environment.
Info alert: The vibrantly colored lure works well even in muddy, muddy and weedy waters without any hassles.
#8. Berkeley Sparkle Power Eggs Floating Magnum
If you are used to catching trout with salmon roe then you have to give this trout lure a try. You will find that the lure is more effective and above all, it is durable as well as versatile. You can use the Sparkle Power Eggs on a weighted line and the bait will float without any hassles. You can even chuck it far, knowing that it will not rip off like a worm or dough.
Product Specs
- Comes in a jar
- Available in several scents and colors
- Comes with sparkle scales
Why We Recommend This Product
We liked that this bait is a great alternative to live bait and dough bait. Not only are the scented to attract trout, but they are durable and long-lasting. You can use them in lakes, streams, ponds, and rivers. The sparkle on the eggs shimmers in the sunlight, ensuring that you catch a fish right away.
Related article: Best Powerbait for Trout
Pros
- A great alternative to live bait
- Float and catches the attention of the fish
- Scented and flavored
- Comes with sparkle scales to make it shiny and attractive for fish
- Has a natural presentation
Cons
- The sparkles come off in water so are pointless
Tip: Use egg hooks when using this bait rather than using traditional trout fishing hooks.
Info alert: ake use of the leader length and the number of eggs to control not just the buoyancy but also the height of the Power Eggs.
#9. Mepps Aglia
This trout fishing lure comes with a treble hook, and it starts spinning the moment it lands in water to attract the catch. The attractor sleeves are also brightly colored so you can be certain that the lure will ensure you do not leave without a catch.
Product Specs
- Treble hook
- Stainless steel shaft
- Spinner body
- Concave oval blade
Why We Recommend This Product
This lure made to the 15 best lures for trout because is long-lasting, durable and effective. The brilliant color along with the instantaneous spinning is sure to help you catch more than you imagined. The hook is of good quality and just the right size to ensure you can bait not just small trout, but also the larger ones.
Pros
- Shaft made from heavy-duty stainless steel
- Rust-resistant
- The blade is gold or silver plated, copper, polished brass or coated with epoxy
- Spins in water
Cons
- Deciphering the hook size can be difficult for some buyers
Tip: It is essential to learn how to trail the lure. Once you master it, you will find it easy to catch trout in shallow streams.
Info alert: Retrieval can be jerked or slow and smooth to catch the attention of the fish and make it bite the bait.
#10. Dynamic Lures Trout Fishing Lure
The fish-like design of the lure fools the trout into thinking that it is a real fish and hence, it bites it. The extra-sharp hooks ensure that once you snare the fish, it cannot escape. The bait also emits low rattle-like noise and this helps in baiting the fish with ease.
Product Specs
- Made from ABS plastic
- Multiple rattling BB inner chambers
- Two #10 treble hooks
Why We Recommend This Product
We liked the life-like appearance of the lure and the fact it emits a low frequency rattling noise to attract the fish in the vicinity. It is durable and long-lasting and can take rough handling without showing signs of wear and tear. It can be used for surface fishing and until a depth of two feet.
Pros
- Made from long-lasting and durable ABS plastic
- 2 treble hooks
- BB inner chamber that keeps the lure in an upright position in the water
- Life-like appearance
- Great movement in the water
Cons
- Sometimes, the lures break with constant use
Tip: The lure works not just in moving water, like streams and lakes, but also is effective in lakes and ponds.
Info alert: This lure is designed for trout fishing and it is best to opt for natural, fish color lures to get the best results.
#11. Blue Fox Classic Vibrax
The fish-like design of the lure fools the trout into thinking that it is a real fish and hence, it bites it. The extra-sharp hooks ensure that once you snare the fish, it cannot escape. The bait also emits low rattle-like noise and this helps in baiting the fish with ease.
Product Specs
- Brass gear that is free turning
- 0.625 oz
- Main body made from brass
- Blades are silver or copper plated and painted
Why We Recommend This Product
We liked that it had a free-moving brass gear that prevents the fishing line from twisting. We also found that this fishing lure is quite effective in catching trout, in particular rainbow trout. It is available in four colors and is surprisingly heavy, though you will not feel it.
Pros
- Colorful
- Ability to vibrate
- Prevents line twisting
- Easy to use
Cons
- The colors begin flaking after a few uses
Tip: Ideal for catching rainbow trout in lakes and rivers, but can also be used for catching fish in streams.
Info alert: The double silver and gold lures are the best choice for anyone looking to enjoy catching rainbow trout.
#12. Trout Magnet Original
Made from high-grade plastic, this lure is popular among trout anglers. The lure is designed to look and move like fish fry and larvae, just what the trout love to eat. So, you can be certain that you will have a successful trout fishing trip.
Product Specs
- Size #8 fishing lure
- Shad-dart jigs
- Split-tail worms
- Kit comprises 152 pieces
Why We Recommend This Product
We found that this kit has an amazing color selection of 152 pieces. So, you can choose the color that you like to maximize your catch. The lures look similar to the larvae and crustaceans that trout like, and with the color, it is possible to enjoy a good catch on any day. The lures are resilient, long-lasting and durable.
Pros
- Made from heavy-grade plastic
- Ideal for trout fishing
- Can be used in lakes, streams, and ponds
- Made in USA
Cons
- Some users find it difficult to put the line through the eye
Tip: The hook and body of the lure land horizontally in the water unlike headfirst like what happens with other jigs.
Info alert: The split-tail worms have a slimy coating which ensures that the plastic does not adhere to the mold or the worms to each other. Use cornstarch on your fingertips to ensure proper grip when hooking the lures.
#13. Tasmanian Devil
The movement is similar to that of a wounded fish and this is one of the reasons that the Tasmanian Devil is successful in baiting trout. It is available in a range of colors so anglers can opt for colors that work the best for them. However, it is not the color that makes these lures attractive to the fish. It is the movement that ensures a successful fishing trip.
Product Specs
- Winged technology
- Rust-proof and corrosion-resistant treble hook
- Available in many different colors
Why We Recommend This Product
We loved the winged technology that the lure uses to give it a unique moving action in the water. It is amazing how successful you will be at trout fishing. We found that the pink, rainbow, predator and stinger colored lures tend to have a high success rate.
Pros
- Superior movement
- Available in numerous colors
- Well-built
- Can be used in saltwater and freshwater
- Corrosion-resistant hooks
- Simple and easy to troll and jig
Cons
- Not the best lure for weeded environments
Tip: To make it a more effective trout bait, thread the leader through the lure and trailing bead and then tie to the treble hook.
Info alert: Since the lure tends to get caught to things, it is best to use a swivel to prevent the line from twisting.
#14. Fishing Ghost Spoon Set – Casper
You will find that the lure turns and spins to attract trout in the water. It has a single hook but it is sharp and of high-quality. It is merely 1.6 inches in length and weighs about 5 g but it packs a punch and ensures a great fishing trip.
Product Specs
- 1.6 inches in length
- Colorful trout flashers
- Uniquely shaped turn signals
- Weighs 5g
Why We Recommend This Product
The unique turn signals make it is the perfect bait to use for spin fishing to catch trout. The single hook without barbs actually does have a high bite frequency and we believe it has something to do with the aggressive spinning of the lure. It is lightweight and available in several bright colors, some of which are UV colors.
Pros
- Unique movement in the water
- Turns and spins to attract game fish
- High-quality single hook
- Vibrantly colored flashers
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
Cons
- Some users may find that the hook quality is not optimal
Tip: This lure works well in a stream or river with slight current, which will make the lure undulate and move to attract trout.
Info alert: Though lightweight, make an effort to cast the spoons far and you will get amazing results in all types of fishing environments.
#15. Wooly Bugger
If you enjoy trout fishing, this is one lure you cannot ignore. Ensure you have this lure in your tackle box as you will not regret it. Each lure comes with a single Daiichi hook, which is long-lasting, durable and resilient.
Product Specs
- Single Daiichi hook
- Beaded head
Why We Recommend This Product
The lure has sufficient weight, thanks to the head bed, to ensure it helps you catch trout in any fishing environment. The handmade nymphs look similar to the invertebrates that trout feed on so it acts as a natural bait. You can get this trout fishing lure in different patterns to suit every angler’s requirements.
Pros
- Hand-tied
- Durable Daiichi hook
- Lightweight
- Versatile for different trout fishing environments
Cons
- The lure is not very durable
- The hooks are too small for large trout
Tip: Use the lures cross stream to ensure an eventful and fruitful trout fishing experience.
Info alert: You can use a sinking leader with the lure to ensure you cast the line deep in lakes and streams.
How to Choose the Best Lure for Trout Fishing
If you are new to trout fishing, it can be overwhelming to decide which lure is the best with so many different options. It can be exhausting to browse through the lures and then select one. Thankfully, we have created a buying guide for you so that you know what to look for.
Related article: Robotic fishing lures
Type
Different types of trout have different diets. So, make sure that you have assorted baits and lures to mimic the look, feel, and movement of what a trout likes to eat. Small trout prefer small insects, crustaceans, and larvae while large trout are into fish, large insects, and frogs. So, always opt for baits that look similar to the trout’s preferred diet and have approximately the same size.
Many lures designed to catch trout move and vibrate to create an illusion that it is food and this attracts the trout to attack the bait. Some even move like a wounded or injured fish to ensure optimal results.
Color of the Lure
Brightly colored baits work best in deep and dark waters but in clear water, you may want to opt for a bait that is shiny so that it attracts the attention of the fish and makes it curious enough to come close. After that, the movement will do the rest.
Number of Pieces
Rather than having just one type of lure in your tackle box, aim to have a variety. Remember, trout are moody and the weather conditions also have an effect. So, having different lures of varying colors and sizes should ensure you get the desired result.
Lure Size
It is essential to get the size of the lure right. Remember that compared to other game fish, trout usually is smaller, and hence, it has a smaller mouth. It is best to use a small lure. However, you will find larger trout and under such circumstances, you should opt for a bigger lure. The lure size you use will depend on the depth that the trout is at.
Color of the Lure
Trout has sharp eyesight and hence, you should be colorful and flashing lures to attract them. So, look to use fluorescent and metallic colors in cold and dark fishing conditions while in clear water, the lure should not be that reflective.
Material of the Lure
You will want a lure that is durable and long-lasting. So, opt for lures made from steel, brass, and ABS plastic. Such material will offer you enhanced usability without sustaining damage and wear and tear.
Hooks
The hook should not be too obvious as trout have sharp eyesight and will be able to spy anything out of the ordinary. Ensure that the hook is not too small as it could end up killing the fish. If you want your catch to survive, opt for hook sizes 14 and 16.
Final Verdict
These are the top 15 best lures for trout. Out of these, we feel that the Panther Martin is the best. It is colorful and designed to catch the attention of the trout. The lure is made from copper, ensuring that it is long-lasting and rust-resistant. The hooks are sturdy and the convex and concave blade emits sonic vibrations to attract the trout.
See our other trout related guides:
Updated: February 9, 2023
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