Trout is considered by many, to be one of the most sought-after fish in the world. They are a highly diverse species of fish, that can be found in lakes, streams, ponds, and rivers. It is because of their diversity, that there is a large selection of different lures to choose from. What may work for trout in one particular region, may not work in another area. As result, it is important for any angler to have a variety of different lures to choose from.
Floating Lures
Floating lures are specially designed lures, which are lightweight and buoyant. They are designed to dive when reeled in, but when the line is left slacked, they will rise back to the surface. For many anglers, using floating lures is considered to be an art form.
1) Rapala Original Floater
Key Features
- Nickel Plated Hooks
- Made from Real Wood
Why It Made the Cut
The Rapala is one of the original floating lures, and can be found in just about every tackle box. They come in a wide variety of patterns that make them perfect for just about any fishing condition. The best part is, is that the nickel-plated Hooks will never rust or corrode on you.
Pros
- Three Hooks
- Lightweight
- Floats
- Realistic Profile
Cons
- A Bit on the Small Side
Product Description
The Rapala has been around for quite some time, yet it is still one of the most popular lures for any angler. Each one of the lures is designed to mimic a wounded minnow, which quickly attracts the attention of any hungry trout. The balsa wood design allows the lure to float out of the way of potential obstructions in the water, which prevents the possibility of snagging. With its large selection of colors and patterns to choose from, anglers should keep several of them in their tackle box at all times.
Jerkbait
Jerkbait gets their name from the way they are presented. They are designed to act a certain way when an angler jerks on the line. Jerkbait is one of the most common lures and any angler’s tackle box.
2) The Smithwick Suspending Rattlin Rogue
Key Features
- Long Casting
- Many Ways to Fish
Why It Made the Cut
There are a number of popular jerkbaits available today, but none of them are as effective as the Rogue. This lure has been around for quite some time and features the right combination of jerking action and suspension, that draws the attention of large trout.
Pros
- Large Fishing Area
- Perfect for Large Trout
Cons
- Not for Beginners
- Hard to Remove Hooks
- Snags A Lot
Product Description
The Rogue is one of the most popular jerkbait designs available on the market today. Unlike other similar lures, the head of the bait is larger, which creates more wobble than other lures. This wobble is what really calls the attention of larger trout. With 3 treble hooks located on the underside, you are guaranteed more opportunities to snag a fish. While some anglers do not like all of the hooks, they do play an important role in the sinking ability of the lure.
Flies and Tails
The best way to mimic insects is to fish using flies. While flies are most commonly associated with flyfishing, they can also be cast out and reeled in on a traditional setup. When done properly, fishing with flies is one of the most effective ways to catch a trophy trout.
3) Wooly Bugger
Key Features
- Single Hook
- Beaded Head
Why It Made the Cut
The Wooly Bugger is a well-balanced and designed lure, that is perfect for fishing and just about any environment. Each of the handmade nymphs is designed to look just like the invertebrates that trout are known to feed on. As a result, it works just like natural bait.
Pros
- Tied by Hand
- Quality Daiichi Hook
- Lightweight
- Versatile Design
Cons
- Lure Is Not Durable
- Too Small for Large Trout
Product Description
The Wooly Bugger is a well-known and respected artificial fly, that is perfect for fishing on or just below the surface of the water. It can be used for both fresh and saltwater fishing but is best when used for fishing in streams, ponds, rivers, lakes, as well as tidal flats. They are an excellent choice when it comes to fishing for smaller trout.
4) Worden’s Original Rooster Tails
Key Features
- Weighted Body
- Pulsating Tail
- Made from Quality Metal
- Available in UV Finish
Why It Made the Cut
The Original Rooster Tail provides consistent results with minimal adjustment, which makes it one of the best lures for trout. Each rooster tail comes complete with a free-swinging trouble hook, which is important to minimize the amount of leverage that a fish can use to break free.
Pros
- Popular Design
- Pulsating Tail
- Treble Hooks
- Spinner
- Ideal for Beginners
Cons
- Easily Snagged
Product Description
The original Rooster Tail has been around since the 1950s. It is one of the most popular spinners in the world and is known for its ability to attract just about any type of trout. With its popular hackle tail and spinning action, it will entice just about any fish to take a bite. You can find the Rooster Tail in 135 colors and 10 different sizes.
Beads
Trout just love eating fish eggs. They do not care if it is the eggs of another trout, or of another species of fish. Fishing with synthetic eggs is a very popular way of attracting trout year-round. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, with beads being the most common.
5) The Trout Bead
Key Features
- Basic Presentation
- Wide Variety of Colors
- Wide Variety of Sizes
Why It Made the Cut
While there are a number of different ways to catch lake trout, nothing entices a trout quite like fish eggs. They simply cannot get enough of it, which is why the Trout Bead is the perfect choice for just about any angler.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Highly Effective
- Affordable
Cons
- Requires Special Equipment to Fish
Product Description
Trout Beads are a popular way of imitating fish eggs, which are a very popular delicacy for many trout. These beads come in a wide variety of sizes and colors, which makes them perfect for catching fish of all sizes. When properly attached above the hook, they are capable of enticing any trout to grab a hold of. However, you will need some specialized equipment in order to fish with Trout Beads.
Soft Jigs
Jigs are a very popular choice for anglers, due to the wide variety of shapes and colors that are available. The jig consists of a head with a hook attached to it and a soft rubber or silicone body that slides over the hook. They are designed to look and act like worms, grubs, frogs, as well as lizards, and other terrestrial creatures.
6) The Trout Magnet
Key Features
- Easy to Rig
- Standard Sizes
- Large Color Selection
Why It Made the Cut
It is the shape of the Trout Magnet’s head that makes it so unique. It is able to easily swim and dart through the water with ease, and its natural action grabs the attention of trout and entices them to grab hold.
Pros
- Very Easy to Use
- Affordable
Cons
- Reduced Fishing Area
- Can Only Do One Thing
Product Description
The Trout Magnet features a dart-style head with a large selection of mealworm-shaped bodies that can be swapped out in seconds. The soft bodies, come in a wide variety of different colors, in order to adapt to any fishing condition. This particular lure should generally be used with a float or bobber and positioned in a way so as to drift just below the surface of the water.
7) White Tube Jig
Key Features
- Soft Plastic Body
- Large Color Selection
- Great for Jigging
Why It Made the Cut
While most lures are designed for fishing during the spring, summer, and fall, the White Tube Jig is specifically designed for fishing during the winter. When it comes to catching lake trout through the ice, nothing performs better than the White Tube Jig.
Pros
- Effective
- Easy to Present
- Affordable
Cons
- Can Make Fish Wary
- Easily Torn by Trout
Product Description
The White Tube Jig is one of the most popular ice fishing jigs on the market today. The classic 4-inch design has been known to catch some of the largest lake trout imaginable. They can be used in a wide variety of ways, which makes them perfect for just about any environment. The most popular way to fish with the White Tube Jig is through deadsticking. When ice is covering the lake, nothing attracts the attention of a hungry trout quite like this jig.
Spinners
Spinners are a group of fishing lures that use metal blades that spin when pulled through the water. This results in the creation of a combination of flashes and vibrations that mimic wounded minnows. Spinners can be found in a number of forms, such as “in-line”, “tail-spinner”, and “safety pin” styles.
8) Mepps Aglia
Key Features
- Treble Hook
- Stainless Shaft
Why It Made the Cut
When it comes to the perfect spinner, nothing beats the Mepps Aglia. This well-designed lure is both effective and durable. It features brilliant colors and smooth spinning action that is perfect for attracting the attention of all sizes of trout.
Pros
- Heavy-Duty Stainless-Steel Shaft
- Rust Resistant
- Plated Spinner Blade
- Epoxy Coating for Durability
Cons
- Hook Sizes Can Be Difficult to Understand
Product Description
The Mepps Aglia is considered by many, to be the number one lure in the world. Over the years, more anglers have caught trophy fish using this spinner than any other lure available on the market today. It is popular for fishing in both fresh and saltwater and is the perfect lure of choice for anyone seeking to catch a trophy trout. Not only are they great for catching smaller fish, but they are perfect for catching larger trout. Their easy-to-use action makes them one of the best lures for trout.
9) Panther Martin In-Line Spinner
Key Features
- Classic Design
- Easy to Use
Why It Made the Cut
There are many different spinners available on the market today, but many professional anglers still choose the Panther over any other lure. This particular spinner has been able to stand the test of time and has a proven track record of catching trout in just about any condition.
Pros
- Simple Design
- Small Fishing Area
- Affordable
Cons
- No Good for Large Areas
- Effective for Downstream Only
Product Description
The popular Panther spinner comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns to choose from. The classic is an undressed version, that has shown itself to be effective for decades. The blade of each spinner is fixed to the wireframe rather than using a swivel. As a result, the blade is able to spin up faster, and therefore reduces the amount of twists on the line. When it comes to choosing the best spinner for small fishing areas, the Panther is one of the most popular choices for anglers throughout the country.
10) Midliner Inline Spinner
Key Features
- Very Durable
- Glass Body
- Wide Selection of Hooks
- Perfect for Trolling
Why It Made the Cut
The Midliner, is a very popular in-line spinner, that is able to grab the attention of wary trout, even if they have been exposed to spoons and spinners in the past. When it comes to fishing in large bodies of water, trolling is always the best option and that is where the Midliner excels.
Pros
- Flashy Design
- Large Fishing Area
- Effective at Various Depths
Cons
- Can Be Cumbersome
- Expensive
Product Description
Each Midliner lure is composed of a handblown glass body which provides a very unique appearance. The glass itself is considered to be extremely durable and provides a metallic flash that cannot be reproduced by standard spoons or spinners. As a result, it is capable of grabbing the attention of trout from extremely far distances. It is the perfect choice for West Coast trout anglers.