Guide To Recommended Trout Lures, Baits & Flies
Best flies and lures for catching trout.
When casting, the most common artificial lures used to catch trout are flies and spinner-type lures. Insects make up a large percentage of a trout's diet, particularly for small to medium size trout. Larger, more aggressive trout are more inclined to chase a lure imitating a minnow or other small fish.
Trout Lures
SPINNERS

Effective depth:
1' to 6'
Recommended line test:
2# to 4#
Ideal conditions:
Use spinners when trout are shallow and active. Sample shown is a Panther Martin Spinner®, available at Cabela's®.
CRANKBAITS

Effective depth:
1' to 6'
Recommended line test:
4# to 8#
Ideal conditions:
Use crankbaits when trout are shallow and active. Sample shown is a Dynamic Lures HD Trout Crankbait® available at Bass Pro Shops®.
JERKBAITS

Effective depth:
1' to 6'
Recommended line test:
4# to 8#
Ideal conditions:
Use jerkbaits when big trout, especially browns, are shallow and active. Sample shown is a Rapala X Rap Hard Jerkbait, available at Sportsman's Warehouse®.
SPOONS

Effective depth:
Any depth
Recommended line test:
8# to 14#
Ideal conditions:
Use spoons when casting or trolling for big trout, especially lake trout. Sample shown is a Luhr Jensen Krocodile Spoon, available at Bass Pro Shops®.
Trout Baits
SALMON EGGS

Effective depth:
Any depth
Recommended line test:
2# to 6#
Ideal conditions:
Use salmon eggs for all trout fishing conditions.
WORMS

Effective depth:
Any depth
Recommended line test:
2# to 6#
Ideal conditions:
Use worms, nightcrawlers or wax worms for all trout fishing conditions.
PREPARED BAITS

Effective depth:
Any depth
Recommended line test:
2# to 6#
Ideal conditions:
Use prepared baits for all trout fishing conditions. Sample shown is a Berkley PowerBait® Trout Bait, available at Dick's Sporting Goods®.
Trout Flies
TROUT FLIES

Effective depth:
Surface to 5'
Recommended line:
Fly fishing leader and tippet vary with fly size and fishing conditions.
Ideal conditions:
Use trout flies any time trout are feeding relatively shallow.
Additionally, trout anglers use canned corn, marshmallows, cheese and a host of other edibles that will stay on a small hook.
SPINNER RIGS

Effective depth:
Any depth
Recommended line test:
10# to 20#
Ideal conditions:
Cast or troll in any depth. Sample shown is a Worden's Spin-N-Glo Kokanee Rig, available at Bass Pro Shops®.
Related Articles
Trout fishing, by state.
061824*
Matching the hatch is critical.
Choosing the right fly or lure to entice trout may well be dependent on current activity. If there is an insect hatch, your success will be determined by how well you match the activity on the water. During times when there is no hatch, it is critical to match the food source being most-commonly eaten by the trout you pursue.
Fishing Information
