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Guide To Recommended Trout Lures, Baits & Flies

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Best flies and lures for catching trout.

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

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.

Rainbow Trout Brook Trout Brown Trout Lake Trout

Trout Lures


SPINNERS

Spinners for trout fishing
Spinners For Trout.

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

Crankbaits for trout fishing
Crankbaits For Trout.

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

Jerkbaits for trout fishing
Jerkbaits For Trout.

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®.


Trout Baits


SALMON EGGS

Salmon eggs for trout fishing
Salmon Eggs For Trout.

Effective depth:
Any depth

Recommended line test:
2# to 6#

Ideal conditions:
Use salmon eggs for all trout fishing conditions.


WORMS

Worms for trout fishing
Worms For Trout.

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

Spinners for trout fishing
Packaged Baits For Trout.

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

Flies for trout fishing
Flies For Trout Fishing

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.


Trout anglers use canned corn, marshmallows, cheese and a host of other edibles that will stay on a small hook.

 

Trout fishing, by state.

AK Trout Fishing AL Trout Fishing AR Trout Fishing AZ Trout Fishing CA Trout Fishing CO Trout Fishing CT Trout Fishing DE Trout Fishing GA Trout Fishing HI Trout Fishing IA Trout Fishing ID Trout Fishing
IL Trout Fishing IN Trout Fishing KS Trout Fishing KY Trout Fishing MA Trout Fishing MD Trout Fishing ME Trout Fishing MI Trout Fishing MN Trout Fishing MO Trout Fishing MS Trout Fishing MT Trout Fishing
NC Trout Fishing ND Trout Fishing NE Trout Fishing NH Trout Fishing NJ Trout Fishing NM Trout Fishing NV Trout Fishing NY Trout Fishing OH Trout Fishing OK Trout Fishing OR Trout Fishing PA Trout Fishing
RI Trout Fishing SC Trout Fishing SD Trout Fishing TN Trout Fishing TX Trout Fishing UT Trout Fishing VA Trout Fishing VT Trout Fishing WA Trout Fishing WI Trout Fishing WV Trout Fishing WY Trout Fishing
 
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.