5 Common Lures For Trout Fishing

Though in the past few years the pandemic has lowered all fishing activity for many anglers, restrictions are now being lifted in many states, prompting more and more anglers into resettling into pre-pandemic life. That being said, trout fishing is one of the most popular ways to fish in the United States. According to a survey made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, almost 31% of fish caught per year are trout.

One of the reasons why trout is so popular is because of its availability and variety. America’s freshwaters are home to many different types of trout including the rainbow, cutthroat, brown, and bull trout. Though found in a lot of places there are also unique species of trout like golden trout, found only in specific places like in California’s Golden Trout Wilderness. Trout fishing can also be done throughout the year, in any season.  Many fish can be caught from spring to fall but trout is an exemption as it is one of the few fish actively caught by fishermen during winter and is thus a popular fish to catch. 

Because of the many ways and places to catch trout, methods of reeling them in can vary from person to person. There are many types of equipment that are useful from fish to fish, as well as fly fishing methods to use. Fly fishing is definitely synonymous with trout fishing as it is the most preferred method of capture for most anglers. As fly fishing relies heavily on lures, there are a couple of them most anglers may want to use. Here are 5 lures every trout fishing angler should have. 

Rapala Original Floater

Starting with a time-tested lure, the Rapala Floater has been in production for decades. This multipurpose lure is effective on both bass and trout, two of the most caught fish in America. As its name suggests, the Floater is a topwater bait but can also be used as a shallow runner. This minnow-shaped lure also comes in a variety of sizes, colors and designs, each effective in their own unique way. The Rapala comes in 5 sizes ranging from 2” - 5 ¼”. All variations of the lure weigh less than an ounce and can reach depths of up to 6ft. They also come in 7 different colors, mimicking baitfish commonly found in lakes. Colors include golden shiners, rainbow trout, live smelt, and even a bleeding minnow-like lure called vampire. 

Other than its versatility in use, the Rapala lure is very sturdy. It’s very nimble and can go through obstructions with ease in addition to having been made with quality and long-lasting material. This lure is definitely a go-to for many anglers throughout the years. 

Rebel Jointed Minnow

The impact of the Rapala Floater is clearer shown in this next lure. Like the original floater this Rebel Jointed Minnow, follows suit in the minnow-like design of the Rapala but has a twist. Looking at this as a step forward from the floater, the rebel lure contains two pieces connected by a joint, hence the name. The joint provides more action and in turn, looks more life-like than the other lures. While it’s best suited to topwater fishing, it can also go deeper into the water at around 3 feet. Its longer size also allows it to accommodate 3 treble hooks, 1 more than the Rapala. 

The Rebel Jointed Minnow comes in five different lengths ranging from 2”- 5.5”. They also weigh less than an ounce and come in 4 different colors, namely gold, silver/ black and blue, and Tennessee shad. The lure is best used in small streams in a slow retrieval motion. The lure’s jointed tail motions should attract more trout. 

Acme Phoebe Lure

Probably the most intricate of the lures in the list, the Acme Phoebe is also one of the smallest. Don’t let its size fool you, however, as this spoon’s metal finish can attract trout in the surrounding areas by refracting light off of its body. This spoon can be used in different depths. Its curvature design was made to wade smoothly beneath the water. Because of its range of depth as well as its refracting lights, this lure is popular among anglers using rigs for ice fishing. 

The Acme Phoebe can weigh from ⅛ oz. to ½ oz. They also come in 10 different colors like silver neon blue, classic gold, copper, and rainbow trout. 

Trout Magnet

Looks can be deceiving, and this much is true for the trout magnet. Compared to other lures that mimic baitfish, they instead mimic mealworms. Without any joints or hydro-dynamic curves, there’s little action to be seen from dropping this in the water. These lures are best in streams or other forms of running water. Trout magnets should naturally flow with the water in order to compensate for their lack of movement. 

Trout Magnets come in boxes of 5 and can come in 33 different colors. A light set-up is best used with the lure. Though a 2lbs line test is recommended, anything beyond 4lbs can provide difficulties in catching trout. In slow-moving water, getting bait closer to the bottom is the preferred choice. Other than in moving water, ice-fishing is also a good way to use trout magnets. Keep in mind that, because of its size, these lures are suited to reeling in small to medium-sized trout. 

Smithwick Rattlin’ Rogue

For all the variety shown in most of the lures in the list, this next one is reeling in the best trout possible. The Smithwick Rogue is a minnow-like jerkbait that’s been out in the market for as long as the Rapala Floater. Its in-water movement goes rapidly from side to side showing flashes for predators to see. As its name suggests, its movement emits a rattling sound that further entices trout. Despite its reliance on movement, it still is buoyant enough to sit still in calm waters before darting away when reeled in. The Rogue comes in 10 different colors and can each have up to 3 treble hooks attached. 

Use What Suits You Best

There are many other lures to choose from other than those listed above. The fun of fishing, whether for trout or any other fish, is in the variety of methods of which to use. Finding out which works best for different fish is half the fun. In the end, the ability to customize and use different equipment to suit the angler's needs is what sets it apart from other recreational sports.