Lures

Trout lures let you cover every situation, from tight overgrown creeks to deep open lakes. This selection helps you choose the right models for your spots, the season and how the fish are behaving.

Choosing your trout lures

To pick the right trout lure, start by considering three key factors:

• Size: small lures (1.2 to 2 in / 3 to 5 cm) for creeks and wary fish, larger sizes for aggressive trout or deeper holding areas.
• Weight: lighter models for fishing shallow or in gentle current, heavier ones to reach the bottom quickly or work far from the bank.
• Color: natural colors in clear water and bright weather, brighter or high-contrast patterns in stained water or under overcast skies.

Also match the hook setup and strength of the lure to the size of trout you target and the amount of cover or snags present.

Must-have types of trout lures

• Inline spinners and spoons: ideal for quickly covering water, they trigger reaction bites thanks to their vibration and flash.
• Minnows and hardbaits: perfect for imitating small baitfish. They come in floating, suspending or sinking versions to fish different layers of the water column.
• Soft lures: finesse baits, shads or creature baits rigged on light jig heads, effective on pressured trout or in cold water.
• Micro jigs and metal jigs: useful for reaching trout holding deep or for long-distance casting from the bank.

Combine these lure families to build a versatile box that can handle most conditions.

Adapting your lures to seasons and spots

The choice of trout lure changes a lot over the course of the year:

• Early season: cold water and often high flows. Favor slightly heavier, vibrating lures, worked close to the bottom at a moderate speed.
• Late spring and summer: clearer water, active trout. Use small minnows and slim spoons, with faster retrieves and shoreline-oriented tactics.
• Fall: the biggest trout are feeding hard. Don’t hesitate to size up with bulkier hardbaits or highly visible soft lures.

In rivers, focus on current seams, and the heads and tails of pools. In lakes, look for drop-offs, inflows and weedbeds where trout hunt.

Retrieve and rigging tips

A good retrieve brings out the full potential of a lure. With spinning gear, vary retrieve speeds, add pauses and use small twitches with minnows. With soft lures, work them in a hopping, stair-step motion or a slow straight retrieve close to the bottom.

A low-visibility fluorocarbon leader improves presentation. Adjust the diameter to the size of the fish and the amount of cover. Also remember to regularly check your hooks and split rings to avoid losing a good trout to a straightened or dull hook.

FAQ – Trout lures

What type of lure should I choose for a small clear stream?

Go for small, lightweight spinners or 1.2 to 2 in (3 to 5 cm) minnows in natural colors (trout, minnow, muted patterns). Fish discreetly, working your way upstream.

Do I need a lot of different models in my box?

A few spinners, two or three complementary minnows and a handful of well-chosen soft lures are enough. The main thing is to vary sizes, running depths and colors so you can quickly adapt to changing conditions.