Pellets

Pellets have become a must-have for modern trout fishing. Easy to use, consistent in how they break down, and available in many sizes and colors, they let you adapt your approach to each venue and to how the fish are behaving.

Why use pellets for trout?

Pellets slowly release attractants through the water column, which makes them particularly effective for keeping trout active on your spot. They imitate the feed used in many reservoirs and private lakes, but also work very well in slow rivers and ponds. Chosen carefully, they can increase your number of bites without making your rig more complicated.

• Steady release of flavors and oils
• High consistency in size and density
• Clean presentation on the hook or as an off‑hook bait
• Versatile use: float fishing, bombette, feeder, waggler

Choosing your pellets: sizes, densities, flavors

The choice of pellet mainly depends on fishing distance, depth, and how active the trout are. Small diameters are perfect for fine approaches or prebaiting, while larger pellets help select better‑sized fish.

• Floating pellets: ideal for surface‑feeding trout, to use with a waggler or floating bombette.
• Sinking pellets: for fishing mid‑water or close to the bottom, under a float or with a feeder.
• Flavors: fish, krill, cheese, garlic, or spices, to choose according to fishing pressure and water clarity.
• Colors: natural tones for clear water, brighter shades when fish are wary or the water is colored.

Trout fishing techniques with pellets

Pellets fit easily into several techniques. For float fishing, a pellet hooked on a fine‑wire hook or mounted on a hair offers a very natural presentation. With a bombette, a floating or slow‑sinking pellet is deadly for covering different layers of water.

• Hair rig: lets the pellet keep its shape and be taken in more easily by the trout.
• Feeder / method feeder: a small mix of groundbait and micro‑pellets around the feeder creates a highly attractive area.
• Slow retrieve: with a floating pellet behind a bombette, to track moving trout.

Adjusting your pellets to the seasons

The season has a strong influence on pellet choice. In cold water, favor smaller, low‑oil pellets with mild flavors and a controlled release. As the water warms up and trout become more active, you can slightly increase pellet size and oil content and try stronger scents.

• Early and late season: small diameters, natural colors, subtle flavors.
• Prime season: medium sizes, mixed flavors, with the option of more visible colors.
• Summer surface fishing: floating pellets, fished with slow retrieves or a controlled drift.

Trout pellets FAQ

Which pellets should I choose to start?
To begin, a selection of medium‑diameter pellets (4–6 mm) in both floating and sinking versions, with one or two classic flavors (fish, cheese), will cover most situations.

How do I attach a pellet to the hook?
You can hook it directly if the texture allows, but a hair rig with a band or elastic gives better hold and a freer presentation, which trout often accept more readily.

Do I always need to prebait with pellets?
It’s not mandatory. Just a few pellets thrown in regularly are often enough. In very clear water or on pressured fish, it can be better to keep prebaiting to a minimum and focus on a discreet rig.

How long does a pellet stay attractive?
Depending on its composition, a pellet remains attractive from a few minutes up to over an hour. Check your bait regularly and replace it if it has become too soft or has broken down.