Whether you're catch-and-release fishing or trying to hook tonight's dinner, having the right lure on your line is a must if you're going to net any trout. More than 20 different species of trout exist, and you can choose among twice as many lures. With so many combinations, it's much easier to guess wrong than it is to guess right. To help land that lunker, you should narrow the choices down to some of the most highly successful lures.
In-Line Spinner Baits
In order to be effective, spinners need to be run in deep water. The way you determine how to get your spinner to run deep is by estimating the depth of the water you'll be casting into and then using a comparably weighted lure. For shallow rivers and creeks, use a 1/32-oz. spinner. For medium-depth rivers and shallow lakes, use a 1/16-oz. spinner. For deep rivers and lakes, use a stronger line and a 1/4-oz. spinner. Always reel your spinner upstream and in the area with the fastest moving water. The goal is to keep the lure spinning as fast as possible without having to reel it in too quickly.
Flatfish
The first thing that should be taken into account with using a flatfish lure is the size of fish you're aiming to catch. These lures range anywhere between 2 and 5 inches long. The smaller the lure, the smaller the trout, but they should be hitting it all day long. The bigger the lure, the bigger the trout, but don't expect your rod tip to pound that often. Flatfish are imitative lures, so you'll want to jig and juke your lure in the water as if it were a baitfish. Use the lure around the bank edges and other well-protected structures. Flatfish are also great for any kind of trout fishing, and they are especially popular with rainbow trout.
Minnow Plugs
Minnow plugs are traditionally diving lures, made from either wood or plastic. They have developed quite a following by lake fishermen, and for good reason. Most minnow plugs naturally float and will dive down into the water as you reel them in. The larger the plug, the deeper it will dive, and the faster you will need to reel. Large plugs can dive as deep as 25 feet and will attract larger trout. Smaller plugs can be reeled in slowly and will only dive between 10 to15 feet maximum. If you're near shore, try running a smaller plug along a shallow rocky area, just barely brushing against the lake floor. If you're in the middle of a lake or fishing in a deeper canyon of a lake, try using a larger plug and rip it through the water using your rod.
Spoons
Spoons are designed to resemble a wounded baitfish. They flash, splash and wobble their way through the water, often attracting one or several trout along the way. These lures are effective in any sized body of water. In small creeks and streams, use the lightest spoons, running somewhere around 1/8 oz. Cast them into the fastest, shallowest part of water that is deep enough to support any trout. In larger rivers and lakes, use heavier spoons, ranging from 3/8 to 12 oz. Reel the lure in just fast enough so that the line stays tight, while tipping and jerking the rod to give the lure a darting action.
Flies
Perhaps the most popular lure of them all is the fly. Fly fishing has become something of an art form, and major motion pictures have been produced based on it. Most flies are dry, meaning they stay on top of the water at all times and are traditionally used in creeks, rivers and streams. A special casting rod and line must be used in order to use a fly. Casting is done by releasing a little bit of line at a time, while simultaneously moving the rod forward and backward, always keeping the line above water until it's release.The theory behind successful fly fishing is to use a fly that best represents the flying insects in the immediate area. Store bought flies are available at most fishing and tackle shops, while others build their own flies at home using fur, hair, feathers and other materials tied to a hook in a custom pattern.
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