Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Lures for Trout: Start Catching Today

This article is crafted specifically for new anglers or those struggling to catch trout with artificial lures. It explains the “why, what, and how” behind choosing and using the best lures for trout—no jargon, no guesswork. Just straightforward, experience-backed advice.

Why Lure Choice Matters

Fishing with lures for trout can be both exciting and frustrating—especially for beginners. The difference between a successful trip and an empty net often comes down to using the right lure, in the right way, at the right time.

Why this guide? Because store aisles are overwhelming. Spinners, spoons, jigs, crankbaits—how do you know which one actually works?

👉 By the end of this guide, you’ll understand:

• Which lures for trout to use (and when)

• How to fish them correctly

• How to build a basic, confidence-boosting tackle box

What Are Lures for Trout? (And Why Not Just Use Worms?)

Lures are artificial baits designed to mimic real trout food—like minnows, bugs, or injured prey. Unlike live bait (like worms), they:

• Last longer

• Can trigger aggressive reaction strikes

• Let you cover more water, faster

✅ Best used when:

• Fishing catch-and-release waters (where bait is restricted)

• Trying to find active trout quickly

• Targeting bigger or more aggressive fish

The 4 Main Types of Trout Lures (Beginner-Friendly)

Let’s break down the essentials. These four lures should be in every beginner’s box:

🎯 1. Inline Spinners

Best for: Streams, creeks, stocked ponds

• Blade spins as you reel, creating flash and vibration

• Trout strike out of instinct—even if they’re not hungry

Example: Panther Martin, Mepps Aglia Tip: Steady, medium retrieve. Vary speed for more bites.

🎯 2. Casting Spoons

Best for: Lakes, deeper pools

• Wobble and flash mimics a struggling baitfish

• Great for casting far and retrieving slow

Example: Kastmaster, Little Cleo Tip: Let it sink, then retrieve with pauses to flutter

🎯 3. Soft Plastic Grubs or Worms

Best for: Finesse fishing, cold water

• Lifelike movement when bounced along the bottom

• Trout may inhale it and hold longer

Rigging Tip: Pair with a light jighead or use drop-shot for vertical presentation

🎯 4. Crankbaits

Best for: Bigger trout in lakes or rivers

• Mimic small fish with wobbling and rattling

• Run at specific depths (check label)

Tip: Pause during retrieve to trigger strikes from followers

How to Choose Lures Based on Water Type

🎒 Quick Tip: Always bring at least one bright and one natural-colored option per trip.

How to Use Lures (Simple Retrieval Techniques)

You don’t need fancy techniques—just understand the basics:

• Steady Retrieve: Great for spinners and spoons. Vary speed slightly.

• Stop & Go: Use with crankbaits. Trout often hit on the “pause.”

• Twitch & Hop: For jigs or soft plastics. Make it look like a bug or worm.

• Dead Drift: Let the lure drift naturally with the current, especially jigs.

💡 Golden Rule: If trout are ignoring your lure, change speed or direction—not just the lure.

Color & Size – What Actually Works?

Forget the 20-color packs. Here’s how to choose smart:

🎨 Colors

• Clear Water: Natural—brown, olive, white, silver

• Stained Water: Bright—chartreuse, gold, pink, orange

• Low Light (early/late): Black silhouettes or flash-based lures

📏 Size

• Start small: 1/16 oz or 1/8 oz is perfect

• Bigger lures (1/4 oz+) for deeper lakes or aggressive fish

🔁 Don’t be afraid to switch after 15–20 casts if you get no bites.

What Gear to Pair with Trout Lures

Even the best lures won’t work without matching gear. Here’s what beginners need:

• Rod: Light or Ultra-Light spinning rod (5–6 feet is perfect)

• Reel: 1000–2000 size spinning reel

• Line: 4–6 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon (invisible, sensitive)

• Tippet/Leader: Use fluorocarbon leader in clear water

• Snap Swivel: Helps quickly change spinners without line twist

🎒 Tip: Keep a small box with organized lures and pre-tied rigs for faster setup.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make

Avoid these classic errors and you’ll catch more fish:

• ❌ Using a huge lure on small creek trout

• ❌ Fishing a spinner too fast in cold water

• ❌ Ignoring retrieve speed—it matters more than lure type

• ❌ Not checking hooks—dull hooks lose fish

• ❌ Giving up too soon! (Most strikes happen after a change in retrieve)

✅ Solution: Be patient, pay attention to water conditions, and experiment.

Your First Trout Lure Kit (Budget-Friendly)

Here’s a sample starter pack for under $30 that covers most situations:

Tip: Brands like Blue Fox, Rebel, or Berkley make great entry-level trout lures.

When to Fish – Timing Matters

You’ve got the lures—now fish at the right time:

• Spring: Mid-morning to late afternoon

• Summer: Dawn and dusk

• Fall: All day during cloudy conditions

• Winter: Late morning (when water slightly warms up)

🕓 Plan your trips around feeding windows for better results.

Final Words – Confidence is Key

Trout fishing isn’t magic—it’s matching the right lure to the right conditions. Start with a small but solid selection of lures for trout, learn how to use them, and stay observant. You’ll start catching more consistently, even on pressured waters.

🎯 Recap:

• Use spinners in moving water

• Use spoons and crankbaits to cover big areas

• Use soft plastics when trout are slow or picky

• Change retrieve, not just the lure

• Have fun and don’t overthink it!

👉 Ready to gear up with proven lures for trout? Explore our top-rated selection at lurebolt.com – built for anglers, tested by anglers.