Trout fishing is a popular activity among anglers, and there’s nothing more thrilling than watching a trout rise to the surface to strike a well-presented lure. When fishing for trout in lakes, popper lures are an excellent choice. These lures are designed to create a loud, splashy sound and attract fish from a distance. Whether you’re fishing in clear, calm waters or slightly rippled surfaces, poppers are a versatile and effective tool.
Popper fishing lures are particularly effective for trout because they mimic the movement of struggling prey, often making them irresistible to these predatory fish. With their ability to create a commotion on the water’s surface, poppers can trigger strikes from even the most cautious fish. In this review, we will take an in-depth look at the best popper fishing lures for trout in lakes, explaining how they work, why they’re effective, and how you can use them for maximum success.
What Are Popper Fishing Lures?
A popper fishing lure is a type of topwater lure designed to create a popping sound and disturbance on the water’s surface. These lures have a concave face, which causes the lure to “pop” when retrieved. As the popper moves through the water, it creates a series of splashes and bubbles, mimicking an injured or struggling fish or insect.
Popper lures typically consist of:
Concave Face: The most important feature of a popper. The concave shape creates a splashing sound and visual disturbance when the lure is retrieved.
Body: The body of the popper can be made from various materials, including wood, plastic, or foam. The shape and design of the body contribute to the popper’s movement in the water.
Hooks: Poppers usually have two hooks—one on the back and one on the belly. These hooks ensure that the fish has a higher chance of being hooked after striking the lure.
Popper lures are available in a variety of sizes, colors, and designs, making them suitable for different fishing conditions and trout species.
Why Are Popper Fishing Lures Effective for Trout in Lakes?
Popper lures are particularly effective for trout in lakes for several reasons:
1. Mimicking Struggling Prey
Trout are visual predators that rely on their sight to locate prey. Popper lures mimic the movement of struggling fish or insects, which is exactly what trout are looking for. The splash and noise created by the popper signal the presence of potential prey, making them irresistible to predatory trout.
2. Attracting Fish from a Distance
The loud popping sound and water disturbance created by poppers can attract trout from a considerable distance. This is especially important when fishing in large, open lakes where trout may not be easily spotted. The commotion on the surface can draw trout to your lure, increasing your chances of a successful catch.
3. Perfect for Shallow Waters
Popper lures are ideal for shallow lake fishing, where trout are more likely to be actively hunting near the surface. The surface disturbance created by poppers makes them perfect for fishing in these conditions. Additionally, poppers can be used in areas with submerged vegetation, as they can easily be maneuvered over obstacles without getting snagged.
4. Effective in Low-Light Conditions
Popper lures are particularly effective during dawn or dusk when trout are more likely to be feeding at the surface. The splash and noise of the popper lure can help attract trout in low-light conditions, when visual cues are more difficult for trout to detect.
5. Exciting Topwater Action
One of the most exciting aspects of popper fishing is the visual strike. There’s nothing quite like watching a trout explode on the surface as it takes the lure. This topwater action adds an extra level of excitement to the fishing experience.
Key Features to Look for in Popper Fishing Lures for Trout
When selecting the best popper fishing lures for trout in lakes, there are several key features to consider to ensure that you are using the right lure for the job.
1. Size
Small to Medium Sizes: For trout in lakes, smaller to medium-sized poppers (2 to 3 inches) are typically the best choice. These sizes closely mimic the size of most of the prey species that trout hunt, such as minnows, small fish, and insects.
Larger Poppers: Larger poppers can be effective when targeting larger trout or when fish are actively feeding on bigger prey.
2. Shape and Design
Concave Face: The concave face is crucial for creating the signature popping action. The size and depth of the concave face can vary, affecting the intensity of the pop and splash. Deeper concave faces produce a louder, more dramatic pop, while shallower concave faces create a more subtle disturbance.
Body Shape: The body shape of the popper affects its movement in the water. A well-designed popper should create a consistent, rhythmic action that mimics struggling prey.
3. Color
Natural Colors: For clear water or calm conditions, natural colors like silver, gold, white, and brown work well. These colors mimic the appearance of common prey species, such as minnows and small fish.
Bright Colors: In murky or low-light conditions, bright colors like chartreuse, orange, and pink can be more visible and attract fish from a greater distance.
Glow-in-the-Dark: Some poppers come with glow-in-the-dark finishes, which can be especially effective during early morning or late evening fishing trips.
4. Durability
Since trout can be aggressive biters, the durability of the popper is important. Look for poppers made from high-quality materials like hard plastic, balsa wood, or metal, which can withstand repeated strikes without losing effectiveness.
5. Hooks
The hooks on a popper should be sharp and strong enough to handle trout strikes. High-quality hooks made from corrosion-resistant materials are essential for saltwater or freshwater fishing, ensuring that the hooks don’t rust over time.
Top Rated Popper Fishing Lures for Trout in Lakes
Here are some of the best popper fishing lures for trout in lakes, known for their effectiveness and quality:
1. Heddon Torpedo Popper
Features: Known for its loud popping action and durable construction, the Heddon Torpedo is one of the most popular poppers for trout fishing.
Best For: Shallow lakes and calm waters.
Why It’s Great: Its compact size and lifelike action make it perfect for attracting trout to the surface, especially in clear water conditions.
2. Rapala Skitter Pop
Features: This popper features a sleek design with a concave face that creates a smooth, steady popping action.
Best For: Clear water and calm lake conditions.
Why It’s Great: The Rapala Skitter Pop offers a consistent action that closely mimics the movement of injured prey, making it an excellent choice for trout fishing.
3. Zoom Super Fluke Popper
Features: A combination of a soft plastic body and a unique popping action that creates both noise and movement.
Best For: Targeting active trout near the surface.
Why It’s Great: The Zoom Super Fluke Popper combines the effectiveness of a soft plastic bait with the action of a popper, making it a versatile option for trout anglers.
4. Storm Arashi Topwater Popper
Features: This popper features a durable body and a wide, concave face that creates a loud, attention-grabbing pop.
Best For: Murky water and low-light conditions.
Why It’s Great: The Storm Arashi Topwater Popper’s bright colors and strong popping action make it perfect for attracting trout in less-than-ideal visibility conditions.
How to Use Popper Fishing Lures for Trout in Lakes
Using popper fishing lures for trout in lakes requires the right techniques to ensure that you get the most out of your lure. Here’s how to use poppers effectively:
1. Casting the Popper
Cast the popper near likely trout hiding spots such as submerged rocks, drop-offs, or weed beds. In lakes, trout tend to gather near structures, so target these areas for the best chance of success.
2. Retrieve Techniques
Steady Retrieve: Use a steady, continuous retrieve to keep the popper moving with a consistent popping action. This will simulate the movement of a distressed fish.
Pause and Twitch: Occasionally pause the retrieve and give the rod a gentle twitch to create a more erratic action. This mimics a struggling fish, which can attract even more aggressive trout.
3. Vary the Speed
Adjust your retrieval speed based on the trout’s activity. If the trout are feeding aggressively, increase the speed of the retrieve. For slower-moving trout, try a more deliberate, slower retrieve.
Where to Buy Popper Fishing Lures for Trout in Lakes
For high-quality popper fishing lures for trout in lakes, visit . We offer a wide selection of top-rated poppers and other fishing lures designed for trout fishing in lakes. Our lures are crafted for performance, durability, and effectiveness, ensuring that you have the best tools for your fishing trips.
Conclusion: Maximizing Success with Popper Fishing Lures for Trout
Popper fishing lures are one of the most exciting and effective ways to target trout in lakes. Their ability to create surface disturbance and mimic the movement of struggling prey makes them irresistible to trout. By choosing the right popper, using effective retrieval techniques, and targeting the right locations, you can significantly increase your chances of landing a trophy trout.
For the best selection of popper fishing lures and other premium fishing gear, visit