Trout season can mean something very different for one angler versus the next. Whether you're compulsively refreshing the stocking reports in search of brown trout and rainbows, hitting the reservoirs for lake trout, or hiking the backcountry in search of the perfect brook trout stream, a few pieces of gear will make your trout fishing season the best one yet.
Before any fly anglers or conventional anglers from other regions get too worked up, I want to make two things very clear.:
- This post is written primarily for anglers fishing spinning reels in shallow streams for brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout and anglers fishing from shore for lake trout in the Northeastern United States.
- Most of these lures and techniques are tried and true options for any species, including non-trout species.
My goal with this post, as in all my writing, is to create a guide that is simple, inclusive, and focused on principles. I hope these recommendations will improve not only your trout season but also your overall approach to lure and tackle selection.
Core Essentials: The Must-Have Lures
These are the foundational pieces of your trout tacklebox, designed to work across a variety of conditions and water types.
Inline Spinners
Inline spinners are widely considered one of the most versatile freshwater lures. These baitfish mimics will trigger bites from all varieties of trout as well as pickerel, fall fish, and most any other species.
Silver or gold spinners in sizes #0 or #1 are a great starting point for smaller stocked fish. Cast upstream and experiment with different angles. I like to cast to my 2 o'clock position and let the spinner drift toward me on the retrieve, reeling just fast enough to keep the blade moving.
Chartreuse and white are among the most popular colors for experimenting with colors.
Spoons
Spoons are highly effective for both casting and trolling. If your spinners are too light to retrieve at the desired speed and a bigger option is spooking the fish, a spoon offers another metal option with a little more heft.
To retrieve a spoon, reel slowly and with frequent pauses. On a straight retrieve, the spoon should wobble back and forth. Brief pauses in your retrieve will allow it to fall and flutter, mimicking an injured baitfish.
Chrome and blue Kastmasters are among my all-time favorite lures, but don't be afraid to experiment with different colors and metals. Little Cleo is another fan favorite that's equally suited for panfish as it is for monster rainbow trout.
Dough Baits
I might lose some people with this recommendation, but there's no denying the power of dough baits when searching for stocked trout, especially rainbows.
Form a small ball around a single hook and fish it off the bottom using a Carolina rig, or fish it weightless and allow it to drift like a fly. These baits can be formed into as big or as small a ball as the situation dictates. If the commotion of metal lures is scaring fish off or if the trout are simply too lethargic to chase a fast-moving target, a dough bait can be an excellent choice.
Versatile Additions: The Go-To Live Baits
For anglers who don't like synthetic options like dough baits, live baits are an excellent addition to any angler's arsenal. While live baits have a shorter shelf life, there's nothing quite like the real thing to ensure that presentations are as subtle and convincing as possible.
Worms
Worms are a go-to for all species. Present the worm similarly to the dough bait described above, being sure to use a small hook.
Trout worms and dillies are well-suited for smaller trout like brookies, whereas a whole nightcrawler is a good choice for larger browns, rainbows, and lake trout.
Mealworms
Mealworms are an excellent option for picky fish, especially in calm waters. Hook them through the head and let them drift naturally with the current. Use a bobber to add some mass and increase casting distance without bogging down your presentation.
Shiners
Shiners are ideal for larger trout, especially lake trout. Be sure to keep their water cold and aerated to ensure their survival during longer outings.
Specialized Showstoppers: Fine-Tune Your Presentation
These tactics and add-ons will take your trout fishing to the next level.
Worm Blower Syringes
A common theme with most of my trout recommendations is to keep your presentation suspended. Sometimes, this means free-floating, sometimes beneath a bobber or float, and sometimes suspended above a weight. Worm blowers add a whole other dimension, allowing anglers to inject air into the body cavities of their bait.
In addition to working with worms, Wachusett Reservoir anglers often report success using these with shiners. The idea is that even when dead, the bait will suspend due to the trapped air. If you've spent any time studying lake trout tactics at the 'Chu, there's no doubt you've seen countless forums and social media posts about this tactic.
Hoochie Skirts
Slightly bigger than a typical dressed hook, these squid lookalikes slip over the hook of a spoon or spinner to add action and profile. Common with steelhead and salmon anglers in western states, this could be a useful alternative to smaller dressed presentations like the Rooster Tail and Black Fury.
Trout Magnets
Trout Magnets are a finesse jig favored by stream and river anglers. Their split body and unique action make them a useful small presentation that packs a big punch. Drift them beneath a float for a presentation that drifts just above the riverbed. As a bonus, their small size is also effective for crappie, bluegills, and other panfish.
These lures provide the foundation of a successful trout tackle box, allowing you to adjust your strategy based on the size of the fish and the body of water that you choose to fish.
Check out my list of trout favorites for additional colors and sizes, as well as some of my favorite trout fishing lures that I haven't featured in this post.
If you’re looking for more tips on how to improve your fishing game, be sure to check out the fishing tips and tutorials section of the blog.
Until next time, tight lines and happy fishing!
