10 Best Trout Lures of 2023 – Ultimate Guide

Last updated on August 18th, 2023

Leonard Friedrich

Anglers and fishermen alike often take part in the pursuit of trout, but it can be challenging to find lures that are suitable for this activity. From spinner baits to crankbaits and even spoons, there are many different types of lures available for catching these fish. To help you out in your search for the best trout lures we have reviewed some of our favorites. Read on to discover which one will give you an edge when targeting this species.

Best Trout Lures 2023
Spinner baits are among the best lures for trout

Table of Contents:

Trout Lures
Brown trout are a great species to catch on a fishing rod

Different Types of Lures for Trout

Trout fishing is a popular pastime for many anglers, and the right lure can make all the difference in catching your limit. Spinner baits, crankbaits and spoons are some of the most effective lures when it comes to trout fishing. Each type has its own advantages that can help you land more fish.

Spinner baits are designed with a rotating blade attached to a wire arm that creates vibration as it moves through the water. The vibrations attract nearby trout and entice them to strike at the bait. These lures come in various sizes, colors and styles so you can customize your setup depending on where you’re fishing or what kind of trout you’re targeting.

Crankbaits use an internal weight system which causes them to dive down into deeper waters where larger trout may be lurking. They also have multiple treble hooks which increase your chances of hooking onto a fish once they take a bite at it. Crankbaits come in different shapes such as minnows, crawfish or frogs – each designed to mimic natural prey items that trout feed on regularly.

Finally, spoons are one of the oldest types of lures used by fishermen since ancient times due their effectiveness when it comes to attracting hungry fish like trout! They usually feature bright colors with reflective surfaces that draw attention from far away distances making them ideal for trolling or casting out into open waters looking for active schools of fish swimming around feeding on small insects or larvae near surface level areas closeby shorelines or dockside structures.

Best Trout Lures of 2023 Reviewed

Now that you have a good understanding of the different types of trout lures, we want to show you some of our favorite lures for trout fishing on the market, their specs, features and pros and cons. Let’s go!

Disclaimer: All products in this article were independently researched and reviewed by our team of experienced anglers. We use so-called affiliate links in this article offered by program such as the amazon associates program. This means that if you click on one of the links provided in this article and end up making a purchase, we might earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. We only recommend products we’ve tested and believe in.

Mepps Aglia Plain Trout Kit

Mepps Aglia Plain Trout Kit
Mepps Aglia Plain Trout Kit

Specs: Package includes three different color ways as pictured above – 0.125 per lure.

Why we chose it: The Mepps Aglia Plain Trout Kit is an excellent choice for any trout angler looking to add a reliable lure to their tackle box. This kit includes three lures in various colors, making it easy to find the perfect combination for your fishing conditions. The lures feature durable construction with high-quality components, including stainless steel split rings and treble hooks that are designed to last through multiple catches. The blades on these lures also spin at a higher rate than other models, creating more flash and vibration that can attract fish from farther away.

The Mepps Aglia was the first trout lure I ever fished and I keep it in my box for a reason until today: it catches (a lot of) fish! Go for a small size such as 1 or 2 if you’re fishing creeks or small rivers. I’ve the water you’re fishing holds big trout you can size up to the 3 and 4 range or even go for a 5.

Pros: The Mepps Aglia Plain Trout Kit offers great value due to its low price point compared to buying individual lures separately; additionally, they are made with quality materials so they will last longer than cheaper alternatives available on the market today. 

Cons: Some anglers may prefer using single hook baits instead due to their simplicity but overall this kit provides plenty of options without sacrificing quality construction at an affordable price point!

Yakima Bait Wordens Original Rooster Tail Spinner

Yakima Bait Wordens Original Rooster Tail Spinner Lure, Brown, 1:8-Ounce
Yakima Bait Wordens Original Rooster Tail Spinner

Specs: The Yakima weighs in at 0.125 oz – making it an ideal lure for small streams.

Why we picked it: The Yakima Bait Wordens Original Rooster Tail Spinner is a great choice for trout fishing. This spinner lure has been around since the 1950s and continues to be one of the most popular lures for catching trout. It features a solid brass body with an internal weight system that gives it a realistic swimming action in the water. The tail is made from brightly colored feathers which give it extra attraction and make it irresistible to trout.

The Yakima Bait Wordens Original Rooster Tail Spinner comes in brown color with 1/8 ounce size which makes it perfect for small streams or ponds where smaller fish are present. The blade on this lure rotates when retrieved through the water creating vibrations that attract nearby fish. I love playing around with different retrieve speeds which often provokes a solid strike from a trout. One of the key features of this product is its versatility; you can use it in both shallow and deep waters depending on your needs at any given time.

Additionally, its lightweight design allows you to cast further than other lures without having to put too much effort into your casting technique making this ideal for novice anglers who may not have mastered their casting skills yet but still want good results from their fishing trips!

Pros: Versatile, easy to use, lightweight design allows longer casts, bright colors attract more fish attention

Cons: Not suitable for large bodies of water due to its size

Mepps Sheldons Aglia, Gold-Brown

Sheldons Aglia - drsd trbl, Gold-Brown
Mepps Sheldons Aglia, Gold-Brown: One of the best lures for trout of all time

Specs: The Sheldons Aglia weighs in at 1/4 ounce and features a bucktail.

Why we picked it: The Mepps Sheldons Aglia, Gold-Brown is another classic trout lure that has been around for decades. It features a unique design with an aglia blade and gold-brown coloration that can be used to target all types of trout species. This product is great for anglers who are looking for an effective and reliable way to catch fish in unknown waters. I love “searching” a river’s pocket for trout with the Mepps Sheldons Aglia, Gold-Brown.

It comes pre-rigged with a treble hook and a bucktail that makes it almost look like a streamer (a very successful trout lure in fly fishing).

Key Features: One of the key features of this product is its ability to cast long distances due to its lightweight design. Additionally, it also produces plenty of vibration which helps attract more fish into your area while you’re out on the water. Finally, this lure has proven itself time and again as one of the most reliable ways to catch big trout consistently throughout any season or body of water you may find yourself fishing in!

Pros: The Mepps Sheldons Aglia, Gold-Brown offers anglers several advantages over other lures including its light weight construction which allows it to be cast further than heavier lures; its bright colors help draw attention from nearby fish; and finally, its bucktail feature can make the difference on tricky days.

Cons: The only downside I’ve found on the Sheldons Aglia is the fact that you can only use the treble hook and not exchange it for a single hook (which is more fish friendly when practicing catch and release). And sometimes the fur gets tangled a little, so make sure to check every once in a while between casts. 

Rapala Countdown

Rapala Countdown 7:16 Oz Fishing lure
Rapala Countdown

Specs: Balsa (wood) construction, two treble hooks (removable), VMC black nickel hooks

Why we picked it: The Rapala Countdown lure is a great choice for anglers looking to target (big) trout. I particularly like its aerodynamic body shape that allows it to be cast further and deeper than other lures, making it ideal for targeting fish in deep water. The Rapala Countdown has a unique lip design which causes the lure to dive quickly when retrieved, allowing you to cover more water and increase your chances of catching fish.

It also features two treble hooks that are designed with a special bend which increases their hooking power and makes them less likely to snag on weeds or rocks. The Rapala Countdown made from durable balsa wood material that can withstand multiple strikes without breaking or losing its effectiveness.

Additionally, the Rapala Countdown comes equipped with VMC black nickel round bend treble hooks which provide increased strength and durability. Over the years, I have found the brown trout decor to be very successful but you can experiment with other color ways.

Pros: Durable construction; Aerodynamic body shape; Weighted tail section; Bright colors; Quick sinking action; VMC black nickel round bend treble hooks for added strength & durability

Cons: Can be difficult for novice anglers due to fast sinking action & need for precise casting technique

Acme Kastmaster

acme Kastmaster: One of the best lures for lake trout
Acme Kastmaster: One of the best lures for trout

Specs: The Acme Kastmaster is one of my favorite spoon lures for trout. It comes in different color options and weighs 0.5 oz.

Why we picked it: The Acme Kastmaster has been designed with bright colors and patterns that will attract the attention of fish, making it an ideal choice for any type of trout fishing. The Acme Kastmaster features a unique design that helps it cast farther than other lures on the market. It also has a weight-forward balance which allows it to sink quickly and stay down longer, giving you more time to work deep holes or pockets.

The Acme Kastmaster might look simple at first glance, but believe me, put it to the test and you won’t be disappointed. It is one of the best lures for lake trout in my eyes since you can use it on spinning rods casting it from the bank or use it while trolling from a boat. The Acme Kastmaster is made from high quality brass with an eyelet at the top for easy attachment of line or leader material.

Pros: One of the biggest advantages of using this lure is its weight-forward balance which helps it sink faster and remain down longer when casting out into deeper waters where trout are likely to be found. Additionally, its bright colors make it easier for fish to spot from further away so they’re more likely to take notice as soon as they see it in their vicinity. Lastly, because this lure is made from brass rather than plastic or wood like many others on the market today, you can expect greater durability over time even if used frequently.

Cons: While the Acme Kastmaster does have some great features there are also some drawbacks worth mentioning. First and foremost that’s the limited hook options: besides the treble hook (that is interchangeable) you can’t attach another hook to this lure.

Blue Fox Vibrax Minnow Spinner

Blue Fox Vibrax Minnow Spinner

Specs: Comes in two weights: 1/8 oz and 3/16 oz. Brown trout decor.

Why we picked it: The Blue Fox Vibrax Minnow Spinner is a great combination of spinner and Crankbait. This lure has been designed with an attractive, realistic minnow shape and features a high-quality silver plated brass construction that ensures durability and longevity. The spinner blade produces a vibration in the water that attracts fish from far away.

The Blue Fox Vibrax Minnow Spinner‘s body is made out of durable balsa wood that won’t corrode or rust even after multiple uses in saltwater conditions or other harsh environments like rivers and streams filled with debris or rocks that could damage other lures quickly over time if not taken care off properly after each use.

One key feature of the Blue Fox Vibrax Minnow Spinner is its unique design which allows it to spin faster than most traditional spinners due to its curved shape blades which create more turbulence as they move through the water creating vibrations that attract nearby fish much better than standard flat blades.

Pros: Unique combination of spinner and Crankbait gives you the best of both worlds. Treble hook is strong and exchangeable.

Cons: The Blue Fox Vibrax Minnow Spinner is pretty lightweight and needs some getting used to from my experienced if you’ve only fished with traditional spinner lures (heavier ones) before.

One of the Best Lures for Lake Trout: Rapala Jointed 05

Rapala Jointed Trout Lure
Rapala Jointed 05: One of the best lures for rainbow trout

Specs & Key Features: The Rapala Jointed 05 measures 2 inches long and weighs 1/8 ounce (as a size 5).

Why we picked it: The Rapala Jointed 05 is a classic trout lure that has been used by anglers for decades. This bait features an erratic swimming action, which makes it ideal for targeting wary trout. The jointed design gives the lure a lifelike appearance and helps to create more movement in the water. It also comes with two treble hooks, making it easier to hook into fish when they strike. It is available in several colors: my favorite ones are fire tiger, brook trout and brown trout decor.

When retrieved, the Rapala Jointed 05 not only moves incredibly well but also creates a loud rattling sound that often attracts the big trout. When it’s hard to get them to play, give the Rapala Jointed 05 a try – it has often saved a poor day for me.

Pros: One of the biggest advantages of using the Rapala Jointed 05 is its realistic look and feel due to its jointed design which mimics natural prey movements as well as creating extra vibration in the water column attracting more attention from nearby predators like trout or bass. Additionally, it’s lightweight construction allows you to cast further distances while still maintaining accuracy. Lastly, its two treble hooks are strong enough to hold up against larger species without bending outwards easily ensuring your catch stays on your line until you bring them ashore!

Cons: While the Rapala Jointed 05 does have some great features there are some drawbacks such as the fact that because of its light weight construction it may not be able to handle heavy current conditions very well.

Tom’s Taz Brown Trout Tasmanian Devil

Tasmanian devil: one of the best lures for trout
Tom’s Taz Brown Trout Tasmanian Devil

Specs: Available in 4 weights: 7 gr, 13.5 gr, 20 gr and 26 gr. 7 & 13.5 gr come with single and treble hook and bead.

Why we picked it: The Tom’s Taz Brown Trout Tasmanian Devil has become one of my secret weapons in the last few years. This lure has been designed to target brown trout, and it is sure to help you catch more fish. The body of this lure is made from durable plastic with a realistic paint job that looks just like the real thing.

Holding it in your hand I would agree with you if you see it doesn’t look like much – but boy does that lure look realistic when retrieved through the water. You can fish them with single or treble hooks depending on your liking. Additionally, the Tom’s Taz Brown Trout Tasmanian Devil has an internal weight system which helps it stay balanced underwater so it can be cast farther than other lures without losing its effectiveness or accuracy while casting or retrieving.

The Tom’s Taz Brown Trout Tasmanian Devil works best when retrieved slowly along weed beds or near structure where brown trout are likely hiding out waiting for prey items such as small minnows or insects to come by them before striking out at them quickly with lightning speed!

Pros: Durable construction, realistic design, great life like movement when retrieved slowly.

Cons: From my experience, fishing the Tom’s Taz Brown Trout Tasmanian Devil effectively can take some getting used to – so don’t be disappointed if you don’t get any takes right away. But once you know how to retrieve this lure, be ready to catch some (big) trout.

Dovesun Crappie Lures Kit

Dovesun Crappie Lures Kit
Dovesun Crappie Lures Kit

Specs: The Dovesun Crappie Lures Kit comes in different sizes: 60 pcs, 76 pcs and 100pcs and includes the tackle box. Comes in different colors and shapes of the crappie lures.

Why we picked it: The Dovesun Crappie Lures Kit is an ideal set of lures for any angler looking to catch trout. This kit includes soft plastic lures of different sizes, shapes and colors. Over the years, I’ve become a fan of using soft plastic lure for trout fishing. It can work particularly great on river where bass are present as well. Since bass love crappie lures, trout seem to have grown accustomed to them too and don’t want to let an easy meal pass.

Pros: The Dovesun Crappie Lures Kit includes soft baits of different sizes, shapes and color ways. Hence you can choose the perfect one for you. Great value for money.

Cons: In such a set of lures, it would be nice to get a few (jig) hooks with it so you can start fishing right away. So beware, you have to get the hooks separately to complete your rig.

Last Cast Tackle Chrome Hammered Hex Diamond Jig

Last Cast Tackle 2-8Oz Chrome Hammered Hex Diamond Jig
One of the best lures for lake trout: Last Cast Tackle Chrome Hammered Hex Diamond Jig

Specs: Set includes two lures. Weight: 2,4 and 8 ounces

Why we picked it: As the last one of my favorite best trout lures, I want to introduce you to the Last Cast Tackle Chrome Hammered Hex Diamond Jig. It has become one of my go-to trout lures when you’re after sea-run cut through trout, steelhead trout or lake trout. Their long shape combined with their flashy, silvery sides makes the Last Cast Tackle Chrome Hammered Hex Diamond Jig one of the best lures for lake trout.

The Last Cast Tackle 2-8Oz Chrome Hammered Hex Diamond Jig has three sizes available – 2 oz, 4 oz and 8 oz – so you can choose the size that best suits your needs. The weight also helps to keep it stable when casting or trolling. It comes with a single hook (very sharp and great if you’re practising catch and release). Another great feature of this lure is the fact that you can fish it vertically like a jig. The design of this jig allows for maximum action when retrieving, ensuring you get plenty of bites throughout your day on the lake or riverbank!

Pros: Durable construction Made from chrome with a hammered hex diamond shape that won’t easily break down over time. Three sizes available. Single hook for catch and release fishing. Shiny, silvery design is great for lake trout or big rainbows that feed on smaller fish.

Cons: I’ve exchanged the hook for a model with a bucktail to make it run through the water even a little better.

Conclusion on the Best Lures for Trout

No single lure is suitable for all trout fishing scenarios; anglers must consider their individual preferences and the environment they are targeting. Spinner baits, crankbaits, spoons and other types of lures can be used effectively depending on your style of fishing or type of water you are targeting. Take time to research what works best in different conditions so that you can have the most successful day out on the water with a variety of effective lure options at your disposal.

Best Spinner Trout Lures
Trout lure spoons work great on rivers and in currents

FAQs in Relation to Best Trout Lures

What lure catches the most trout?

The answer to the question of what lure catches the most trout depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, lures that are designed specifically for trout fishing tend to be more effective than generic lures or those used for other species. In addition, color and size can play an important role in success; some anglers prefer bright colors while others opt for natural tones that blend into their surroundings. Trying different types of lures and observing their effectiveness is the best way to determine which one works in any given situation. Ultimately, understanding the behavior patterns of your target fish will help you select a successful bait or lure combination.

What color lure is best for trout?

When angling for trout, numerous elements should be considered, including the water’s type, time of day and season, as well as its clarity or murkiness. Generally speaking though, bright colors like chartreuse, yellow and orange tend to be most effective when targeting trout. Darker colors like black or purple can also work well at night or in murky waters. Additionally, using lures that mimic baitfish common to your area is another great way to target trout successfully. Experiment with different colors and sizes to find the best combination for your specific fishing conditions.

What are the best fall trout lures?

When it comes to fall trout lures, the key is to use a combination of bright colors and slow-moving presentations. For example, spoons are great for this time of year as they can be retrieved slowly through the water column and offer plenty of flash. Additionally, crankbaits that dive deep but still feature a lot of color work well in cold waters when fish tend to be less active. Soft plastics like worms or jigs with grubs also make good choices for targeting trout during the cooler months due to their natural presentation and ability to entice strikes even when temperatures drop significantly.

What is the trick to catching trout?

The key to catching trout is having the right combination of bait, technique, and presentation. Trout are sensitive creatures that will not bite if they do not feel comfortable or secure in their environment. For trout, a mixture of bait is essential; this can include worms, minnows, crickets, grasshoppers and artificial lures like spinners or spoons. Additionally, anglers should pay attention to how they present their lure by using different techniques like trolling or casting from shore with slow retrieves for best results. Lastly but most importantly when fishing for trout be sure to fish where there is plenty of cover including weed beds and submerged logs which provide shelter from predators as well as food sources for the trout.

Why You Should Trust Us

Leonard Friedrich and his team spend countless hours on the water testing new gear almost every day. Our goal is to give you the honest truth about the products we put to the test. We never get paid for reviews. We see it as our challenge to “translate” the pros and cons of each product for you in our big gear guides. We hope that the information we provide is valuable to you so you can make a solid purchase decision.

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