You do not need a fly rod to catch trout. A light spinning outfit and a small box of lures will do the job in streams and lakes alike.
Spin fishing casts the weight of the lure, which makes it an easy way for beginners and families to start. Fly fishing casts the weight of the line, which suits very light flies and delicate presentations. Neither is better, and many trout anglers use both. If you spin fish and want to try flies, our lessons translate what you know about current and cover to the fly rod.
For small streams, a rod around five and a half to six and a half feet in ultralight, paired with a small reel and two to four pound fluorocarbon line, is a typical setup. For bigger rivers and lakes, a seven to seven-and-a-half foot medium-action rod and a mid-sized reel with a quality drag give you more reach and power. One angler uses fifteen pound braid with a three foot, twelve pound fluorocarbon leader on large water, noting that braid helps set the hook at a distance.
Light line matters. Trout see well, so line that is too heavy cuts down on bites. Match your outfit to the water and the size of fish you expect.
A small selection covers nearly everything.
| Lure | Notes |
|---|---|
| Inline spinners | A top choice for small streams, with Mepps and Panther Martin as familiar names. Blue Fox Vibrax works on bigger water |
| Spoons | Phoebe and Thomas Buoyant for small streams, Dardevle for big water |
| Soft-plastic jigs | Small baits often fished under a float. Paddle-tail swimbaits on jig heads suit larger waters |
| Hard jerkbaits | Small minnow-style plugs for wadeable streams, larger ones for big rivers and lakes |
| Natural baits | Worms, mealworms, dough baits and salmon eggs, where bait is allowed |
For inline spinners, cast upstream and across, reel just enough to turn the blade and let the current sweep the lure in an arc. Work downstream with progressively longer casts to cover the water.
For spoons, let the spoon fall on a tight line for a few seconds and watch for ticks. In a stream, reel it across the current, or lift the rod tip to make it flutter in deeper runs. For jerkbaits in pocket water, twitch and pause small ones. Retrieving upstream with spoons, spinners or small jerkbaits can work well in high, off-color water.
For bait, cast upstream and let it drift down naturally, with a split shot ticking the bottom if needed. Watch the line for subtle takes.
In still water, trout roam, so you can cast in any direction. In rivers and streams, they face upstream, so approach from downstream, where they have a limited view of you. Cross-stream presentations usually work better than straight downstream retrieves for lures. Fish during low-light periods such as dawn and dusk, and use light line. Apply the water-reading ideas in how to read a trout stream, because seams and pockets hold trout whatever tackle you use.
Lures often carry treble hooks, which can injure trout more than a single hook. Consider replacing trebles with single hooks or pinching barbs flat, where the law allows, and follow the steps in catch and release. Some waters restrict lures or bait, so read the rules in licenses and regulations.
Tie your lure directly to the line or to a small swivel clip, using a knot you trust. The improved clinch described in our knot guide works well for lures, too. If your spinner twists the line, a small swivel a short distance above the lure can help. Check your drag so a trout can pull line without the knot snapping, and keep it light for small fish.
Use only as much weight as the water requires. Too much weight sends a lure to the bottom, where it snags, while too little leaves it riding high above the fish.
You do not need a tackle shop in your vest. A few inline spinners in different colors, a couple of small spoons, one jerkbait and a pack of soft-plastic baits cover most situations. Change color and size before changing lure type when fish are shy, and use natural, subtle colors in clear water and brighter ones in stained water.
Reeling too fast is the most common error, because trout often will not chase a lure that races past. Using line that is too heavy and splashing the lure down next to the fish are the next two. Stand back from the bank, cast beyond the target and bring the lure through the likely spot so it reaches the trout naturally. Pause between casts to watch the water, since fish that have been spooked rarely return to feed until things quiet down.
A guided trip can include spin gear if that is your preference, and our kit program includes a spin angler concept. Newcomers to fly fishing can read the beginner guide to compare.
Keep your drag set light, your hooks sharp and your knots checked. A dull hook or a weak knot loses more fish than the wrong lure ever does, and a quick check after each snag takes seconds.
Inline spinners are one of the most reliable choices, especially in small streams. Spoons and small jerkbaits are good alternatives.
Two to four pound fluorocarbon on an ultralight outfit is a typical choice for small streams.
Low-light periods such as dawn and dusk are popular, though fish can bite at other times.
Where regulations allow it. Some waters limit gear to lures or flies, so check before you go.
Tell us what you want to fish, or learn, and we will reply with what is available or planned.