Buyer’s guide

The Best Lures for Trout

We've selected lures that catch speckled trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout—in both lakes and rivers—using lightweight gear that makes fishing enjoyable.

The Pêcheur Québec TeamFishing Editorial Department since 2020Updated September 20268 models compared

Trout are caught using light tackle: small lures, light line, and a light rod. The brook trout, the symbol of Quebec, is found in cool lakes and streams, often in ZECs or outfitters’ areas; rainbow trout are mostly stocked.

Spinning spoons and spinners remain the most effective lures for beginners. Trout dough works well for catching stocked trout from the shore, and fly fishing offers the most exhilarating thrill when a trout strikes at the surface.

Rules vary widely depending on the body of water (ZEC, outfitter, wildlife reserve, specially managed lakes): always check the regulations and permitted baits before you go.

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1Yakima Bait Wordens Original Rooster Tail Spinner Lure, Gray Ghost, 1/4-Ounce
Best Rotating Spoon

Yakima Bait

Yakima Bait Wordens Original Rooster Tail Spinner Lure, Gray Ghost, 1/4-Ounce

The most popular feather-tailed spinner in North America. In its small size, it catches speckled trout in both lakes and streams.

Pros

  • A time-tested classic for generations
  • The tail undulates even at low speeds
  • Various sizes and colors

Cons

  • Twist the line without a swivel

Manufacturer description

  • Unique Spinning Action
  • In-Line Weighted Body Design
  • Pulsating Hackle Tail Attracts Fish
  • Genuine Silver, Brass, or Copper Blades
  • UV Finishes Available

Specifications

Color
Gray Ghost
Size
1/4-Ounce

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2Blue Fox Flash Spinner Kit 3/16 Oz - 5pk
Best Spinner Kit

Blue Fox

Blue Fox Flash Spinner Kit 3/16 Oz - 5pk

A selection of compact spinners that are heavy for their size: they sink quickly and spin even in the current, making them ideal for testing out different colors in rivers.

Pros

  • Multiple colors in a single kit
  • They even swim against the current
  • Good value for the money

Cons

  • Fishing hooks that sometimes need to be replaced

Manufacturer description

  • Combine flash and low-frequency vibration
  • Virtually eliminate line twists
  • Angled blade

Specifications

Color
Assorted
Size
3/16 oz
Quantity
1

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3Rapala Original Floating 03 Gold
Best Small Swimming Fish

Rapala

Rapala Original Floating 03 Gold

Rapala's original swimming lure in a small size, made of balsa wood. Its wriggling action at low speeds is irresistible to large trout.

Pros

  • Very realistic swimming
  • Excellent at low speeds
  • It also catches walleye and bass

Cons

  • Lightweight: shorter throwing distance

Manufacturer description

  • Whether twitched on top as a surface bait, the wounded minnow action continues to be irresistible to gamefish on every continent around the world.
  • Balsa Wood Construction Natural Minnow Profile VMC Black Nickel Hooks Available In Classic & Bleeding Patterns Hand Tuned & Tank Tested

Specifications

Color
Gold
Size
1/16 oz
Quantity
1

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4Acme Little Cleo Spoon, Nickel/Neon Blue, 2/3-Ounce
Best Wavy Spoon

ACME

Acme Little Cleo Spoon, Nickel/Neon Blue, 2/3-Ounce

A small, wobbling spoon that’s heavy for its size, casts far, and sinks quickly: perfect for reaching trout in the open water of a lake.

Pros

  • Long throws
  • Go down quickly
  • Also effective for trolling

Cons

  • Less vibration than a rotary machine

Manufacturer description

  • Wild action without line twist
  • Aerodynamic design
  • Precision Machined
  • Use in fresh or saltwater
  • Surest way to catch fish

Specifications

Color
Nickel/Neon Blue
Size
2/3 oz.
Quantity
1

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5PowerBait Trout Bait Assortment Assorted
Best Trout Dough

Berkley

PowerBait Trout Bait Assortment Assorted

A floating dough bait that conforms to the hook and floats above the bottom. Extremely effective for stocked trout when fished from the shore with a sliding sinker.

Pros

  • Very effective on stocked trout
  • Easy for beginners and children
  • Has a long shelf life

Cons

  • Less effective on wild trout
  • Not allowed everywhere: check

Manufacturer description

  • PowerBait Trout Bait Assortment Assorted

Specifications

Color
Multi
Size
One Size
Quantity
1

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6BASSDASH 64pcs Fly Fishing Flies Kit with Fly Box for Trout Bass Fishing
Best selection of flies

Bassdash

BASSDASH 64pcs Fly Fishing Flies Kit with Fly Box for Trout Bass Fishing

A selection of classic dry flies for trout that take the fly at the surface, in the evening, or during insect hatches.

Pros

  • Several models to test
  • Highly Visual Fishing
  • Economic

Cons

  • Request a fly rod

Manufacturer description

  • You can get excited about the premium items
  • The 64 pcs flies kit includes Mayfly dries, Streamers, Leeches, Wet Flies, Terrestrials, Miscellaneous dries, and Caddisfly dries in assorted sizes and (or) colors
  • Please refer to the pictures for the detailed fly patterns and sizes
  • The flies come loaded in a quality fly box with secure magnetic fastener for quick opening and closing
  • The flies included in this kit are the perfect tools for the job and are sure to get some attention, whether you’re targeting bass, panfish, trout, or steelhead

Specifications

Color
64 Pcs Assorted Flies Kit With Magnetic Fly Box
Quantity
64

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7Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Reel and 6' Fishing Rod Combo, 2-Piece, Graphite and Fiberglass Rod with Clear Tip Design
Best Ultralight Fishing Rod

Ugly Stik

Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Reel and 6' Fishing Rod Combo, 2-Piece, Graphite and Fiberglass Rod with Clear Tip Design

An ultralight, sturdy, and ready-to-fish rod-and-reel combo: it lets you cast small lures and makes every trout a fun fight.

Pros

  • Complete fishing kit, ready to use
  • Virtually unbreakable
  • Perfect for beginners

Cons

  • Entry-level fishing reel

Manufacturer description

  • UGLY STIK 6' GX2 SPINNING FISHING ROD AND REEL COMBO: The next-gen Ugly Stik, featuring better balance and improved components for enhanced durability. From the makers of the #1 rod series in the world.
  • SIZE 30 FISHING REEL: Machined double anodized aluminum spool is lightweight and corrosion resistant with an oversized bail wire and bail spring compression.Recovers at the rate of 28" | 70cm with every turn of the crank. Gear ratio of 5.2:1.
  • 6 DURABLE UGLY TUFF GUIDES: PVD-coated one-piece stainless steel guides provide excellent corrosion resistance and durability to reduce line fray.
  • UGLY TECH CONSTRUCTION: Constructed from graphite and fiberglass for a better balanced rod, while maintaining legendary toughness and strength. Ugly Stik GX2 fishing rods are covered by a 10 year warranty you won't find anywhere else.
  • UGLY STIK CLEAR TIP: 2-piece fishing rod features Ugly Stik Clear Tip design for strength and sensitivity. 6 - 15 lb line rating, Medium power. Built tough to stand up to what's next. Lure rating of 1/8 - 5/8 oz.

Specifications

Color
Black/Red
Size
30 Size Reel - 6' - Medium - 2pc
Quantity
1

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8Trilene XL Low-Vis Green 0.008in | 0.20mm
Best Thread

Berkley

Trilene XL Low-Vis Green 0.008in | 0.20mm

A soft, thin monofilament line (4 to 6 lb) that casts easily with small lures and remains inconspicuous in the clear waters of trout lakes.

Pros

  • Very flexible, low memory effect
  • Discreet
  • Economic

Cons

  • Wears out: Replace every season

Manufacturer description

  • Trilene XL Low-Vis Green 0.008in | 0.20mm
  • Trilene XL Low-Vis Green 0.008in | 0.20mm
  • Trilene XL Low-Vis Green 0.008in | 0.20mm
  • Trilene XL Low-Vis Green 0.008in | 0.20mm
  • Trilene XL Low-Vis Green 0.008in | 0.20mm

Specifications

Color
Low-vis Green
Size
One Size
Quantity
1

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