Trout Fishing on Lures: A First-Hand Guide

There’s nothing quite like watching a trout charge down your lure and smash it. It’s a proper adrenaline rush. Lure fishing for trout is a bit like fly fishing in that both rely on tricking the fish with an artificial imitation—but instead of delicate casting and drifting tiny flies, you’re working a small lure to mimic a wounded baitfish or struggling insect. It’s hands-on, fast-paced, and addictive, plus you don’t need a whole fly-fishing setup to get started.

Why Choose Lure Fishing for Trout?

I’ve been fishing for trout in rivers, streams, and reservoirs for years, and I’ve tried a fair amount of lures. Some are decent, some are useless, and then there are the absolute weapons—the ones that catch fish over and over. One of my go-to lures is the Majorcraft Finetail Eden. It comes in two versions—the H (heavy sinking) and the S (slow sinking)—and both are absolute game-changers. The unique flat shape allows you to enjoy various actions, such as sharp flapping and slow short darts. Whether you’re working fast-moving water or calmer pools, these lures have an action that trout can’t resist.

Choosing the Right Lures for Trout Fishing

When choosing lures for trout, there are a few important factors to consider. First, stick to small lures (3-7cm) since trout usually go for smaller prey. In lakes, you might get away with a slightly bigger lure if the trout are feeding on larger baitfish. The sink rate is crucial, as it determines how deep your lure runs. The Finetail Eden H is perfect for deeper pools and fast currents, while the S version is ideal for shallower water and slow-moving sections.

Another key aspect is the action and movement of the lure. A lure that wobbles or darts like a real fish in trouble is gold. The Finetail Eden has a natural, erratic wobble that trout can’t seem to ignore. In clear water, natural patterns (silver, brown, gold) work best, while in murky water, bright colors like pinks and oranges can grab more attention. As for hooks, the Finetail Eden features high-quality, fluorine-coated hooks that improve performance. Many trout lures come with treble hooks, but switching to a single barbless hook makes unhooking easier and is better for catch-and-release fishing.

Where and How to Fish Lures for Trout

Rivers and Streams

Casting upstream and letting your lure drift naturally with the current before retrieving can be deadly. Target undercut banks, deeper pools, and anywhere with structure like fallen trees or boulders. Mixing up your retrieves can keep things interesting; sometimes fast and aggressive works, while other times a slow and steady approach is better.

Stillwaters and Reservoirs

In stillwaters and reservoirs, a stop-start retrieve can mimic a struggling fish and trigger bites. Let your lure sink before retrieving to explore different depths, as trout often hold deeper in the summer months. If you see fish rising, cast past them and work the lure back naturally.

Fast Water

In fast water, use the H version of the Finetail Eden to get down into the strike zone quickly. Cast slightly upstream and let the current swing the lure into prime feeding areas, keeping your retrieve quick—trout in fast water are aggressive and react to movement.

Shallow Runs and Slow Pools

For shallow runs and slow pools, the S version of the Finetail Eden is perfect. Work it slowly with gentle twitches to make it look like an injured baitfish. Target spots with shade, like under trees or near rocks, where trout hide.

Retrieve Techniques to Trigger Strikes

To trigger strikes effectively, consider a steady retrieve when trout are actively feeding, keeping the lure moving at a consistent pace to imitate a confident baitfish. Incorporating a twitch-and-pause technique can impart a darting action that often prompts reaction strikes, especially with the Finetail Eden S in calm water. The burn-and-kill method—a fast retrieve followed by a sudden pause—mimics a fleeing and then stunned fish, which can be deadly in rivers with aggressive trout. You might also try a jigging motion by letting the lure sink and giving sharp upward twitches to imitate an injured fish struggling near the bottom. On days when the fish are finicky, a super-slow retrieve can work wonders.

Best Conditions for Trout Lure Fishing

Certain conditions can enhance your trout lure fishing experience. Clear water calls for natural-looking lures and subtle movements, while overcast days often encourage trout to feed more aggressively. Early mornings and late evenings are prime feeding times when trout are most active, and a slight drop in barometric pressure before a storm can turn them into feeding machines.

Final Thoughts

Lure fishing for trout is hands down one of the most exciting ways to catch them. It’s all about the chase, the strike, and the fight. The Majorcraft Finetail Eden—in both heavy and slow-sinking versions—is one of the best trout lures I’ve ever used, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking to step up their game.

If you haven’t given lure fishing for trout a go yet, you’re missing out. Grab some lures, hit the water, and enjoy the rush of fooling a trout into striking!