How to Catch Rainbow Trout: Bait, Spinners & Spoons

Rainbow trout are one of the most popular and fun fish to catch, especially for beginners and seasoned anglers alike. Whether you're fishing in a lake, river, or stream, these vibrant fish put up a good fight and taste great on the grill. In this post, we’ll go over the best methods to catch rainbow trout using bait, spinners, and spoons like Rooster Tails and Kastmasters. Rainbow trout will go after both live and artificial bait depending on the conditions.

Bait

Worms (Nightcrawlers)

Live worms are a classic for a reason. They're versatile and work in nearly all water types. There are two main ways to fish them:

• Drifting: Use a small piece of worm on a size 8 to 12 hook and let it drift naturally in the current. Add a small split shot above the hook to keep it down in the strike zone.

• Bottom fishing with a worm blower: A worm blower is a small tool that injects a puff of air into the worm, making it float off the bottom. This is great when trout are cruising near the bottom but not actively feeding on the surface. Use a sliding sinker rig with a light leader and a puffed-up worm to keep your bait just off the bottom and in their line of sight.

PowerBait

For stocked trout, PowerBait is incredibly effective. Mold a small amount onto a treble hook and fish it off the bottom with a sliding sinker rig. Popular colors include chartreuse, rainbow, and garlic-scented options. This works best when trout are hanging close to the lake floor.

Salmon Eggs

Bright and smelly, salmon eggs are great for rivers and small streams. Use one or two on a small hook, and let them drift naturally with the current. These work especially well after rain or during spawning seasons.

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Spinners: Rooster Tails, Panther Martins, and Mepps

Spinners are one of the most effective lures for rainbow trout because they combine flash, vibration, and movement to trigger strikes. Three of the most popular and proven brands are Rooster Tails, Panther Martins, and Mepps.

The good news is they all fish the same way: Cast them out and retrieve steadily, just fast enough to keep the blade spinning. You can add occasional twitches or pauses to make the lure flutter and trigger more bites. These lures work well in both rivers and lakes, and they're especially effective in clear or lightly stained water.

Rooster Tails

Known for their colorful tails and spinning blades, Rooster Tails are great all-purpose spinners. Use 1/16 oz to 1/8 oz sizes. Popular colors include white, chartreuse, brown trout, and black with a gold blade.

Panther Martins

These spinners have a heavier body and an inline blade that spins easily even in strong current. Excellent in deeper pools or moving water. Try yellow with red dots, gold blade/black body, or holographic patterns.

Mepps

Mepps Aglia spinners have a wider blade swing, which is ideal for slower water or lakes. Dressed versions with squirrel tail hooks add extra motion. Stick with #0 to #2 sizes, and use gold or silver blades depending on the light and water clarity.

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Spoons: Kastmasters, Little Cleos, and Thomas Buoyant

Spoons are a great option when rainbow trout are holding deeper or when you need to cast a long distance. They produce a flash and wobble that imitates baitfish, making them ideal for covering water and locating fish in lakes or slow-moving rivers.

Just like spinners, spoons are fished with a simple steady retrieve. Let the spoon sink to your desired depth, then reel in at a consistent pace. You can vary your speed or add short pauses to let the spoon flutter — trout often strike as it falls. Spoons are especially effective in windy conditions or when trout are suspended in deeper water.

Kastmasters

Kastmasters are compact, heavy spoons that cast a mile. They have a tight, flashy wobble that works well in both clear and stained water. Popular colors include gold, silver, and blue/silver. Use 1/8 oz to 1/4 oz for trout.

Little Cleos

Little Cleos have a wide, fluttering action that mimics an injured baitfish. They’re especially effective in lakes and ponds where trout are chasing bait. Go with classic silver, gold, or rainbow trout patterns, and sizes around 1/8 oz for most situations.

Thomas Buoyant

These spoons are lightweight with a unique wobble that stays in the strike zone longer. They shine in stillwater or slow current. Try firetiger, gold/red, or copper for stained water and bright days.

FAQ

• What time are trout most active?

  Trout are most active during early morning and late evening, especially when the light is low and the water is cooler. Overcast days can also keep them feeding longer into midday.

• What is the best bait for trout fishing?

  The best bait depends on conditions, but for stocked trout, PowerBait is a top choice. In natural waters, worms and salmon eggs are reliable favorites. Worms can be especially effective when fished off the bottom with a worm blower.

• What is the best method to fish for trout?

  It depends on where you're fishing. In still water, bottom fishing with bait works great. In rivers or streams, drifting worms or casting small spinners like Rooster Tails or Panther Martins is very effective.

• What is the best month to fish for trout?

  Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the best months. During these times, the water temperature is ideal and trout tend to feed more aggressively.

• Is trout fishing difficult?

  Trout fishing can be simple with the right gear and technique. Stocked trout are usually easy to catch, while wild trout may require more patience and stealth. Light line and a natural presentation make a big difference.

• Are trout in deep or shallow water?

  Trout can be found in both. In cooler months or early mornings, they may be in shallower water. When the sun is high or during hot weather, they often move to deeper, cooler areas.

• Are trout good to eat?

  Yes, rainbow trout are AMAZING. Their flesh is mild, flaky, and full of nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. They’re great grilled, pan-fried, or smoked.

• What color do trout see best?

  Trout see colors well, especially in clear water. Bright colors like chartreuse, pink, orange, and natural shades like brown and white work best. In low light or stained water, gold and silver flash attract attention.

• What size hook for trout?

  Use size 4 to 8 hooks for bait fishing. Smaller hooks help with a natural presentation and make it easier for trout to take the bait. When fishing with powerbait, use a size 10 treble hook.