Best Artificial Lures for Trout: Spinners, Spoons, Minnows and Jigs

Our verdict

Top Picks for Artificial Trout Lures

An artificial lure is anything you cast, troll or jig that is not natural or dough bait: spinners, spoons, minnow baits, crankbaits and small jigs. This guide picks ten across those types, each linked at a size its maker or a named trout writer ties to trout, with the maker’s weight, length, depth and hook for that size.

Related guide: 8 Best Artificial Baits for Tarpon and How to Fish Them

It is the all-trout, all-lure-type guide in our fishing gear section. For one species or lure type, see our brook trout lures and rainbow trout spinners guides. Four families repeat from those guides, at other sizes or kits: Kastmaster, Rebel craw, Trout Magnet and Rooster Tail. No listing is shared.

Price tiers: $ = entry level, $$ = higher priced, relative to the products in this guide.

Compare the picks

Compare the 10 Trout Lures

Each row is the lure or kit the link opens, with the maker’s figure for that size.

Depth is the maker’s running, cranking or trolling depth. Spoons have no listed depth: they sink until you start the retrieve.

How These Trout Lures Were Chosen

What a lure had to meet

• An artificial lure (no dough, scented paste or live bait) that its maker or a named trout writer ties to trout.
• The link opens one exact size, colour and lure (or one exact kit), new, in stock at the time of writing.
• Weight, length, depth and hook as the maker prints them for that size; “not published” where it does not.
• At least one pick per lure type the ranking guides cover: spinner, spoon, minnow bait, crankbait, jig, trolling plug.

Sources and independence and what r/troutfishing posters reach for

Sources and independence

Figures come from the makers’ pages and the Amazon listings. Outside opinion comes from three trout writers: Kubie Brown’s best trout lures at Outdoor Life, Jory Brass’s trout lure picks at Kayak Angler, and Trout Unlimited’s hard baits for big winter trout column. None of them names the exact size and colour we link, so each review says what the source covered. Maker blogs (Yakima Bait, Rapala Canada) are labelled as such.

What r/troutfishing posters reach for

In a ranking r/troutfishing thread, what lures do you use for trout, one poster sorts the answers into “5 basic classes”: spinners, spoons, jerkbaits, jigs and plastics, and scented or live bait. The same poster’s two easiest starters are “#4 panther Martin and a 1/8-1/4 kastmaster. Just cast and retrieve.” Others name Rooster Tails, Trout Magnets and small floating Rapalas. These are forum posts, not tests.

Detailed Reviews: 10 Artificial Lures for Trout

Worden’s Rooster Tail 1/8 oz, Hackle-Tail Spinner

Evidence: Independently reviewed, same series. Outdoor Life (Kubie Brown): Rooster Tail 1/4 oz.

Kubie Brown at Outdoor Life writes: “If I were stuck on some mythical desert island surrounded by trout and could only bring one lure, it would be the Worden’s Rooster Tail.” He links the 1/4 oz, not this 1/8 oz, and lists as a con that it is “Not the best lure for small streams or extremely cold water”. On Yakima Bait’s own blog, writer Bill Herzog says: “I choose these three weights/sizes of Rooster Tails (1/6th, 1/8th and 1/16th oz.) because their size is ideal year around for trout ranging from palm sized to double-digit pounds.” Sold by Reveal Outdoors (shipped by Amazon) at the time of writing, at about twice Yakima Bait’s own list price.

Specs: Worden’s Original Rooster Tail, 1/8 oz, Yellow, treble hook

• Weight: 1/8 oz (Yakima Bait; listing “1/8-Ounce”)
• Hook: treble (Yakima Bait); size not published for 1/8 oz
• Length: not published for 1/8 oz on the maker page we read
• Price tier: $ (live price in the table above)

Blue Fox Vibrax #3, Big-Lake Spinner

Evidence: Independently reviewed, same series. Outdoor Life (Kubie Brown): Vibrax sizes 3 to 6, colour not stated.

Outdoor Life picks the Vibrax for large lakes: “In a big lake, trout can be almost anywhere and so the more water you can cover the better.” It lists “Sizes 3 to 6” among the features, and this #3 is the smallest of those; it does not name a colour. Its cons: “Must be continuously retrieved to be effective” and “Can spook smaller trout”. Blue Fox says its two-part body emits “low-frequency sound vibrations that attract fish and trigger strikes while virtually eliminating line twist”. Trade-off against pick 1: twice the weight for distance on open water, but Outdoor Life warns it can spook small trout. Sold by Amazon.com at the time of writing, above Blue Fox’s own list price.

Specs: Blue Fox Classic Vibrax, blade size 3 (model 60-30), 1/4 oz, Red Tipped/Silver Flake

• Weight: 1/4 oz (Blue Fox)
• Running depth: 2 to 6 ft (Blue Fox, Classic Vibrax)
• Hook: siwash (Blue Fox, sizes 3-6; listing “Siwash hook”); size not published
• Price tier: $$ (live price in the table above)

Acme Kastmaster 1/8 oz, Long-Casting Spoon

Evidence: Independently reviewed, same series. Kayak Angler (Jory Brass): 1/12 oz and 1/8 oz, colour not stated.

Acme rates the 1/8 oz for 2 to 4 lb test “for trout, pickerel, panfish, smallmouth bass, snapper blues” and calls the Kastmaster “the master distance caster”. Jory Brass at Kayak Angler writes: “When I kept finding Kastmasters dangling from overhanging tree branches at some Pennsylvania blue ribbon trout streams, I started a collection in 1/12 oz and 1/8 oz sizes. Sure enough, their wobble and flash can be deadly on trout.” He adds: “Go chrome in the sunlight, and copper or gold for low-light trout fishing.” He does not name this Chrome/Neon Green colour. Sold by Reveal Outdoors (shipped by Amazon) at the time of writing.

Specs: Acme Kastmaster, 1/8 oz, Chrome/Neon Green (SW105/CHNG)

• Weight: 1/8 oz (Acme; listing “1/8 oz.”)
• Line: 2 to 4 lb test (Acme, 1/8 and 1/4 oz)
• Hook: treble on a split ring (Acme); size not published
• Price tier: $ (live price in the table above)

Acme Phoebe 1/12 oz, Small-Stream Spoon

Evidence: Independently reviewed, same series. Outdoor Life (Kubie Brown): Phoebe, size not stated.

Acme lists the 1/12 oz “for small trout, minnow-eating panfish like perch, crappie” and says that “Fished fast, slow, deep or shallow – this lure looks like a fat, full-bodied baitfish”. Outdoor Life names the Phoebe for small streams: “On a small stream with tight corners and not a lot of casting room where trout hold in small pools or deep holes, the Acme Phoebe can quickly and easily be dropped into the strike zone.” It does not say which size, and lists as a con: “It is not the best lure in cloudy, off-colored water”. Trade-off against pick 3: smaller and lighter for tight water, at the cost of casting distance. Sold by Tackle World at the time of writing, at well above Acme’s list price.

Specs: Acme Phoebe, 1/12 oz, Copper

• Weight: 1/12 oz (Acme; listing “1/12 Opunce”)
• Line: 2 to 4 lb test (Acme, 1/12 oz)
• Hook: treble on a split ring (Acme); size not published
• Price tier: $$ (live price in the table above)

Rapala Original Floating F07, Floating Minnow

Evidence: Independently reviewed, same series. Kayak Angler (Jory Brass): Original Floating Minnow, size not stated.

Rapala says it can be “twitched on top as a surface bait, retrieved as a shallow runner, weighted with a split shot for medium depth”. Jory Brass at Kayak Angler writes: “This legendary lure’s wobbly, wounded minnow action still works on trout and other species”, and fishes it with a slow, steady retrieve just under the surface. He does not give a size. A poster in the r/troutfishing thread above adds: “Small rapalas work well for stocked trout too but don’t be afraid to up the size if you know the area holds big trout.” Sold by Amazon.com at the time of writing.

Specs: Rapala Original Floating, F07, Brown Trout (F07TR)

• Length: 2-3/4 in (Rapala)
• Weight: 1/8 oz (Rapala)
• Running depth: 3 to 5 ft (Rapala)
• Hooks: two No. 8 (Rapala)
• Price tier: $ (live price in the table above)

Rapala CountDown CD05, Sinking Minnow

Evidence: Independently reviewed, same series. Trout Unlimited (The Versatile Angler): CountDown, size not stated.

Rapala says the CountDown sinks “at a consistent rate of one foot per second”, so you can target one depth repeatedly. The Trout Unlimited column says: “Countdowns come with excellent VMC hooks, and the slower rolling action seems to really work in colder water.” Its caveat: “This is a lure for deep holes. If it’s not at least 10 feet deep you’re probably better off with a suspending lure”. The column does not name a size. On Rapala Canada’s blog, a writer adds that “The smaller Countdown’s of both styles work well in these rivers” (maker blog). Trade-off against pick 5: same Rapala balsa minnow family, but this one sinks, for depth over a surface twitch. Sold by Amazon.com at the time of writing.

Specs: Rapala CountDown, CD05, Silver (CD05S)

• Length: 2 in (Rapala)
• Weight: 3/16 oz (Rapala)
• Running depth: 3 to 6 ft (Rapala)
• Hooks: two No. 10 (Rapala)
• Price tier: $ (live price in the table above)

Rapala Husky Jerk HJ10, Suspending Jerkbait

Evidence: Independently reviewed, same series. Outdoor Life (Kubie Brown): Husky Jerk, sizes 2 1/2 to 5 1/2 in, size not stated.

Rapala lists it as suspending. Outdoor Life picks the Husky Jerk for large rivers: “When you’re fishing on a big river, covering water and seeking out actively feeding trout is key, and nothing does it better than a Husky Jerk.” Its con: it “will only work for more active, predatory trout that are on the hunt”. Jory Brass at Kayak Angler: “It’s my favorite jerkbait for big trout because it doesn’t float to the surface when you’re not reeling it.” Neither names a size, but Trout Unlimited’s winter big-trout column does: “I like the 4-inch version (HJ10), which runs 4-8 feet deep”. Trade-off against picks 5 and 6: at 4 in it is longer than the other minnow baits here and holds its depth on a pause, aimed at big trout rather than numbers. Sold by Amazon.com at the time of writing, with limited stock.

Specs: Rapala Husky Jerk, HJ10, Glass Minnow (HJ10GMN)

• Length: 4 in (Rapala)
• Weight: 3/8 oz (Rapala)
• Running depth: 4 to 8 ft (Rapala)
• Hooks: two No. 6 (Rapala)
• Price tier: $ (live price in the table above)

Rebel Deep Wee Crawfish, Deep-Diving Craw

Evidence: Independently reviewed, same series. Trout Unlimited (The Versatile Angler): Wee Craw series; the writer prefers the Teeny Wee.

Rebel says the Deep Wee “catches all sizes of game fish – especially bass, trout, and panfish. The distinct pulsating action is irresistible and extremely effective in rivers and streams”. The Trout Unlimited column covers the Wee Craw series: “The Rebel Wee Craw series lures have the profile of a fleeing crayfish, with a tucked tail and claws streamlined behind the head.” The writer prefers the smaller Teeny Wee, not this Deep Wee, and adds that these floating lures “seem to better imitate a minnow than a crayfish bumping along the bottom” unless the water is shallow. Trade-off against pick 6: a crawfish profile that dives deeper, but it floats up when you stop reeling. Sold by Amazon.com at the time of writing, above Rebel’s list price.

Specs: Rebel Deep Wee Crawfish, D76, Ditch/Brown

• Length: 2 3/8 in (Rebel)
• Weight: 3/8 oz (Rebel)
• Cranking depth: 8 to 10 ft (Rebel)
• Hook: #6 (Rebel); treble (listing)
• Price tier: $$ (live price in the table above)

Trout Magnet Neon Kit, Jig-and-Grub Kit

Evidence: Independently reviewed, same series. Outdoor Life (Kubie Brown): Trout Magnet, 2 jig heads and 7 bodies pack.

Leland’s kit holds “(10) of the following body colors: mealworm gold, bubble gum, opaque chartreuse, chartreuse/orange, green/black, pink, and white” plus “(4) gold, (4) black, and (4) silver 1/64oz shad-dart heads”. Leland says the hook and body fall “horizontally in the water instead of head weight like all other jigs.” Outdoor Life’s jig pick is the Trout Magnet in general (its pack has “2 Jig heads and 7 Worm Bodies”): “Jigging for trout is an extremely effective and underutilized method in both still and flowing water.” Its cons: it “Doesn’t cover a lot of water” and has “One hook size”. A poster in the r/troutfishing thread above: “Trout magnets work great for stocked trout.” Sold by Amazon.com at the time of writing, at Leland’s list price.

Specs: Trout Magnet Neon Kit (82 pieces)

• Contents: 70 bodies in 7 colours, 12 jig heads (Leland; listing “82”)
• Jig head: 1/64 oz shad-dart (Leland)
• Hook: size 8 (listing)
• Price tier: $$ (live price in the table above)

Worden’s FlatFish F-4, Slow-Trolling Plug

Evidence: Independently reviewed, same series. Outdoor Life (Kubie Brown): FlatFish, size not stated.

Yakima Bait calls the FlatFish “the ultimate slow trolling, shallow diving, wide wiggling plug on the market”; for the F-4 it gives a 1 ft trolling depth, where the Amazon listing says 1 to 2 ft. Outdoor Life picks it for trolling: “Designed over 50 years ago, the Flatfish is a proven trout slayer with an intense wobbling action that will attract and catch every species of trout, from giant lakers and aggressive browns, to smaller, scrappy rainbows, and even big brook trout.” It names no size and lists as a con: “Diving lip causes it to snag a lot on shallow water”. Sold by Sportco Wholesale at the time of writing, at well above Yakima Bait’s list price.

Specs: Worden’s FlatFish, F-4, Metallic Silver Red Spot (MSRS), treble

• Length: 1-1/2 in (Yakima Bait)
• Weight: .06 oz (Yakima Bait)
• Trolling depth: 1 ft (Yakima Bait); 1 to 2 ft (listing)
• Hook: #12 treble (Yakima Bait)
• Price tier: $$ (live price in the table above)

Choosing an Artificial Lure for Trout

Lures for trout in rivers and creeks

In small streams and creeks, the Phoebe fits: Outdoor Life’s small-stream pick, at the 1/12 oz Acme lists “for small trout”. Outdoor Life calls the Rooster Tail weaker there. For brook trout in small water, our brook trout lure guide goes down to 1/16 oz spinners and a 1/12 oz Kastmaster. In big rivers, Outdoor Life turns to the Husky Jerk for actively feeding trout, and Rebel names rivers and streams for the Deep Wee.

Lures for trout in lakes

On open water, Outdoor Life’s lake pick is the Vibrax for covering water, and a 1/8 oz Kastmaster adds distance on light line. To fish a set depth, the CountDown sinks at Rapala’s one foot per second. From a boat or kayak, the FlatFish is Outdoor Life’s trolling pick, and its writer adds a bullet weight or egg sinker to troll it deeper.

Spinner, spoon, minnow or jig?

Inline spinners (picks 1 and 2) need a steady retrieve to turn the blade. Spoons (picks 3 and 4) cast far, and Kayak Angler’s writer notes they need no current to work, unlike a spinner blade. Minnow baits float (pick 5), sink (pick 6) or suspend (pick 7). Crankbaits like the craw (pick 8) dive to a set depth. Jigs (pick 9) are slow and precise. Our types of fishing lures explainer covers each family, and the rainbow trout spinner guide compares eight spinners by size and blade.

Hooks, line and local rules

Most picks come with trebles; the Vibrax #3 comes with a siwash single. Acme rates the Kastmaster and Phoebe sizes here for 2 to 4 lb line, which suits an ultralight spinning rod and a small reel from our trout reel guide. Some trout waters restrict lures and hooks: Connecticut’s river and stream regulations, for example, set Class 1 waters to “use of barbless single-hook artificial lures and barbless single-hook flies only.” Check your state’s current rules before you fish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Artificial Trout Lures

The sources we read give no single answer. Outdoor Life names the Worden’s Rooster Tail its “Best Overall” trout lure; r/troutfishing posters split between spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and jigs.

Anything that is not natural or prepared bait: spinners, spoons, hard minnow baits and crankbaits, plugs, and jigs with soft plastic bodies. Scented dough such as PowerBait is a bait; we cover it in our PowerBait for trout guide. Special-regulation waters may limit you to artificial lures (see the Connecticut example above), so check your state’s own wording.

It depends on the water. The writers we read use small spoons and light spinners in streams, jerkbaits in big rivers, sinking minnows in deep holes, spinners for distance on lakes, and the FlatFish for trolling.

None of our sources measures that. The Ontario Trout and Steelhead guide ranking for this search lists natural baits (worms, insects, minnows, eggs, leeches) alongside trout beads and plastic worms. For dough bait, see our PowerBait for trout guide.

Artificial shrimp are an inshore saltwater lure, not a freshwater trout lure: Salt Water Sportsman’s artificial shrimp guide fishes them for redfish and trout in grass beds, tied direct to the leader or under a popping cork. Tied direct, it says to “work it slowly up and down. Mix in a couple of short jerks, let it sink and repeat the process to mimic a shrimp’s slow swimming action.”

The bottom line

Final Verdict

Start with the Worden’s Rooster Tail 1/8 oz (check price), or the Blue Fox Vibrax #3 (check price) on big lakes. Spoons: the Acme Kastmaster 1/8 oz (check price) for distance, the Acme Phoebe 1/12 oz (check price) for small streams. Minnows: the Rapala Original Floating F07 (check price) shallow, the Rapala CountDown CD05 (check price) deeper, the Rapala Husky Jerk HJ10 (check price) for big river trout. Then the Rebel Deep Wee Crawfish (check price) for deep pools, the Trout Magnet Neon Kit (check price) for stocked trout and the Worden’s FlatFish F-4 (check price) for trolling.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.