Catch Trophy Trout on Bass Lures

Bass fishing techniques can be effectively used to catch large trout, specifically by using lures like jigs, crankbaits, jerk baits, swimbaits, and other soft plastics.

Tips for Catching Trout with Bass Lures

• Know the predator/prey relationship in the water you are fishing. You can focus on specific lure types if you have some up front information
• Try upscaling to larger lures than you might otherwise for trout.
• Cast into areas where trout are likely to be hiding, such as around rocks, logs, and other cover or trolling at depth in open waters.
• Retrieve the lure slowly and erratically to mimic the movement of baitfish.

How to Select a Bass Lure for Trout

Trout are opportunistic feeders and can be aggressive, especially larger ones. They often target the same prey as bass, such as minnows, crayfish, and insects. Bass lures are designed to mimic these prey species, and their larger size, flashy appearance, and erratic action can trigger a predatory response in trout, leading to more strikes. Using bass lures can also help cover more water and target trout that might not respond to smaller, traditional trout lures.

Not all bass lures are equally effective for trout. The key is to select lures that mimic the natural prey of trout and suit the conditions in the waters you are fishing.

Crankbaits:

• Ideal Conditions: Crankbaits work best in deeper water or when trout are feeding on larger baitfish.
• Types: Shallow-running crankbaits are great for streams and rivers, while deeper-diving models are suitable for lakes.
• Color Selection: Opt for natural colors like silver, brown, or olive that resemble baitfish. Bright colors like chartreuse or fire tiger can work well in murky water.
• Technique: Use a steady retrieve with occasional pauses to imitate a fleeing baitfish. Bouncing the crankbait off the bottom can also trigger strikes.

Spinnerbaits:

• Ideal Conditions: Spinnerbaits are versatile and work well in various conditions, particularly in stained water where visibility is low.
• Types: Choose smaller spinnerbaits with a single blade, as these are less intimidating to trout.
• Color Selection: White, silver, and gold are effective, as they mimic minnows and other small fish.
• Technique: A slow, steady retrieve is often effective. In colder water, slow the retrieve down, allowing the blades to spin just fast enough to create vibration and flash.

Soft Plastics:

• Ideal Conditions: Soft plastics are effective in clear water where trout can easily see the lure. They are also useful when targeting trout in weed beds or around structures.
• Types: Grubs, small swimbaits, and creature baits can all be effective. Match the size of the soft plastic to the local baitfish or insect larvae.
• Color Selection: Natural colors like green pumpkin, brown, and translucent shades work best. Bright colors can be used when trout are more aggressive.
• Technique: Use a jighead to fish soft plastics near the bottom, or swim them slowly through the water column. A stop-and-go retrieve can mimic the movement of an injured baitfish.

Topwater Lures:

• Ideal Conditions: Topwater lures are most effective during low light conditions, such as early morning or late evening, and when trout are actively feeding near the surface.
• Types: Poppers and small walking baits are the best choices for trout. Frogs and other large topwater lures designed for bass may be too big for most trout.
• Color Selection: Stick to natural colors like black, white, or frog patterns.
• Technique: Use a twitching motion to create surface disturbance. The goal is to imitate an injured baitfish or insect struggling on the surface.

Jerkbaits:

• Ideal Conditions: Jerkbaits are effective in cold water or when trout are feeding on suspended baitfish.
• Types: Opt for smaller jerkbaits that mimic the size of the local baitfish.
• Color Selection: Natural baitfish patterns, such as silver, brown, or rainbow, are ideal.
• Technique: The erratic action of a jerkbait can provoke aggressive strikes. Use a twitch-twitch-pause retrieve, varying the length of the pause based on the water temperature and trout activity.

Trout Fishing Tips

• Vary Lure Sizes: While bass lures are larger than traditional trout lures, it’s essential to try large and smaller versions of these lures when targeting trout. This makes the lure less intimidating and more appealing to trout depending upon the forage in the water you are fishing.
• Match the Hatch: Observe the local forage species and try to match the size, color, and action of your lure to what the trout are naturally feeding on.
• Use Light Tackle: Trout have excellent eyesight and can be line-shy, especially in clear water. Use light fluorocarbon line (4-8 lb test) and a sensitive rod to detect subtle bites.
• Fish Structure: Trout often hold near structures such as rocks, logs, and weed beds, where they can ambush prey. Target these areas with your bass lures, focusing on the edges of cover where trout are likely to be hiding.
• Adjust Your Retrieve: Experiment with different retrieval speeds and patterns until you find what the trout are responding to. Sometimes a fast, erratic retrieve will trigger strikes, while other times a slow, steady retrieve works best.

SUMMARY

While it might not seem productive large, trophy trout can be targeted effectively using bass lures.  Trout are a challenging fish to catch consistently.  See our other Thrillfishing articles that discuss opportunities and techniques to help anglers be more productive catching trout.

• PowerBait Lures: Catch More Trout
• Jig Fishing to Catch World Record Trout
• Use Trout’s Sense of Smell to Catch More Fish

By following these tips, the chances of catching trout with bass lures can be increased. With a little practice and experimentation, anglers can learn to catch larger trout with bass lures.

Please send pictures of your fishing success.  You can contact me by email at [email protected].

Tight lines …  Captain P.