April is almost upon us, meaning Trout Season is approaching.

With the warmer, longer days we have been experiencing lately, it is hard not to think about fishing. Some time is spent cleaning gear and restocking lures, but selecting the correct lure is more challenging than a non-angler may think. There are hundreds to choose from, and each claims to be the best.

Choosing the correct lure can make or break any fishing trip, and before reviewing a list of my favorites for trout, let’s go over some of the traits to look for when deciding if the newest lures on the market might turn into longtime favorites or end up in the bargain bin.

The proper combination of size and color — the goal of any lure is to imitate a natural food source, so most of the more successful lures will resemble baitfish, crayfish, bugs, or even smaller trout.

ACTION

Not only does a lure need to look like potential food, but it will also be able to catch food. A lure that wobbles, wiggles, or darts from side to side has an action similar to a wounded minnow, which equals a more leisurely meal.

EASE OF USE

For the beginner, selecting a lure that works well out of the package and in various conditions is essential. While the veteran angler may enjoy tuning lips and changing blades, the need to do this may be too time-consuming for most.

Now, look at some of the lures that are time-tested favorites you will likely find in any successful trout angler’s tackle box.

RAPALA ORIGINAL FLOATER

When it comes to top water stick baits for trout, few will produce as well as the Original Floater. A 2-3″, size seven, or smaller version in either rainbow or black/silver patterns will make any trout think it is chasing a tasty fingerling or minnow.

PANTHER MARTIN SPINNER

Like Mepps, Panther Martin is an easy lure for beginners and well-suited for moderate-sized streams or lakeside adventures. Favorite colors include yellow/red, rainbow, or black/green patterns with silver blades. Suppose fishing streams opt for the smaller size 2. On lakes, the heavier size four will allow for farther casting.

DAREDEVIL

Almost every angler will recognize the classic red/white pattern of the Daredevil, and, in a 2/5 or 2/4oz, this is still a good choice for filling your stringer. Other patterns on hand include gold, rainbow, brown trout, and hammered nickel/blue. Although this lure can be fished successfully in streams, it is best suited for impoundments where long casts allow longer retrieves.

ACME KASTMASTER

When fishing a lake and wanting to draw trout from holes farther from shore, few lures will outperform a Kastmaster. Depending upon your rod/reel choice, you can select from 1/8oz to ½ oz in nickel, gold, or nickel/blue pattern, which more closely resembles the food trout are looking for than some other colors.

LUHR-JENSEN SUPER DUPER SPOON

Like a cross between a paperclip and a flat spring, this lure looks as crazy as its name sounds, but it belongs in your “go-to” tray rather than your novelty tray. The 1/6oz size in nickel/red or brass/red provides an enticing imitation of a wounded baitfish, but do not overlook the trout patterns in rainbow or brown either.

TROUT MAGNET

When I first saw this lure, I was skeptical. I wondered how what looked like a tiny shad dart with one of the most minor split-tail plastics I had ever seen would catch anything. It would cast far enough to get away from the rock-strewn shore. Boy, was I wrong. When paired with an ultralight tackle, the trout magnet attracts fish like its namesake does metal. I prefer the silver jig, but gold is available as well. You can also choose plastic colors ranging from red, pink & white to dark black or even glitter-infused.

ACME LITTLE CLEO

This lure may not be as well-known as the Kastmaster, but it is one I will always leave home with. Whether casting a tiny 1/8 ounce for trout or a larger version for bass and even saltwater species, it has never let me down. The “s” shaped spoon works well at low speed and gives early-season fish plenty of time to catch up and take a bite.

Good luck and good fishing!