Use These Late Winter Trout Fishing Lures for Success

Since trout are a coldwater fish species, they are more active during the late winter months than warmwater fish like largemouth bass or sunfish. This means that trout will be more likely to take artificial lures during this time of year if you choose the right ones. Learn about a few of the best late winter trout fishing lures to use when water temperatures are at a seasonal low.

Wide-Body Spoons

When it comes to late winter trout fishing spoons, it’s hard to beat a wide-bodied spoon. Spoons can give you an advantage during the winter because they can be fished near the bottom using a slow, steady retrieve and still provide enough fluttering action to trigger strikes. Al’s Original Goldfish spoon, Thomas Bouyant, and Blue Fox Pixee are three examples of wide body spoons you should have in your collection of late winter trout fishing tackle.

Inline Spinners

When choosing the right tackle for late winter trout, inline spinners should be part of your lure selection. Inline spinners, such as the Blue Fox Classic Vibrax spinner or Worden's Original Rooster Tail, can be productive for targeting trout during the winter if they are used in the right spots with the right technique. The flash and vibration from inline spinners make them ideal for deeper water or dirty water. Use a slow and steady retrieve – just reeling enough to make the blade spin. When fishing with inline spinners, the best late winter fishing rods are typically 6- foot or 7-foot, light action spinning rods.

Marabou Jigs

If you ask most experienced anglers, they will tell you that the best late winter trout fishing jigs are marabou jigs because the material “comes alive” with a subtle action that attracts trout in cold water. Stock up on plenty of 1/16-ounce jigs since that’s one of the most versatile weights/sizes to have on hand for high or low water conditions. Using a light or ultralight spinning rod and reel combo spooled with 4 to 6-pound test, make a cast and let the jig sink for about five seconds (or more depending on the water depth) before starting your retrieve.

Curly Tail Grubs

You can’t talk about late winter trout fishing lures without mentioning the curly tail grub. Whether you are casting into a mountain stream or ice fishing on lake, soft plastic grubs are effective at getting winter trout (along with many other freshwater fish species) to bite. Small curly tail grubs in the 2-inch size range are typically best for winter trout fishing. Try using a slow vertical lift and drop technique to bump the bait along the bottom.