[cnpitbull]

I've just recently gotten into fishing for trout in the river (used to only try for SM), and while I see the beauty in fly-fishing, I want to stick with my spinning reels. I'm fishing in a an area that gets a lot of traffic (Nance Ferry), and I would assume that most of the trout are starting to get wise to the basic rooster tail. I've got a number of variations such as some of the Blue Fox stuff etc.



Yesterday I went to Walmart to check out what other bait choices I had, and I found a pretty good selection. Has anyone tried the flies that have a spinner attached to an elongated shaft, similar to a rooster tail but with actual flies at the end instead of just the tail? I also got a small Rebel Teeny Craw crankbait that I'd like to try out. Do trout even feed on crawdads?



All in all, what are some good trout lure choices that you've found (rooster tail or otherwise)? Preferred weights and colors would also be very helpful. I'll be glad to share any info from my trial and error experiences as I go along. Thanks for all your help!

 

[christian d carrier]

i use alot of rooster tails for trout, well unless im fly fishing rooster tails are all i use

 

[clinchmtnboy1]

I've just recently gotten into fishing for trout in the river (used to only try for SM), and while I see the beauty in fly-fishing, I want to stick with my spinning reels. I'm fishing in a an area that gets a lot of traffic (Nance Ferry), and I would assume that most of the trout are starting to get wise to the basic rooster tail. I've got a number of variations such as some of the Blue Fox stuff etc.



Yesterday I went to Walmart to check out what other bait choices I had, and I found a pretty good selection. Has anyone tried the flies that have a spinner attached to an elongated shaft, similar to a rooster tail but with actual flies at the end instead of just the tail? I also got a small Rebel Teeny Craw crankbait that I'd like to try out. Do trout even feed on crawdads?



All in all, what are some good trout lure choices that you've found (rooster tail or otherwise)? Preferred weights and colors would also be very helpful. I'll be glad to share any info from my trial and error experiences as I go along. Thanks for all your help!

I like to throw small jerkbaits and jigs also. I have caught some large trout on crawfish and have found them full of them when cleaning them.( in certain streams and rivers)

 

[cnpitbull]

I like to throw small jerkbaits and jigs also. I have caught some large trout on crawfish and have found them full of them when cleaning them.( in certain streams and rivers)

Thanks for the replies! What kind of depth do you throw the jerkbaits and jigs in? Like I said, I'm new to trout fishing, but had always heard they prefer shallow, fast-moving water as well as deeper holes just down from it. Also, I've got about a 3 inch Yozuri jerkbait that I've caught a ton of smallies on. I'll have to give that a try.

 

[holstonangler]

I've had 50+ days on trout with the tiny rebel crawfish, so they definitely eat crayfish. Also try a super duper and a little cleo spoon, both very good lures for numbers.

 

[cnpitbull]

I've had 50+ days on trout with the tiny rebel crawfish, so they definitely eat crayfish. Also try a super duper and a little cleo spoon, both very good lures for numbers.

Awesome! I can't wait to try it out! I'll have to give those others a try too.

 

[wayers]

i like the panther martin roster tails. also like the yo zuri jerks and the rapala broke back jerks. Ive even thrown some of my bass swimmbaits and trout follow but no takers.

 

[RedHeadedStranger]

As you mentioned the Rebel Crawfish crankbait in 1-1/2" and 2". Countdown Rapalas in the 1-1/2", 2", and 2-3/4" sizes, ditto for floatng Rapalas. I haven't tried the Leland's Lures Lures Trout Magnets for trout yet, but they work great for panfish. Leadhead jigs from 1/64 oz to 1/8 oz with plastic grubs 1", 1-1/2", and 2" sizes. Sidwinder spoons, Kastmasters, and Little Cleos in the small sizes. Mepps, Panther Martins, and Roostertails.

 

[brwnbass]

You can catch alot of rainbows & browns in the clinch on yozuri minnow baits,3"-4" in rainbow trout pattern or silver/blue back.

 

[macon123]

I think the flies with spinners you refer to are the Joe's Flies. I've caught some really nice rainbows on the number 10 gold bladed fly with the black wooly worm with the red yarn tail. The wooly worm is made with black chenile, wound around the hook shank and has a hackle wound with it so the black feather sticks out all the way around and for the lenght of the entire hookshaft.........no wings, just looks like a very long haired catterpillar. Excellent lure. In the current, the feather hairs (barbels) bend back and present the hook properly.



Another way to fish rainbows is to use a number 8 plain shank hook, also available at Wally World. Use the Berkley Power Bait in Rainbow color to ball the hook. It's a firm paste and easy to form into a small ball, covering the hook. I use a small splitshot about 2.5 feet up the line just heavy enought to hold in the current. If the sinker is too close to the hook, the fish may just come up to the bait and bump it with it's nose but not take it. I've seen this several times.

 

[cnpitbull]

Thanks for all the great tips guys! The last time I hit the lower holston river I had good success with a number 2 mepps minnow. And yes, Macon, those are called Joe's Flies. Has anyone tried a small chatterbait out on the river?

 

[MallardCutter]

The Joe flies I have used with good success.Try the cheese egg color,works for me,

 

[oadams]

Second the little Cleo. 1/8 oz gold is almost my exclusive lure for tailrace trout

 

[macon123]

Cnpitbull, just sent you a private message with an offer. Mac

 

[smallmouthlargebass]

Gulp 2.5" alive minnows!!! awesome on the Caney Fork at times.

 

[cynthiarossmrs]

Just looking for a few suggestions for lures for river trout. Have been using five diamonds and have had very few strikes best electric reel. What are some other good rainbow trout lures?