Trout Bait

Types of Trout Bait

There are a variety of bait types available for trout fishermen. There is no one-size-fits-all type of trout bait. Below is a list and discussion of some of the most commonly used trout baits.

1. Worms: This standard bait works well in most fishing situations, and there is no exception with trout fishing. Whether you are using night crawlers, red worms, or some other type of worm as trout bait, the most important thing is the make sure the worm looks as natural as possible. There are many different ways to hook a worm, but the best method is to hook the worm through the collar (the band around its body) and, depending on the size, hook it through one more time near the lower part of its body. This should help hide the hook while allowing the upper and lower parts of the worm to move around. A fish would still need to bite into the hook to get to the thicker part of the worm.

2. Prepared Salmon Eggs: Salmon eggs are a very popular type of trout bait, especially if you are targeting stocked trout or lake trout.  You can find them in most sporting goods stores and in a variety of colors. When you hook a salmon egg, just make sure the barb does not go completely through. Again, presentation is key when you are trout fishing, and you do not want the trout to see the hook.

3. Synthetic Bait: Synthetic baits, or “power baits,” are engineered baits that usually give off a strong odor that attracts trout. Power baits come in a variety of colors and types, from dough-like substances to artificial worms and lizards. Like salmon eggs, these baits work well with stocked trout, but they also work with wild or native trout. If you plan on using synthetic baits, just make sure you pick up a variety of colors to see which one gives the best results.

4. Insects: Much of a trout’s diet consists of insects, so it makes sense to use insects as trout bait. This is what the whole idea of fly fishing is based on. However, many trout fishermen don’t use insects because they believe they are not as readily available as some of the other trout baits mentioned above. However, it can be well worth the time to go out in the backyard and collect some grasshoppers, crickets, and other insects to use as trout bait. You can also usually find insects, especially crickets, at local pet or bait shops. Just make sure you have some type of container to keep them in as you fish.

5. Minnows: Minnows are another great choice for trout bait, but many fishermen choose not use them because they are difficult to transport, especially if you are fishing a river or small stream. However, trout do feed on smaller fish, so using minnows as trout bait can be very rewarding. As with other trout bait, the presentation of the minnow is very important. If you are fishing into the current, you would of course want to hook the minnow through the lip so it does not look like it is “swimming” backwards when you reel it in. However, if you are trout fishing in a lake or pond, you can hook the fish through the tail to allow it to “swim” more naturally. Just make sure you don’t hook the minnow the through the spine, as this will often paralyze the minnow and cause it to look less natural.

6. Corn: Corn is a very popular trout bait, probably because of its relative cheapness. However, there is a lot of debate about whether or not corn can harm a trout through improper digestion. Most scientific evidence seems to suggest that trout are not negatively affected by corn, but there are some who still suggest otherwise. Either way, corn is a great, inexpensive, and readily-available bait to use when trout fishing.

These are some of the most popular trout baits used by most fishermen. The best thing to do is just experiment and pay attention to which trout bait works under certain conditions. And it is always best to have a variety of trout baits when you are fishing.

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