The Best Rooster Tail Lures for Trout: A Complete Guide

Trout fishing is an exciting and rewarding outdoor activity, and one of the most popular lures used by anglers for catching trout is the rooster tail. Known for its unique design and flashy blade, the rooster tail lure is versatile and effective in various fishing conditions, particularly when targeting rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout. In this article, we will discuss the best rooster tail lures for trout in 2025, and help you choose the right size, color, and type of rooster tail to maximize your chances of landing a trout.

Why Rooster Tail Lures are Ideal for Trout Fishing

The rooster tail lure is beloved by trout anglers for its proven ability to attract fish. This lure typically consists of a spinning blade that creates vibrations and a flashing effect in the water, mimicking the movement of a small baitfish. The marabou tail adds additional realism to the lure’s presentation, making it look like a struggling or injured prey. The combination of the blade and tail makes the rooster tail particularly effective for trout fishing in both clear and murky waters.

What Makes a Good Rooster Tail Lure for Trout?

There are several factors to consider when selecting the best rooster tail lure for trout:

Size: The size of the rooster tail will often depend on the depth of the water and the speed of the current. A smaller lure might work well in shallow, slow-moving streams, while a larger one may be needed in deeper, faster-moving waters.
Color: The color of your rooster tail is crucial and should be chosen based on the water clarity. Generally, bright colors (such as chartreuse or orange) work well in murky waters, while natural colors (like silver, gold, or brown) are best for clearer waters.
Blade Type: The type of blade on the rooster tail can vary, and some blades are designed for more subtle movement, while others spin faster and create more flash.
Tail Material: Rooster tails are often made with marabou feathers or synthetic materials. Marabou tails provide more lifelike movement, which can be more effective in drawing in trout.

Now that we understand why rooster tails are so effective, let’s dive into the best rooster tail lures for trout in 2025. You can also check out our video that goes into detail on rooster tail fishing for trout: how to catch trout with rooster tails.

Best Rooster Tail Lures for Trout Fishing

Here are some of the best rooster tail lures available in 2025, based on their design, effectiveness, and popularity among anglers.

1. Yakima Rooster Tail Lures

The Yakima Rooster Tail is one of the most well-known and trusted names in the trout fishing world. This classic lure has been around for decades and continues to be a favorite among anglers. The Yakima Rooster Tail is available in various sizes, colors, and blade styles, making it a versatile choice for trout fishing in all conditions.

Key Features:

Blade Size: Available in sizes 1/32 oz to 1/4 oz.
Tail Material: Marabou feathers for a lifelike movement.
Blade Colors: Available in a wide range of colors including silver, gold, and copper.
Ideal For: Rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout.

Why It’s Great: The Yakima Rooster Tail is incredibly effective in both slow-moving streams and faster rivers, making it an all-around excellent choice for trout anglers. Its marabou tail adds extra realism to the lure, and the spinning blade provides a great deal of flash that attracts trout from a distance. Whether you’re fishing in clear waters or murky conditions, you can count on this lure to catch the attention of trout.

2. Dr. Fish Rooster Tail Kit

The Dr. Fish Rooster Tail Kit is an excellent option for anglers looking for a variety of rooster tails to cover all their fishing needs. This kit includes multiple lures in various sizes and colors, providing versatility for any fishing condition. It’s an excellent choice for beginner and experienced anglers alike.

Key Features:

Sizes: Includes 1/16 oz, 1/8 oz, and 1/4 oz options.
Tail Material: Marabou feathers and synthetic fibers.
Blade Colors: Silver, gold, and copper.
Variety: Multiple colors for different water conditions (e.g., yellow, chartreuse, and white).
Ideal For: Rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout.

Why It’s Great: This kit is a fantastic option for anglers who want flexibility when it comes to trout fishing. The variety of sizes and colors allows you to experiment and see which combinations work best in different water conditions. The marabou tail gives the lures a lifelike action that can attract fish, while the flashy blades add extra visibility to the lure. If you’re new to rooster tail fishing, this kit provides everything you need to start catching trout.

3. Joe Flies Rooster Tail Lures

The Joe Flies Rooster Tail Lures are an excellent choice for anglers who want a quality product with a unique twist. These lures are made with hand-tied marabou feathers that ensure realistic movement in the water, and their spinning blades create the perfect combination of vibration and flash to attract trout.

Key Features:

Sizes: Available in 1/16 oz, 1/8 oz, and 1/4 oz.
Tail Material: Hand-tied marabou feathers.
Blade Colors: Available in silver, gold, and chartreuse.
Ideal For: Rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout.

Why It’s Great: The hand-tied marabou on the Joe Flies Rooster Tail provides a more natural, realistic look in the water, and the design ensures the feathers move with the current. This added realism helps trigger the predatory instincts of trout, making it more likely that they will strike. The lures are available in a range of sizes and colors, making them suitable for various fishing conditions.

4. Worden’s Rooster Tail Lures

Worden’s Rooster Tail Lures are another classic choice for trout anglers. These lures are designed with both the beginner and experienced angler in mind, offering high-quality performance and reliability. With their highly visible spinning blades and versatile tail material, these lures are perfect for attracting trout in both clear and murky waters.

Key Features:

Sizes: 1/32 oz, 1/16 oz, 1/8 oz, and 1/4 oz.
Tail Material: Marabou feathers.
Blade Colors: Available in silver, gold, and black.
Ideal For: Rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout.

Why It’s Great: The Worden’s Rooster Tail Lures are well-regarded for their reliability and effectiveness. The combination of the marabou tail and spinning blade creates a highly attractive presentation for trout, and the wide range of colors ensures that anglers can choose the right lure based on water conditions. These lures are also great for targeting rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout in different environments, from creeks to lakes.

Be sure to check out our list of the best ultralight rod and reel combos for trout fishing to get the best setup possible to land trout efficiently. If you are fishing special regulation areas you may need to either cut off any extra treble hooks or find a rooster tail with a single hook – check out our list of the best single hook artificial trout lures.

Choosing the Best Rooster Tail Color for Trout

Selecting the right color for your rooster tail is essential for increasing your chances of success. The color you choose should depend on the water clarity and current conditions you’re fishing in. Here’s a breakdown of the best colors for different water situations:

Clear Water:

Silver: Mimics the color of small baitfish in clear waters, which trout tend to hunt.
Gold: Great for low-light conditions or overcast days.

Murky or Stained Water:

Chartreuse: Bright and visible, making it ideal for murky waters.
Yellow: Another excellent option for visibility in muddy water.

Dark Water or Low-Light Conditions:

Black: Works well in low-light conditions, as it contrasts with the water’s surface.

Bright, Sunny Days:

White: Reflects sunlight and draws attention, especially in clear waters.

Best Size Rooster Tail for Trout

The size of your rooster tail lure depends on the depth of the water and current conditions. A smaller lure (1/32 oz or 1/16 oz) works well in shallow waters with little to no current, while a larger lure (1/8 oz or 1/4 oz) is better for deeper waters or faster currents. If you are planning on fishing in low light conditions or at night be sure to check out our article on how to fish for & catch trout at night.

Conclusion: Best Rooster Tail Lures for Trout

When selecting the best rooster tail lures for trout fishing, consider the size, color, and material that will work best for the specific conditions you’re fishing in. The Yakima Rooster Tail, Dr. Fish Rooster Tail Kit, Joe Flies Rooster Tail Lures, and Worden’s Rooster Tail Lures are all excellent options for catching rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout.

By experimenting with different sizes and colors, you can find the perfect combination for your fishing environment. Remember to match your rooster tail color to the water clarity, and adjust the size based on the depth and current of your fishing spot. Happy fishing, and may your next trout fishing adventure be successful with the perfect rooster tail lure!