If you want to catch more trout, you need the right spinner lures in your tackle box. Spinners are one of the most effective trout lures because their flashy blades mimic small baitfish, triggering aggressive strikes. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best spinners for trout fishing?
In this guide, we’ll cover the top trout spinner lures, how to use them effectively, and which colors, sizes, and styles work best in different fishing conditions. Whether you’re fishing rivers, lakes, or streams, this article will help you pick the perfect trout spinner to land more fish.
Why Spinners Are One of the Best Lures for Trout
Trout are visual hunters, and spinners excel at grabbing their attention. The spinning blade creates flash and vibration, imitating an injured baitfish. This triggers trout’s instinct to strike—whether they’re hungry or just reacting out of aggression.
Spinners also allow you to cover a lot of water quickly, making them perfect for locating active trout. Whether you’re fishing clear streams, deep lakes, or murky rivers, there’s a spinner that can get the job done.
Top 10 Best Trout Spinner Lures for Rivers, Lakes & Streams
Here are the best spinners for trout fishing that have stood the test of time:
1. Joe’s Fly – The GOAT
✅ Best for: Skinny water… or throw a split shot on 8 inches above it to fish deeper holes
✅ Why it works: Heavy body and unique blade create extra vibration
2. Panther Martin Classic Spinner
✅ Best for: Streams & clear water
✅ Why it works: Proven fish-catching design with natural colors
3. Blue Fox Vibrax Spinner
✅ Best for: Large lakes & aggressive trout
✅ Why it works: Internal rattling mechanism attracts fish from a distance
4. Rooster Tail Spinner
✅ Best for: Slow-moving water & finicky trout
✅ Why it works: Soft hackle tail adds extra motion
5. Worden’s Original Rooster Tail
✅ Best for: Murky water & stocked trout
✅ Why it works: Creates a strong flash even in low visibility
6. Yakima Bait Worden’s Vibric Rooster Tail
✅ Best for: Pressured fishing spots
✅ Why it works: Blade spins at any speed, even slow retrieves
7. Thomas Buoyant Minnow Spinner
✅ Best for: Imitating injured baitfish
✅ Why it works: Wobbling motion and flash drive trout crazy
8. Joe’s Flies Short Striker Spinner
✅ Best for: Finesse fishing & spooky trout
✅ Why it works: Combines a spinner with a fly for extra realism
9. Strike King Mini-King Spinnerbait
✅ Best for: Bigger trout & aggressive strikes
✅ Why it works: Larger profile attracts trophy-sized fish
10. Acme Phoebe Spoon Spinner
✅ Best for: Deep water trout
✅ Why it works: Compact design allows for long casts and deep retrieves
How to Choose the Best Trout Spinner Lures
Not all spinners are the same, and choosing the right one depends on factors like water clarity, depth, and trout behavior. Here’s what to consider:
1. Size Matters
- Small spinners (1/32 – 1/16 oz) are best for small streams and finicky trout.
- Medium spinners (1/8 oz – 1/4 oz) work well for most trout waters.
- Large spinners (1/4 oz and up) attract bigger trout but can spook smaller fish.
2. Best Colors for Trout Spinners
- Gold & yellow: Best for murky water.
- Silver & white: Ideal for clear water and bright conditions.
- Black & brown: Works well in overcast or low-light conditions.
- Bright colors (pink, chartreuse, orange): Perfect for stocked trout.
3. Blade Type & Action
- Colorado blades: Wide, slow-spinning with strong vibration (best for murky water).
- Willow blades: Slim, fast-spinning with less resistance (best for clear water).
- Indiana blades: A balance between both, good for all conditions.
Best Spinners for Trout Fishing in Different Conditions
Best Trout Spinners for Clear Water
- Mepps Aglia
- Panther Martin Classic
- Blue Fox Vibrax
Best Spinners for Murky Water
- Rooster Tail Spinner
- Strike King Mini-King
- Acme Phoebe Spoon
Best Trout Spinners for Fast-Moving Rivers
- Panther Martin Classic
- Thomas Buoyant Minnow Spinner
- Joe’s Flies Short Striker
Best Trout Spinners for Lakes & Deep Water
- Blue Fox Vibrax
- Acme Phoebe Spoon
- Worden’s Original Rooster Tail
How to Fish a Spinner for Trout Like a Pro
Using a spinner the right way makes all the difference in how many trout you catch. Follow these tips to maximize your success:
✅ Retrieve at the Right Speed – Keep your spinner moving just fast enough to make the blade spin. Too fast, and trout won’t commit. Too slow, and the blade won’t spin properly.
✅ Use a Stop-and-Go Retrieve – Instead of a steady retrieve, add small pauses to make the spinner drop slightly, triggering reaction bites.
✅ Cast Upstream and Retrieve Downstream – This mimics a natural food source drifting with the current, making trout more likely to strike.
✅ Fish Close to Cover – Trout love hiding near logs, rocks, and undercut banks. Cast near these areas for the best results.
Final Thoughts: The Best Spinners for Trout Fishing
The best trout spinner lures are the ones that match the fishing conditions and trigger a reaction from the fish. Whether you’re fishing in fast rivers, deep lakes, or stocked ponds, using the right spinner will dramatically increase your chances of success.
Recommended Picks:
🎣 Best All-Around Spinner: Joe’s Fly
🎣 Best for Murky Water: Rooster Tail Spinner
🎣 Best for Clear Water: Mepps Aglia
🎣 Best for Big Trout: Blue Fox Vibrax
Now that you know which spinners work best, it’s time to hit the water and put them to the test! What’s your favorite trout spinner? Let us know in the comments below!