Best Lures for Trout in Canada
Species Guide — Canada
Best Lures for Trout in Canada
From Shield brook trout ponds in Quebec to lake trout in the Northwest Territories, Canadian trout fishing covers an enormous range of conditions. Part of our Canada Fishing Hub.
Casting Spoons
The single most versatile trout lure in Canada. A casting spoon works in lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams — for brook trout, lake trout, rainbow trout, and char.
1/8 – 1/4 oz — Brook Trout & Stream Fishing
Lighter spoons cast well on ultralight gear and sink slowly — ideal for shallow ponds and small streams. Silver and gold are the go-to colours.
1/4 – 1/2 oz — Lake Trout & Larger Water
Heavier spoons cast further and sink faster — essential for covering water in larger lakes. Work with a lift-and-drop retrieve to trigger strikes from suspended lake trout.
Best Colours for Canadian Trout
Silver: Universal trout colour. Works in clear water and overcast conditions.
Gold: Excels in stained or tannin-coloured water common in Shield lakes.
Orange & Red: Highly effective for brook trout and Arctic char.
Chartreuse: Good in murky conditions and for lake trout in deeper water.
Spinners
Inline spinners are a classic trout lure — especially effective in rivers and streams where the current activates the blade.
Best for small streams and brook trout. Silver or gold blade with a red or orange body.
Better for larger rivers and lake trout. More casting weight and a bigger blade profile.
Keep the blade spinning at all times. A steady medium retrieve just fast enough to feel the blade pulsing is ideal.
Soft Plastics
2–3 inch paddle tails on 1/16 to 1/8 oz jig heads work well for brook trout in lakes.
Effective for lake trout and larger brook trout. Fish on a 1/4 oz jig head near rocky structure.
A slow-sinking worm on a drop shot or split shot rig can be deadly for finicky trout in clear water.
Best Lures by Species
Top lure: Casting spoon 1/8–1/4 oz in silver, gold, or orange.
Top lure: Casting spoon 1/4–1/2 oz in silver or chartreuse. Use lift-and-drop retrieve.
Top lure: Inline spinner #2–#3 in silver or gold. Cast upstream and retrieve with the current.
Top lure: Bright casting spoon 1/4–1/2 oz in orange, red, or pink.
Recommended Setup
Built for Canadian Trout
Shop Trout Tackle
StickyLures casting spoons are sized and finished for Canadian trout species — ready to fish straight out of the package.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best lure for brook trout in Canada?
A casting spoon in 1/8 to 1/4 oz is the most reliable single lure for Canadian brook trout. Silver and gold work in most conditions; orange and red are excellent attractor colours in darker water.
What size spoon should I use for lake trout?
A 1/4 to 1/2 oz spoon is ideal for lake trout. Use a lift-and-drop retrieve to trigger strikes on the fall.
Do spinners work for Canadian trout?
Yes — inline spinners are especially effective in rivers and streams. Use a size #1–#2 for small streams and a #3–#4 for larger water.
What colour lure is best for trout in stained water?
Gold and orange are the best colours for stained or tannin-coloured water common in Shield lakes.
Can I use the same lure for brook trout and lake trout?
Yes — a casting spoon works for both. Use a lighter 1/8–1/4 oz spoon for brook trout and a heavier 1/4–1/2 oz spoon for lake trout. The retrieve technique differs slightly.