I only fish for trout in small streams 1 to 3 metres wide and 20 to 80 cm deep. For these small environments, my box systematically contains 6 complementary lures, sometimes in several colors, including one natural and one flashy. This selection enables me to prospect all the spots I frequently encounter.
The Powertail 38 from Fiiish
The Powertail, in its sinking version, is a lure that allows me to fish areas with strong currents and deep, restricted holes where it's necessary for the lure to reach the right layer of water very quickly. I like to use it in a sawtooth pattern in the deepest holes or simply in a linear downstream or ¾ downstream pattern in shallower areas. In particular, this presentation allows you to fish slowly close to marked spots, which is often decisive at the start of the season when the water is cold and the trout still listless.
Smith's compact D
The D compact is a hard lure with a fast-sinking bib. I use it in deep, current-swept holes where I want to get my lure as close to the bottom as possible.
Unlike other swimbaits, I don't animate this lure on a reel or in a line, but as a soft lure, using a succession of pulls and releases to make it twitch on the bottom. The pressure of the water on the lip is more than enough to make it vibrate during the pulls, and in the end it doesn't really matter, as it's the presentation of the lure close to the bottom that's important.
The Tiny Fry from Illex
The Tiny Fry from Illex is a must-have minnow for trout. It can be used to fish shallow areas with or without current. It can be presented downstream, upstream or across depending on the mood of the trout and the configuration of the spot. A linear retrieve is sufficient, but a succession of twitches is also very effective. In the same spirit, Lucky Craft's Humpback Minnow is a sure bet!
A small cranckbait
Whatever the model, in my case an Illex Chubby Minnow, or a Yozuri L-Minnow, a small cranckbait is always present in my box. This type of lure allows you to fish fast or slow, upstream or acrossstream, and simply in a line. Its great strength is that it perfectly withstands the current without stalling, and that it displaces a large volume of water in relation to its size.
A Mepps aglia 2
Going trout fishing without a spinning spoon in your tackle box would be a serious mistake, as this fish is so fond of this lure and can sometimes be very selective. There are days when only hard lures will work, and others when metal lures will. Spinner lures can also be used for fishing upstream, downstream or across the river, and you'll need to choose the blade profile to suit your casting axes and desired fishing speed and depth.
Models in sizes 1 and 2 are the most versatile, and different palette colors are a must!
One up 2
Finally, for a few years now, my tackle box has contained a handful of small soft lures in 2-inch sizes and lead heads up to 3.5 g to fish mostly for scratching or drifting. While I'm particularly fond of shads and the Sawamua One Up in particular, I also have some crayfish and larvae imitations which are also very effective!
