Exploring Top Trout Lure Brands
Exploring Top Trout Lure Brands
Trout are fussy. You already know that.
One wrong lure and you’re wasting your cast. But when you pick a brand that knows trout, you feel it straight away. Some lure makers work with hits and misses. Others study fish and build products that consistently deliver. They test and tweak. They obsess over results. That’s where Rapala, Salmo and Westin stand out.
Each of them brings serious clout to your tackle box.
Rapala is the giant here. Based in Finland, they’ve been at it since 1936. In 2023 alone, they pulled in €222 million in net sales. That’s not hype. That’s trust built over decades. Their gear sells in more than 140 countries. You’ll find it in small streams, big rivers, and every tackle shop that knows its stuff.
Salmo is different. Born in Poland, it’s smaller—more hands-on. Their lures are handmade, not churned out in bulk. That level of detail pulls trout in like few others.
Then there’s Westin. Scandinavian to the bone. They started with one lure that mimicked the real motion of fish. That one design changed how anglers approach soft plastics.
So no, not all lure brands are equal. If you’re serious about trout, these are three names you should know.
Rapala: The Big Fish in Lure Manufacturing
Back in 1936, a Finnish angler named Lauri Rapala changed the way we fish. He carved a lure from cork, wrapped it in tinfoil, melted in some photographic negatives, and sealed the thing with melted shoemaker’s glue.
That hand-carved minnow caught over 600 kilos of fish that summer alone.
From that tiny workshop by a Finnish lake, Rapala grew into a global heavyweight. They now operate in 40 countries and supply gear in over 140 nations. That’s not small-time. It’s decades of testing, tweaking, and putting products through brutal real-world conditions. The brand now has a 1,400-strong workforce.
They don’t just make hard baits either. Treble hooks, pliers, bags, clothing—it’s all in their catalogue. But let’s stick to what you care about—products that work on trout. They recently added two standout trout weapons—the PXR Jowler 127 and the PXR Deep Mavrik 110 Jerkbait.
What makes them different?
First, they’re the product of collaboration with elite anglers. That’s real field input, not just desk design. The Jowler gives you precise depth control, which matters when trout are hugging structure. And the Deep Mavrik cuts through current without rolling out. You get clean movement and tight action—exactly what triggers reaction bites.
The Jowler line in particular is topwater lure developed in collaboration with professional angler Jacob Wheeler, featuring a unique mouth design that creates significant surface disturbance, allowing for a hard-cutting, splash-and-walk action at various speeds. Equipped with a dual-frequency knocker that shifts for ultra-long casts, the PXR Jowler is designed to attract fish from a distance. It also boasts premium custom-built 1X VMC round bend Redline Trebles to increase hook-up ratios and withstand the fight of big fish.
But you won’t just find innovation in new drops.
Rapala still produces the Original Floater and CountDown Minnow. These aren’t just legacy items—they’re still catching fish, decades on. You’ve probably got one in your box already.
Their production is sharp too. No dodgy finishes. No lazy joints. No cheap hooks that bend after a few casts. Rapala’s quality control is obsessive. If a lure runs wrong out of the box, something went seriously off-script.
Consistency is their edge.
Every lure, whether you bought it in Helsinki or Hull, swims exactly the same. They’re tank-tested. Literally. Each one. It’s been part of their process since the beginning. They also keep their catalogue tight. Unlike brands that throw spaghetti at the wall, Rapala refines what works. Then they test it in real water. With real fish. In real pressure.
And let’s not forget one more thing: trust. When you’re fishing clear water for skittish wild trout, confidence matters.
If you don’t trust your lure, your cast is already wasted.
Rapala understands this. That’s why they’ve stayed relevant, from cold Scandinavian streams to rocky Scottish burns. They’re not just selling plastic fish shapes. They’re selling reliability, cast after cast.
So, if you’re still debating which brand to lean on this season—Rapala isn’t a gamble. It’s a sure thing backed by nearly a century of proof.
Salmo: Precision Lures for Passionate Anglers
If you’ve ever picked up a Salmo, you’ve felt the difference. These aren’t mass-produced gimmicks. They’re precision-built by anglers who care about how a lure swims—not just how it looks.
Salmo started in Poland in 1991. From the very beginning, they’ve taken a different route. Most companies cut corners for speed. Salmo stuck to hand-testing every single lure. Yes, even today.
Every one of their lures is tank-tested and tuned before it hits the shelf. No machine slaps it out in seconds. That attention to detail is rare—and it shows on the water. They’ve become one of the most respected European lure brands. Their focus is on craftsmanship, not being flashy.
When you’re targeting trout, this matters.
Trout won’t fall for sloppy imitations. They notice unnatural movement, odd vibrations, or poor balance. Salmo’s lures are designed to swim like injured baitfish—with subtle, consistent action. Not robotic. Not clunky.
And yes, they perform. Salmo lures have landed trout in the Alps, the Balkans, the Scottish Highlands, and icy waters in Scandinavia.
Take their Salmo Hornet, for example. It’s a favourite across Europe for a reason. Not because it looks fancy—but because it consistently hooks fish. Especially pressured, spooked fish that turn away from everything else.
But Salmo isn’t stuck in the past. They’ve invested heavily in research and design, working closely with both marine biologists and field testers. You’re not just getting a piece of plastic—you’re buying a design informed by real fish behaviour.
They also use high-quality ABS plastic, corrosion-resistant split rings, and chemically sharpened hooks. This stuff matters when you’re targeting trout that like to strike short and quick.
Their production is still based in Poland, by the way. They haven’t outsourced it to save costs. That means tighter control. Better QC. Fewer duds.
This year, Salmo continues to punch above its weight. While larger brands dominate by scale, Salmo thrives on trust. And results. They might not shout the loudest, but their lures definitely deliver in the water.
Westin: Merging Tradition with Modern Design
Westin doesn’t just build lures. They build stories. And it all started with a man named Ingvar Westin.
Back in the day, Ingvar crafted a wooden lure to mimic the exact swimming motion of a wounded baitfish. He wasn’t trying to create a company. He just wanted to catch more pike. But that lure—the “Jätte”—worked so well, anglers kept asking for more.
So Westin was born. And they’ve been obsessed with realism and function ever since.
But don’t assume they’re stuck in the past. Not even close. They’ve gone from one man’s workshop to a leading brand across Europe. They now make lures for everything from zander and perch to sea bass and, yes—hard-hitting trout.
They don’t just expand for the sake of it, either. Every lure is designed in Scandinavia. Each one gets battered, abused, and pushed to its limits during field testing before it ever gets your cast.
Want to see what that looks like? Just browse their lure selection. You’ll spot a pattern. Clean designs. Realistic finishes. Strong hooks. Weighted for proper casting.
And Westin knows how to keep things fresh.They consistently roll out products designed for anglers who want serious movement underwater. Two worth noting are the HypoTeez ShadTails and the BullTeez CurlTails.
These aren’t just reskinned versions of old models. They were built from scratch to give you tight body wiggles on slow retrieves and high vibration kicks when you burn them. Perfect when trout are chasing or tracking from behind.
Guide to Choosing Trout Lures in 2025
Choosing the right trout lure can feel overwhelming. There are hundreds on the market. Different shapes, colours, materials. It’s easy to waste cash on lures that don’t catch a thing. But you can absolutely stack the odds in your favour—if you know what works, where, and when.
This year, that matters more than ever. New lure tech, sharper hooks, better body designs, and ultra-realistic finishes are everywhere. The big brands—Rapala, Salmo, and Westin—are setting the pace.
Trout are smart. They’ve got sharp eyesight, keen senses, and different feeding behaviours depending on the weather, water temperature, and time of year. So using the same lure every time is a losing game.
You need the right tools for the job. Anglers are investing in quality. They’re switching from generic gear to specialised tackle—and seeing real results. Brands have noticed.
Rapala recently upgraded its popular trout lures with new internal weight transfer systems. That means better casting distance, more stable action, and fewer spooked fish. Westin, meanwhile, released the BladeBite V2—a tungsten bladed jig with vibration that trout can’t ignore. It’s built for strike-triggering in both clear and murky water. And Salmo is still pushing handcrafted detail with their Salmo Hornet line—tuned one-by-one at the factory. No two are exactly alike.
Understanding Trout Behavior and Habitat
Trout aren’t all the same. Not even close. Each species has its own quirks.
Let’s start with brown trout. They’re territorial, moody, and love cover. Think undercut banks, sunken logs, overhanging trees. Brownies are most active early morning and late evening. They go mad for small minnows and insects. If you’re chucking lures, go natural.
Next—rainbow trout. These are aggressive and more open-water feeders. They’re stocked heavily across the UK and Europe. Rainbows smash flashy lures like spoons, spinners, and jerkbaits. They’re less fussy. If it moves fast and looks edible, they’ll chase it.
Brook trout (or “brookies”) are smaller and prefer clean, cold streams. They’re spooky but curious. Keep your lures subtle. Tiny soft plastics and small spinners do the job. They’re drawn to reds and whites—especially when water is stained.
Tiger trout—a hybrid of brook and brown—are rare but savage. They’re pure muscle. Super aggressive and unpredictable. Match their energy with bold colours and erratic action.
Then there’s sea trout. These are a different beast. Think big, silver slabs with attitude. They’re migratory, moody, and tidal. Fish dusk or dawn with slim lures like Rapala MaxRaps or long spoons.
Environmental Factors Influencing Trout Feeding
Trout don’t feed all day. Their habits shift with their environment. Sometimes minute by minute.
Water temperature is everything. Trout are cold-water fish. Too warm or too cold, and they shut down. Most feed actively between 10°C and 17°C. Above 20°C, they head deep or sulk in shade. Winter bites are sluggish. In spring and autumn, they get fired up. Match that with a more aggressive lure presentation. In summer, go subtle or go deep.
Next—water clarity. In crystal-clear streams, trout see everything. Your lure. Your line. You. So tone it down. Go with natural colours. Browns, olives, silver. Try the Salmo Rattlin’ Hornet in realistic baitfish shades.
But if the water’s stained or rising, use bold colours. Chartreuse, pink, orange. Think vibration too. Westin’s BladeBite V2 is built for this. Its tungsten blade pulses through the murk. Trout feel it before they see it.
Current plays a part too. Trout sit where they can hold position and ambush prey. That’s behind rocks, seams, and eddies. Cast upstream. Let the current work the lure. You want it drifting naturally or moving like a panicked minnow.
Light also shifts the bite. Cloudy days are golden. Low light equals confidence. Trout move into the open and hit harder. In bright sun, they hide. That’s when you pitch into shadows and structure.
Barometric pressure can throw everything off. Rising pressure after a storm causes fish to light up, while a sudden drop causes them to sulk away.
So you’ve got to read the water. React to the moment. Trout aren’t random. They’re wired to survive. Feed that instinct, and you’ll catch more. Miss it, and you may go home dry.
Categories of Trout Lures
Spinners
Spinners are loud. Flashy. Wild. And trout can’t ignore them.
These lures do one thing really well—they trigger reaction strikes. That blade spinning around the shaft sends off light and vibration. It’s not subtle. But when trout are fired up, it’s exactly what you need.
You’ve probably seen the Blue Fox Vibrax. It’s a classic for a reason. The internal bell system thumps through the water. It mimics distressed prey and draws in trout from distance. Perfect for rivers and fast-flowing streams. You can grab it in bright chartreuse for murky water or silver for clearer days.
Spinners aren’t just for wild fishing. They shine in stocked waters too. Rainbows especially go nuts for them. Small sizes—size 0 to 2—are ideal for shallower runs and tight pockets. But don’t overwork them. Cast upstream or cross-current. Let them drift naturally, then retrieve slow and steady. No need to jerk or twitch. The blade does the work.
Salmo doesn’t make spinners—but you’ll find their influence in the hybrid market. Some of their crankbaits use internal rattle tech to mimic that same attraction. But if you want classic spinner performance, go with Mepps, Panther Martin, or Vibrax.
Westin has started leaning into flashy vibration too. Their BladeBite V2 isn’t a spinner, but its tungsten blade gives similar feedback underwater. Great for pressured trout.
Pro tip—use spinners when trout are aggressive. Rising barometer, overcast sky, fish on the move and such. Just don’t fish them too slow. A stalled spinner is a dead one.
Spoons
Spoons are simple. But don’t underestimate them. They’ve been around for over a hundred years—and still catch. Why? Because they imitate one thing trout crave: a struggling baitfish. That wobble on the fall, the flicker on the retrieve—it’s irresistible.
Spoons are at their best when trout are chasing. Early spring and late autumn. Cold water, active fish. They let you cover water fast and provoke aggressive strikes. Use a snap retrieve. That means short jerks with pauses between. The spoon flutters on the fall—that’s when most bites happen. So keep your line tight.
Colours matter. In clear water, go silver or gold. Cloudy? Try orange, red, or neon.
Westin’s Sandy Inline blurs the line between spoon and spinner. It’s a solid choice for trout that need something new. It’s slim, sharp, and deadly on the drop.
Don’t write off spoons as old school. They still catch plenty of modern trout. And in tough conditions—high water, deep holes, big rivers—they often out-fish everything else. Simple works. When the wobble’s right, trout hammer it.
Soft Plastics
Soft plastics are sneaky. They don’t shout for attention. But when trout are picky, they flat-out work. These lures look like real food—worms, minnows, nymphs. They move like prey. And trout bite down hard because they feel natural.
No rattle here. Just a slow fall that drives stocked trout mad. Especially in pressured waters. It’s subtle, yes—but deadly.
Westin launched new soft plastics this year—BullTeez ShadTails. Designed for predatory species, they’re surprisingly effective for big trout too. They come in 9cm, 12cm, and 16cm sizes. The tail thumps on every retrieve, creating strong underwater vibrations. Pair them with a light jighead and swim slow through deep pools.
Soft plastics shine when trout are hugging the bottom. Cold water, bright sun, low oxygen—conditions that make them sulk. That’s when you go finesse. Use a light line. 2lb or 4lb fluorocarbon. Cast upstream, let it drift, and twitch gently. No need to rush it.
If you’re fishing stillwaters or reservoirs, try rigging a small paddle tail on a weighted hook. Cast out, let it sink, and retrieve just fast enough to get the tail moving. Soft plastics lead the finesse category. More pros are downsizing in tough conditions—and landing bigger fish. Sometimes less is more. Especially with trout.
Crankbaits and Jerkbaits
Crankbaits and jerkbaits are lures with attitude. They wobble, rattle and dart. These are your go-to lures when trout are chasing. They cover water fast, mimic baitfish, and catch attention.
Let’s talk crankbaits first.
The Salmo Hornet is a legend. It’s hand-tuned, tank-tested, and crazy consistent. Available in floating and sinking models, it works in rivers and stillwaters alike. Go with size 3 or 4 for trout. Natural patterns like perch or gold fluo perch get eaten. See the Hornet here.
Then there’s the Rattlin’ Hornet. Built with a high-frequency rattle, it’s ideal for stained water or windy days. Trout can hear it coming—and they charge.
Rapala fans swear by the Husky Jerk. It suspends mid-water, so you can pause during your retrieve. That pause is when trout strike. It’s perfect in clear rivers where fish follow but hesitate.
Westin’s hard lure lineup includes options like the BuzzBite, which swims tight and precise. Built for pressured fish, it’s tuned for lifelike action straight from the pack.
Now jerkbaits. These lures don’t just swim—they dart, stall, and flick. You’re mimicking an injured fish. Short, sharp jerks followed by a pause. Keep your rod low and your cadence tight. Jerkbaits shine in spring and autumn when trout are aggressive. Use them near submerged rocks, points, or drop-offs. That sudden movement triggers strikes.
Pro tip—don’t go too big. 5–7cm lures catch more trout than 10cm monsters. So crank it. Twitch it. Pause. Then hold on. Because when a trout hits a jerkbait, it’s savage.
Spotlight on Leading Products
Rapala
Rapala have stepped up their game with cutting-edge trout lures. These new offerings blend tradition with technology, giving you tools to outsmart even the wariest trout.
- Rapala X-Rap® Twitchin’ Minnow: Designed for a slow, seductive side-to-side action, it mimics an injured baitfish—a prime target for hungry trout. Its horizontal fall adds realism, keeping it in the strike zone longer. Equipped with VMC® Coastal Black™ hooks, it ensures solid hooksets. This lure shines in shallow waters, making it perfect for early morning or late evening sessions when trout are near the surface.
- Rapala Shadow Rap® Shad: Another gem is the Shadow Rap® Shad. This lure excels with its erratic action, mimicking a dying shad. Trout find it irresistible, especially during feeding frenzies. Its ability to suspend and quiver on the pause triggers aggressive strikes. With a range of natural colour patterns, you can match the hatch in any water condition. It’s particularly effective in clear waters where trout rely heavily on sight to hunt.
- Rapala Countdown® Elite: The Countdown® Elite brings a modern twist to a classic. Built with balsa wood, it offers a controlled sink rate, allowing you to target specific depths with precision. This is crucial when trout are holding at particular levels. Its aerodynamic design ensures long, accurate casts, even against the wind. The Countdown® Elite is versatile, performing well in both rivers and lakes.
The brand is integrating technology to boost your fishing success. Features like 3D holographic eyes and textured scales create lifelike appearances that fool even the most discerning trout. Internal weight transfer systems improve casting distance and accuracy, crucial for reaching trout in challenging spots. Additionally, Rapala’s use of environmentally friendly materials reflects a commitment to sustainability, ensuring that our waterways remain healthy for future generations.
Salmo
Each Salmo lure is hand-crafted and tank-tested. Constructed from high-density foam, they withstand sharp teeth and rough conditions. The welded through-wire design ensures hooks stay secure, even during fights with larger trout. Their attention to detail and range of designs cater to various fishing conditions, helping you make the most of your time on the water.
- Salmo Hornet Series: The Hornet series is a staple in many tackle boxes. These crankbaits are known for their action and durability. Sizes range from 2.5cm to 9cm, catering to different fishing scenarios. Whether you’re targeting small stream trout or larger lake dwellers, there’s a Hornet for the job. The Hornet 5cm, for instance, dives between 2.0 to 4.6 metres, making it versatile for various depths.
- Rattlin’ Hornet: Building on the original, the Rattlin’ Hornet adds sound to the equation. The internal rattle attracts trout in murky waters. Available in sizes like 3.5cm and 5.5cm, these lures dive to depths of up to 4 metres. The Rattlin’ Hornet 4.5cm, for example, is effective when trout are holding mid-depth.
Salmo offers a range of colours to match local baitfish. Patterns like ‘Real Dace’ and ‘Holographic Grey Shiner’ mimic natural prey, while ‘Green Tiger’ and ‘Hot Perch’ provide visibility in stained waters. This variety allows you to adapt to changing conditions.
Westin
By focusing on realistic designs, lifelike actions, and environmentally friendly materials, Westin continues to set new standards in the fishing industry. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, their releases offer something unique. Here are some:
- BladeBite V2 Tungsten Bladed Jig: This isn’t your average bladed jig. Westin has redesigned it with a thin, strong metal blade. The result is an action that starts vibrating the moment it hits the water. Whether you’re fishing over grass, wood, or rock, this lure’s movement triggers strikes. It’s especially effective in pressured waters where fish have seen it all. The tungsten head adds durability without the environmental concerns of lead. Plus, the hand-tied silicone skirts and realistic ‘Active Eyes’ make it look alive. Available in weights of 7g, 9g, and 14g, and colours like Fire Craw and Gold Rush, there’s a BladeBite V2 for every situation.
- BullTeez Shadtail: If you’re after big predators, this lure is your go-to. The shad tail combined with a slender wrist creates a wriggling, belly-flashing action. Even at low speeds, it entices the big ones to bite. You can fish it with shallow rigs or go deep with a jig head. For those tricky spots with lots of vegetation, the slots on the belly and back allow for weedless rigging with an offset hook. Sizes range from 7.5cm to a whopping 24cm, catering to various fishing scenarios. Colours like Bass Orange and Bling Perch add to its appeal.
- ShadTeez Slim R ‘N R: This pre-rigged lure is ready to go straight out of the package. At 5cm and 3g, it’s perfect for targeting perch, pike, and zander. The realistic design and lifelike action make it a must-have in your tackle box. It’s available in various colour mixes to match different water conditions.
- Percy the Perch Crankbait: Designed to mimic a real perch, this lure is a smaller but powerful bait. It’s crafted to perfection, making it irresistible to predators lurking in the depths.
Maintenance and Care of Trout Lures
If you don’t look after your lures, they won’t deliver for you. Corroded hooks, chipped paint, tangled skirts—these are all fish-repellent. And they cost you money. You can avoid that with just five minutes of care after every session.
Step One: Rinse Immediately
Whether you’ve fished salt or fresh, rinse your lures in clean water.
Salt builds up fast, even if you can’t see it. It eats away at split rings and hook eyes. By the time rust shows, it’s too late. Use lukewarm water and give each lure a gentle swirl. No soap or scrubbing.
Then pat them dry with a soft cloth.
Step Two: Check the Hooks
A sharp hook is a loaded weapon. A dull one is junk. Run the point across your thumbnail. If it slides without digging in, it needs a touch-up.
Use a small hook file or stone. Three strokes. Point to barb. Done.
If the hook’s bent or rusted, bin it and replace it.
Don’t chuck wet lures into a tackle tray. That’s how rust spreads.
Use ventilated boxes like the Rapala Tackle Tray with Quick Latch or anything with drain holes. Separate metal from soft plastics. The oils in plastics can melt paint or warp balsa.
And store soft lures flat. Bent tails = ruined action.
Bonus Tip: Spray Down with Scent or Oil
A light mist of fish-attractant spray or odourless mineral oil helps preserve rubber skirts and joints. It also masks human scent for your next session.