Wild rainbow trout caught and released on the Boise River, Idaho. (Shutterstock image)
August 28, 2019
By Scott Haugen
Small plugs are highly effective and largely overlooked when it comes to fishing for rainbow trout in rivers and streams.
In particular, they give big fish a look at a big bait. Manufacturers are rapidly developing smaller plugs with precise actions that will cast well on light spinning gear.
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Here are the best of the best:
Rapala Hot Shot The 70 series, 1.5-inch plug is made for backtrolling and drift-fishing rivers and streams for trout. Multiple colors. Larger series work well as divers with hook removed. $7
Rapala Ultra Light Minnow Built for long casting in rivers and streams with 2- to 3-foot target depth zones. 1 1/2-inch and 2 1/2-inch versions; unique lip yields wobble/roll action, detailed scale/eye design. $8
Mag Lips 2.0 & 2.5 Featuring a skip-beat action, both the 2-inch and 2 1/2-inch Mag Lips can be fished multiple ways in rivers and streams. 20 color designs. $7
F4 FlatFish At 1.5 inches, this versatile plug is designed to backtroll, or be fished from an anchored position in the current, or cast and swung in rivers and small streams. Multiple colors. $6
Berkley Flicker Shad Available in 1/6 and 2/7 ounces. Made for shallow fishing, precise diving depth, rattle, flash and roll action. $5
