How to Make Trout Spinners

If you can tie a fly, you can make a trout spinner. If you already have a trout-specific fly tied and available then you're nearly finished. Keep in mind trout are extremely skittish and won't take just any lure. Respect the cagey animal. Make sure the fly is for the right time of year and the right size based on insect populations in the specific time frame. It's that easy. You just need a few more pieces and you'll be casting your very own handmade trout spinners in no time.

Things You'll Need

  • A trout-specific fly fishing lure
  • A spinner blade rig
  • Fly rod/reel
  • A few feet of fly line
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Instructions

    • 1

      As mentioned, if you have a fly all set to use, you have half the process completed. If not, fly fishing flies are available at most stores with an outdoors department. If you have the skill, tie your own. With the fly you need a spinner blade rig. These are also widely available, even more so than fly fishing lures.

    • 2

      The next step entails joining the two pieces. Since the rig is like a modified baby pin, once it's opened, put the rig stem through the hook eye. It slides right into place. Note that you need a spinner rig that will fit through the fly you use. Also, using a large spinner will hide the fly when it's being dragged and that's hiding the bait, your fly. Using a small blade rig with a large fly may lead the rig to skip through the water and actually scare fish away.

    • 3

      Testing your new trout spinner requires more than rushing off to a pond or stream and casting away. Much time is wasted with improper gear and lines tend to get tangled when a rig isn't matched with the right line. Take a few feet of fly line, attach your new lure and drag it at varied speeds through water. Ultimately, a rig should slide through the water, the spoon spinning and the fly floating behind. This is, after all, simulating a small insect. No need to yank the lure along. Unnatural movement from a familiar meal option can spook a trout. If you are fishing stable, healthy bodies of water, the trout will have plenty of healthy meal options. They're less apt to expose themselves for a meal that moves too erratically. A most desperate trout may go for a wounded-looking fly, but if it's a healthy body of water, make sure the right rig, spoon and fly make for a smooth pull through the water.