If you love chasing freshwater trout in our lakes or rivers then you have more than likely cast a lure at these fish: an often overlooked but very versatile and effective lure is the sinking stickbait. Small sinking stickbaits can be absolute dynamite on trout, especially when the fish are tucked tight to structure, hiding in the shade or holding deeper in the water column. Their smaller profile looks like an easy feed, they're great for placing casts long and into tight country, and they can be worked a variety of different ways depending on how the fish are behaving.
It doesn't take much to gear-up to fish these lures effectively. A light spin outfit, a handful of suitable lures and a bit of patience can put you right in the game.
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Why Small Stickbaits Work for Trout
Rainbow and brown trout spend plenty of time looking for small, vulnerable meals, which is exactly what a little stickbait can imitate. Their slender profile closely resembles a baitfish, while a sinking design gives you the ability to explore different depths and work them in a 'hopped' fashion as they also imitate yabbies and shrimp.
In one lure, I find I can quickly adapt a retrieve to best imitate what trout may be feeding on and where they are hunting. It is the attributes of the sinking stickbait that make it such a versatile lure and worthy of a spot in the tackle box on any trip to trout waters. They can be cast a mile and slowly retrieved with a twitched rod tip and this imparts a side-to-side action that imitates a fleeing baitfish in any part of the water column: just let them sink to depth. Alternatively, they can be sunk all the way to bottom and lifted-and-dropped with a hopped rod work to imitate crustaceans. They have a fluttered falling action which means they attract attention through all parts of the retrieve: this is what makes them so effective.
Lures with a bit of flash can be particularly handy, helping catch a trout's attention as they twitch and fall through the water. Natural baitfish patterns are a great starting point, but it always pays to carry a few different colours and let the fish decide what they're keen on.
Cast Tight to the Shady Stuff
On bright days, rainbow and brown trout will often make use of shade and cover. Overhanging vegetation, undercut banks, tussocks, rocks and other bankside structure can create protected pockets where fish feel more comfortable, as they wait for food to come past — that makes accurate casting an extremely important part of the puzzle.
Instead of automatically firing casts straight up the middle, pick apart the edges and aim for those little pockets beside structure. Dropping a lure close to the bank can put it straight in front of a fish that might otherwise never see it. A great habit to adopt when luring rivers or lakes is to observe water movement. Wind-blown areas in lakes create water movement and here you will find feeding trout. In river country, trout will always feed up-current and generally hold close to structure that intersects flow. Consider water movement when deciding where to make your first cast, it can make a big difference to getting bites when you first start fishing new water.
Just take your time around snaggy country — the better the cast, the less time you'll spend decorating the bushes with lures.
Make the Most of the Drop
One of the best attributes of a sinking stickbait is that it can keep attracting fish even when you're not winding. A couple of subtle twitches with the rod tip can make the lure kick from side to side and throw a flash before it shimmies back down through the water.
That falling action can look a lot like an injured or struggling baitfish, making it an easy target for a trout looking for a simple feed. Try working the lure with short twitches followed by a controlled pause. It gives the lure time to fall naturally and keeps it hanging around the strike zone rather than racing straight through it.
Get Down to the Bottom
When fish are holding deeper, don't be afraid to let the lure sink all the way down. Once it reaches the bottom, a short, sharp lift can make it jump back to life before settling again. That sudden movement can imitate a startled shrimp, yabby or small baitfish kicking away from danger.
This can be especially effective through deeper pockets and slower sections of water where trout aren't willing to move far for a feed. Keep the movements small and controlled. You're trying to make the lure look like an easy meal, not something attempting to break the land-speed record.
Watch Your Line Like a Hawk
Not every trout bite comes with a thumping hit through the rod. When fishing a slowly sinking lure, some takes can be incredibly subtle. Often the first sign is nothing more than a tiny flick, twitch or unexpected movement in your main line.
Keep an eye on the line whenever the lure is sinking. If it suddenly jumps, stops before you expect it to reach the bottom or starts travelling sideways, there's every chance a trout has picked it up.
If something doesn't look right... strike! That tiny bit of movement can quickly turn into a very lively trout heading in the opposite direction.
Mix Up Your Presentation
Small stickbaits give you plenty of room to experiment with how you work them. A quicker series of twitches can imitate a baitfish darting through the water, while shorter movements closer to the bottom can resemble small crustaceans or other prey. Rather than sticking with the same retrieve all day, change things up if the bites aren't coming.
Pay attention to when the fish respond. If they're following but not committing, a pause might be enough to trigger the bite. If they're reacting to quicker movements, add a little more pace — it's all about finding what the trout want on the day.
Keep the Tackle Light
Small trout lures are best matched with light tackle that allows them to work naturally. A light spinning rod makes it easier to cast small lures accurately and provides the sensitivity needed to pick up subtle bites. Match it with a small spinning reel, light main line and a suitable leader for a balanced outfit that's more than capable — and a heap of fun to use.
Using a braided line with matched leader is a huge advantage when using these lures. Braided line offers zero stretch which means you are able to impart precise response to your lure from your rod tip. In addition, a braided line will help you identify when the lure has arrived on the bottom and also detect those important and sometimes subtle bites: these often show as noticeable taps through the rod or twitches in the line.
I typically use a 2 to 4kg spin rod with suitable sized threadline reel, 8 to 10lb braided line and 6 to 10lb fluorocarbon leader. Light gear also makes it easier to control those small twitches and movements without overpowering the lure.
Small Lure, Big Potential
Small sinking stickbaits might not look like much in the tackle box, but they can be a cracking option when trout are feeding on smaller prey.
Focus your casts around likely holding areas, make use of the lure's natural action on the drop and adjust your presentation depending on where the fish are sitting and how they are feeding.
Add a light spin outfit and a keen eye for those subtle bites, and you've got a simple approach that can turn cautious trout into cracking fish and plenty of BCFing fun.
Trout Fishing FAQs
What size stickbait is best for trout?
Small stickbaits around 40–70mm are a great starting point, matching the small baitfish and prey trout commonly feed on.
What is the best time of day to fish for trout with lures?
Early morning and late afternoon are often productive, particularly when light levels are lower and trout are more actively feeding.
What leader should I use for trout fishing with stickbaits?
A light fluorocarbon leader is a popular choice thanks to its low visibility and abrasion resistance. Adjust the breaking strain to suit the water clarity and structure you're fishing.
Can you use sinking stickbaits for trout in lakes and rivers?
Yes. Sinking stickbaits can work well in both environments, from deeper lake edges and rocky points to pools and runs in rivers and streams.
What is the best weather for trout fishing with lures?
Cooler, overcast conditions can be ideal, as lower light levels may encourage trout to move away from cover and feed more confidently throughout the day.
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BCFing Experts
The BCFing Experts have done more than their fair share of boating, camping, fishing, hiking, four-wheel driving and much much more! Whether you're tackling tough tracks in Tassie or chasing big barra up North, the BCFing Experts have the know-how to make your next outdoor adventure a pearler
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