1. Rooster Tail Spinners

Few lures have caught more trout than the classic Rooster Tail. The spinning blade creates flash and vibration that trout can detect even in slightly stained water. Many anglers consider it one of the most versatile trout lures ever made.

Best Colors

• White
• Black with yellow dots
• Rainbow trout pattern
• Silver blade with white body

Best For

• Stocked trout
• Delayed-harvest waters
• Fast-moving mountain streams

2. Panther Martin Spinners

Many experienced trout anglers swear by Panther Martins, especially in small creeks and pocket water. Their unique blade design spins directly on the shaft, creating vibration even in slower currents. Community discussions consistently place them among top trout producers.

Best Colors

• Gold blade
• Black body with yellow spots
• Rainbow trout pattern

3. Acme Phoebe Spoon

The Acme Phoebe excels in smaller streams where accurate casting matters. Its fluttering action mimics injured baitfish and attracts both rainbow and brown trout. Outdoor Life recently named it among the best small-stream trout lures available.

Best For

• Clear mountain creeks
• Deep plunge pools
• Wild trout water

4. Rapala Minnows

When targeting larger brown trout, few lures are more effective than a small Rapala-style jerkbait. The stop-and-go retrieve often triggers aggressive strikes from fish that ignore spinners. The Husky Jerk is frequently recommended for larger rivers and bigger trout.

Best Colors

• Rainbow trout
• Brown trout
• Silver/black

5. Trout Magnets

Simple but deadly, Trout Magnets imitate small aquatic insects and larvae. They’re especially effective in heavily pressured waters where trout have seen countless spinners.

Best For

• Delayed-harvest sections
• Winter fishing
• Clear water conditions

6. Little Cleo Spoons

The Little Cleo has been a favorite among trout and salmon anglers for decades and is widely regarded as one of the most successful spoons ever made. Its wobbling action can draw strikes from larger trout holding in deeper pools.

7. Small Soft Plastics

Soft plastic minnows and worms have become increasingly popular for trout. They can be fished slowly through deep pools where traditional spinners move too quickly. Many trout experts consider soft plastics among the most versatile presentations available.

Upstate Trout Fishing Tips

• Use light line (4–6 lb test).
• Cast upstream and retrieve naturally with the current.
• Gold blades often perform better on cloudy days.
• Silver blades shine in clear water and bright sunlight.
• Early morning and late evening typically produce the best action.
• After rain, brighter lure colors can help trout locate your presentation.

Local Favorites

Some of the best places to throw these lures include:

• Eastatoe Creek
• Chattooga River
• Middle Saluda River
• Table Rock State Park streams
• Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area waters

For most Upstate anglers, if you only carried three trout lures, a Rooster Tail, a Panther Martin, and a small Rapala would cover nearly every trout fishing situation you’ll encounter in the mountains of South Carolina. Community surveys and expert reviews consistently rank these among the most productive trout lures available.