Trout are one of the most sought-after species on the planet. The fish are romanticized, nuanced, and fished for across the globe by enthusiastic anglers. While all Trout require cold, oxygenated water, they’re found in some surprising places. Even hot climates can hold spring-fed waters that support healthy populations. But choosing the right fishing lines for Trout is tricky at times…
Your selection should be driven by the environment, your chosen fishing technique, and the top size of the Trout you may encounter. General lines can cover plenty of ground but many situations call for more specialized and specific lines.
The good news is that you can catch Brown, Rainbow, Brook, and Cutthroat Trout using the same equipment. Stick around as I narrow down the selection for your next fishing trip!
Common Lines for Trout Fishing
Any common line material is perfectly capable of catching Trout. Some are better than others in certain situations but the material choice is a matter of personal preference more often than not. Playing with different line types and finding the best feel and performance for your equipment is a good move for any angler.
Fly Fishing Lines
The most complex selection of lines falls under this category. Floating lines are the primary choice for Trout fly fishing in rivers and lakes. They make it possible to fish dry flies, nymphs, and streamers.
Sinking fly lines come in different sink rates and they allow anglers to control depth. Slow sinking is great for lake fishing around weed beds, while fast sink rates get your flies down deep in a hurry. After the fly line, you’ll still need a leader made of fluorocarbon or monofilament.
Spinning Lines
As I already said, your choice of Trout fishing line basically comes down to what you enjoy fishing. But let me break down the pros of the main types of lines:
- Braid (pictured above). Sensitivity, strength, and casting distance are why braided lines are so popular. While they’re most used in warm water environments, I love using them for Trout in cold water as well. A braided line is great in all conditions except when it’s freezing, as they can ice.
- Fluorocarbon. The most common choice for general Trout fishing is fluorocarbon. It’s a low-visibility line which is really helpful when the fish are being selective. Fluoro is also strong, abrasion-resistant, and generally durable. I use it on spinning reels and for leader material while fly fishing.
- Monofilament. Mono is softer than fluoro and it’s really nice for dry fly fishing, ice fishing, and jigging. The shelves of tackle stores are lined with numerous braid and fluorocarbon lines in different colors and sizes. Monofilament options are fewer as it’s a simple yet proven line type. I wouldn’t hesitate to use monofilament for any Trout fishing environment and condition.
Trout Fishing Line Weights
Choosing the best-fit line weight is always a challenge when Trout fishing. If you have a home river or lake, choose a line that’s suited to that environment. Over time, you’ll add extra reels, rods, and lines for Trout in other locations. The species comes in so many different sizes, you’ll eventually need a few different lines. Here are the benefits of different line classes…
Light Line Class
In the light and ultralight categories, you can run 2–6 lb test. This covers small mountain streams, stocked Trout in the sub-16″ class, and general lightweight fishing. They’re perfect when you have clear lanes for landing fish and want to use smaller lures and flies. Avoid these lighter lines for environments with structure and snags, however, as they limit lifting power with their lower breaking points.
Mid-Level Breaking Strength
An 8 lb test is the most versatile option, in my opinion. It’s light but can also handle larger Trout. I fish 8 lb as a do-it-all option for Trout around the world. It can handle the shock of a hard strike but still has a small enough diameter to thread through most hook eyes. The only time where this line becomes questionable is for heavy trolling and really big fish. Jumping to 10 or 12 pounds is great when you need to handle more weight.
Heavy Lines
It’s rare that any angler will move beyond the 12 lb test line when Trout fishing. That being said, 15 pounds is a great line weight for heavier spoons and even streamers. It’s also nice for heavier trolling applications. While you can go heavier, it’s not necessary unless you’re running downriggers in big water environments where Trout run over 10 or even 20 pounds.
Where to Find Trout
The list of destinations for these wonderful species is long, as different subspecies occupy waters across the globe. Trout populations are dense in cold mountainous regions and they tend to taper as cold water gives way to warmer conditions farther down the river valleys. Rivers, lakes, spring creeks, and even saltwater environments hold Trout in some of the most beautiful places on earth.
- Canada. British Columbia and Alberta both have incredible Trout fishing. The species is available across much of Canada but these two provinces are classic Trout country. Mountain lakes, remote river valleys, and creeks all offer chances at Brown Trout, native Cutthroat Trout, and Rainbow Trout. Bull Trout are also available although they’re actually a Char and not a true Trout. This applies to Lake Trout as well.
- United States. Most states have some form of Trout fishing. The western states are notable for wild rivers and abundant opportunities on public lands, while Alaska boasts some incredible fishing, too. The upper midwest is home to the Driftless Region where secret spring creeks offer exceptional fishing. The Ozarks in Arkansas and Missouri produce some massive Brown Trout. Meanwhile, the entire eastern region is loaded with creeks and rivers, and the Great Lakes‚ tributaries have big Trout that move into creek and river systems to spawn.
- South America. I’ve caught Trout in Central America but the real draw is farther south. Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego in Argentina are rich in rivers and in Trout. Brown and Rainbow Trout are abundant and they can reach enormous sizes. It’s a true paradise and, although the species isn’t native to the region, there’s a vibrant Trout fishing culture.
- New Zealand. Another country where Trout aren’t native but have turned into a treasured sport fish is New Zealand. Both the North and South Islands are world-class with some of the best dry fly fishing for large Brown Trout anywhere. Like the other Trout-rich regions, New Zealand is a paradise of mountain peaks and lush river valleys.
Trout Fishing Lines FAQs
It’s Time to Get Lined Up for Trout Fishing!
Now that you have some background, it’s time to choose a line style. Getting started with a fluorocarbon or monofilament line in the 8 lb test range will do the trick for most anglers. Expand as needed from there. Ideally, anglers will have an ultralight rod and line, a mid-range setup, along with a heavier setup to cover every situation. But start from the middle and work out!
What lines are you using for Trout and what are the conditions where you fish them? Tell us about your favorites and how they pair with different techniques in the comments below!
