Top Ten Lures for Catching Trout in New Zealand Rivers

Trout fishing in New Zealand’s rivers is a beloved pastime, offering anglers the chance to enjoy stunning landscapes and abundant trout. The right lure can make a significant difference in your fishing success. Here are the top ten lures that local anglers rely on for catching trout in New Zealand rivers, along with color recommendations for different conditions:

1. Natural-Colored Softbaits

Softbaits in natural colors that mimic small fish, such as bullies, are highly effective for trout fishing.

Clear Water: Use shades of brown and olive.
Murky Water: Opt for darker colors like black or deep green.

Best Use: Rig on a jig head and retrieve slowly, allowing the bait to swim naturally through the water.

2. Rapala Original Floating Minnow

The Rapala Original Floating Minnow is a hard body lure known for its realistic appearance and action.

Clear Water: Silver or natural trout patterns.
Murky Water: Gold or bright orange for higher visibility.

Best Use: Use a slow retrieve with occasional twitches to imitate an injured fish.

3. Toby Spinner

The Toby Spinner, with its distinctive shape and wobbling action, is ideal for both fast and slow-moving waters.

Clear Water: Silver or copper.
Murky Water: Gold or bright red for increased visibility.

Best Use: Cast across the current and retrieve steadily for optimal wobble.

4. Zed Spinner

Zed Spinners are versatile lures that create strong vibrations and flashes.

Clear Water: Silver and blue.
Murky Water: Bright green or chartreuse.

Best Use: Cast upstream and retrieve slowly, letting it drift naturally.

5. Teardrop Spinner

Similar to the Zed Spinner but with a teardrop shape, Teardrop Spinners work well in deeper pools.

Clear Water: Silver and black.
Murky Water: Gold or fluorescent colors for better visibility.

Best Use: Retrieve with occasional pauses to let the lure flutter enticingly.

6. Hex Wobbler Lure

Hex Wobblers feature a hexagonal shape that creates an erratic swimming motion, mimicking an injured fish.

Clear Water: Bronze or muted silver.
Murky Water: Bright yellow or orange.

Best Use: Vary your retrieve speed to maximize the lure’s erratic action.

7. Colorado Spinner

With its distinctive blade that spins closely to the body, the Colorado Spinner is great for creating strong vibrations in the water.

Clear Water: Gold or brown.
Murky Water: Silver with a splash of red.

Best Use: Retrieve slowly to maintain blade spin and create vibrations.

8. Spinner (with Blade)

In New Zealand, the term “spinner” can refer to two types of lures. Often, it describes a spoon, which has a reflective, wobbling action. However, it can also refer to a traditional spinner with a spinning blade.

Clear Water: Gold, silver, or copper.
Murky Water: Bright pink or chartreuse for increased flash.

Best Use: Cast and retrieve with a steady pace, allowing the blade to spin and create vibrations in the water.

9. Spoon Lures

Spoon lures, often referred to as spinners in New Zealand, are versatile lures with a shiny, reflective surface and wobbling action that attract trout effectively.

Clear Water: Silver, gold, or muted red.
Murky Water: Bright orange or yellow.

Best Use: Cast and retrieve with a steady pace, allowing the lure to flash and wobble.

10. Blue Fox Vibrax

The Blue Fox Vibrax is equipped with a vibrating bell and spinning blade, making it excellent for attracting trout in deeper waters where sound and vibration are key.

Clear Water: Silver, blue, or black.
Murky Water: Chartreuse or bright green.

Best Use: Ideal for slow to medium retrieves in deeper pools and slower water.

11. Tassie Lures

Tassie Lures, renowned for their effectiveness in a range of fishing conditions, come in various designs and colors. They are particularly useful in New Zealand rivers due to their robust build and enticing action.

Clear Water: Gold, silver, or rainbow trout patterns.
Murky Water: Fluorescent pink or orange for higher visibility.

Best Use: Cast and retrieve steadily, allowing the lure’s action to attract trout.

Tips for Success

Match Local Prey: Use lures that mimic the natural prey found in the rivers, such as small fish and insects.
Experiment with Retrieval: Vary your retrieval speed and technique to find what works best on the day.
Observe Water Conditions: Pay attention to the water clarity and current, adjusting your lure choice and tactics accordingly.

Conclusion

Selecting the right lure is crucial for successful trout fishing in New Zealand’s rivers. The lures listed above are popular among local anglers for their effectiveness and versatility. Whether fishing the swift currents of the Rangitata or the broad stretches of the Rakaia, these lures will help you land more trout. Happy fishing!