10 Reasons why trout will follow but refuse to strike.

It is a cool summer morning, I cast out my tiny Mepps black fury lure. It splashes down just beneath the overhanging willows, I retrieve and as the lure enters the shallows I see a nice trout, I estimated around 3lb in hot pursuit. It follows the lure nearly to my feet, then with a flick of its tail it turns and disappears to the depths of its pool.

What I describe above is a common experience for many trout anglers and one which can cause a great deal of frustration.

“Why do trout show interest but then reject a lure?“

Will, there is no one answer.

Trout showing initial interest but ultimately rejecting a lure can occur due to various factors. It’s important to note that a trout following your lure is actually a positive sign, indicating its curiosity and attraction. It’s preferable to a trout completely ignoring your spinner or rocketing away in terror.

In this article, I will outline ten possible reasons why trout may follow a spinner or lure without striking, as well as provide suggestions on the modifications you can make to enhance the likelihood of a trout actually biting. By understanding these factors and implementing the suggested changes, you can increase your chances of enticing a strike from these cautious fish.

1) Your retrieve was too fast.

One common reason for trout showing initial interest but not striking is that your retrieve may have been too fast. Unlike high-speed hunters such as pike or muskie, trout prefer to leisurely inspect their prey before committing to a strike. If a lure is retrieved too quickly, it deprives the trout of sufficient time to make a decision.

When spin fishing for trout, it is generally more effective to opt for a slower retrieve speed. This principle also applies to trolling, as a leisurely troll tends to attract more trout compared to a rapid one. Moreover, it is advisable to further slow down your presentation when water temperatures fall below 42°F or rise above 66°F.

By adjusting your retrieve speed and allowing the trout ample time to assess your lure, you enhance the likelihood of enticing a strike.

2) Your lure was too big

The size of your lure plays a significant role in determining whether a trout will strike or not. In many cases, trout have a preference for smaller bait rather than larger lures. I typically have the most success when fishing lures weighing between 1/16 to 1/4 ounces.

Larger lures present a higher risk for trout. Pursuing larger prey requires more energy and effort, and trout tend to be opportunistic and somewhat lazy. They prefer to wait for prey to come within their reach, exerting minimal effort to secure an easy meal. Consequently, they are more likely to strike at smaller-sized lures that appear easy to consume.

Occasionally, trout may even chase a larger lure not because they mistake it for food, but rather because they perceive it as direct competition. When a trout exhibits territorial behavior, it becomes less inclined to strike compared to a trout driven by hunger and the need for sustenance.

By using appropriately sized lures, preferably on the smaller side, you increase the chances of enticing a strike from trout. Remember to consider the trout’s feeding habits and natural prey size when selecting your lure, as this can significantly impact your fishing success.

3) The lure is the wrong color.

Trout can be remarkably selective and finicky, sometimes refusing a lure solely based on its color. This can be a frustrating experience for anglers, as trout’s color preferences may seem unpredictable or illogical.

Unfortunately, there isn’t always a clear reason behind trout’s color preferences. What may be an effective color today could be completely ignored by trout the next day. Trout can simply be picky eaters when it comes to lure color.

To increase your chances of success, it is advisable to carry a selection of lures in different and contrasting colors. Experimenting with various color combinations can help you determine the ones that are currently enticing to the trout in your fishing location. As a starting point, I recommended to have lures in silver, gold, natural patterns, and vibrant or bright patterns in your tackle box.

Generally speaking, I like to use natural or plain-colored lures in clear water conditions, as they closely mimic the appearance of the trout’s natural prey. In contrast, when fishing in dirty or cloudy water, switching to brighter or plain white lures can improve visibility and make it easier for trout to detect the lure amidst the murky conditions

By offering a range of colors, you can adapt to the trout’s changing preferences and increase the likelihood of triggering strikes. Remember to observe the natural forage and environmental conditions to guide your color selection and be prepared to adjust your choices based on the trout’s response.

• What Is the Best Kastmaster Color for Trout? (Including one custom color!)
• What Is the Best Color Rapala for Trout Fishing?

4) The scent is wrong

This one is a bit more controversial, but it is well known that trout possess a keen sense of smell, and while it is debated whether they use it to locate food, they definitely rely on it to detect potential threats. If a lure carries a scent that triggers a sense of danger for the trout, it is unlikely to provoke a strike. This aspect is often overlooked by anglers, with a common mistake being unintentionally transferring sunscreen or insect repellent onto the bait.

Both sunscreen and insect repellent can deter trout that were otherwise interested in your lure. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of any scents on your hands or the bait itself. I always wipe my hands clean after applying sunscreen prior to handling my spinner or lure. It is just not worth taking the risk.

By minimizing foreign scents and avoiding anything that may trigger a trout’s sense of danger, you increase the likelihood of enticing strikes. Maintaining a neutral or natural scent profile for your lures can significantly improve your chances of success in fooling these cautious fish.

• Can Trout Smell Sunscreen, and Insect Repellent?

5) Your line is too thick

Trout possess remarkable eyesight, especially in clear water conditions. They are capable of spotting your fishing line, and while it may not be the line itself that scares them, thicker lines create a larger presence in the water that can arouse suspicion. The increased visibility and disturbance caused by thicker lines can make the lure appear larger than it actually is, leading many trout to hesitate and avoid taking the risk.

To mitigate this issue, it is advisable to use the thinnest line possible that is still strong enough to handle the trout you are targeting. Typically, line thickness in the range of 2 to 6 pounds is suitable for trout fishing. Thinner lines reduce the disturbance in the water and provide a more natural presentation, increasing your chances of enticing strikes from cautious trout.

By opting for a thinner line, you minimize the trout’s ability to detect any anomalies and improve the overall stealth of your presentation. This can significantly enhance your success when targeting trout, particularly in clear water conditions where their sharp vision comes into play.

• Does 2lb line catch more trout than 4lb?

6) The trout does not see your lure as food

In some instances, trout may strike or chase after a lure out of aggression rather than hunger. This behavior often occurs when trout perceive the lure as an intrusion into their territory or as a potential threat to their personal space. As a result, they react by giving chase to drive away the perceived invader.

This aggressive response is more likely to happen when the lure does not resemble natural prey or when it appears disproportionately large compared to the trout’s typical food sources. In such cases, the trout’s motivation is not driven by hunger but rather by a territorial instinct to protect their space and maintain dominance in their environment.

When targeting aggressive or territorial trout, there are two approaches you can consider. The first approach is to trigger a strike by presenting something large and attention-grabbing right in front of the trout’s face. This can provoke a reaction out of aggression or territorial instinct, as the trout may perceive the lure as a threat or an intruder encroaching upon its territory.

The second approach is to go back to basics and focus on presenting a lure that closely mimics the appearance and behavior of the trout’s natural food source. By making your lure incredibly lifelike and realistic, you increase the chances of the trout mistaking it for actual prey. This requires paying attention to details such as the color, size, movement, and presentation of the lure to make it as convincing as possible.

Both approaches have their merits and can be effective depending on the specific behavior and temperament of the trout you’re targeting. It’s important to experiment and adapt your strategy based on the trout’s response. Remember to observe the trout’s behavior and adjust your presentation accordingly to increase your chances of enticing a strike.

7) The action is wrong

Trout can be cunning when it comes to assessing the swimming action of a lure. If the movement of your lure appears unnatural or unfamiliar to them, it can deter them from striking. Trout are familiar with how their prey swims and behaves, and any deviations from the norm can signal potential danger and make them hesitant to take the risk.

To increase your chances of enticing strikes, it is crucial to focus on achieving a natural and lifelike swimming action with your lure. Mimicking the movement and behavior of the trout’s natural prey is key. Pay attention to the speed, rhythm, and motion of your retrieve to ensure that the lure swims and darts through the water in a convincing manner.

Experimenting with different retrieval techniques, such as steady retrieves, intermittent pauses, or subtle twitches, can help you find the optimal action that triggers the trout’s predatory instincts. Observing the behavior of local baitfish or studying underwater videos can provide valuable insights into the natural swimming patterns you should strive to replicate. Personally, I just keel varying my retrieve until I find something that seems to work.

By mastering the art of presenting a lure with a natural and enticing action, you can increase your chances of fooling trout into striking and experiencing greater success on the water.

8) The trout are spooked

Trout that have already been targeted by anglers earlier in the day can become highly cautious and easily spooked. They are in a heightened state of alertness, perceiving potential threats and dangers in their surroundings. Attempting to catch trout that have been previously fished over can be a challenging and frustrating endeavor.

To increase your chances of success in such situations, it’s important to employ stealthy and subtle tactics. Here are a few strategies to consider:

1. Approach with caution: Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises that can startle the trout. Approach the fishing area quietly and maintain a low profile.
2. Use lighter tackle: Opt for lighter fishing tackle, including thinner lines and more sensitive rods, to enhance sensitivity and reduce the chances of spooking the trout with heavy gear.
3. Downsize your lures: Use smaller lures that closely resemble the trout’s natural prey. Downsizing can make your presentation appear less threatening and increase the likelihood of enticing strikes.
4. Make longer casts: Fish from a distance, making longer casts to avoid getting too close to the targeted trout. This helps minimize the chances of alerting them to your presence.
5. Focus on stealthy presentations: Employ gentle and subtle presentations, avoiding abrupt movements or noisy disturbances in the water. Allow your lure to swim naturally and convincingly.

Remember that spooked trout are in a heightened state of vigilance, so patience and persistence are key. It may require multiple attempts or a change in tactics to effectively target and fool these cautious fish. Adapt your approach based on their reactions, and be prepared for subtle and delicate strikes.

• 13 Hints to catch heavily pressured trout
• Do trout remember being caught?

9) Timing Matters

Timing plays a crucial role in trout fishing success. Understanding the optimal periods when trout are most actively feeding can significantly increase your chances of catching them. While trout can be caught throughout the day, there are certain times when they are more receptive to striking.

Early morning and late evening are often considered prime feeding times for trout. During these periods, the water is cooler, and insects are typically more active, attracting trout to the surface for feeding. Take advantage of the low light conditions by using lures or baits that mimic natural prey, such as small insects or minnows.

Another productive time is during overcast or cloudy days. The diffused light conditions can make trout feel more secure, encouraging them to venture out and actively feed. Cloudy days also provide a natural camouflage, making it easier for anglers to approach without spooking the fish.

While trout can be caught during the day, they may become less active and retreat to deeper, cooler waters as the sun gets higher. During these periods, consider adjusting your fishing techniques to target deeper pools or shaded areas where trout seek refuge from the heat.

Additionally, pay attention to the seasonal variations in trout behavior. In colder months, trout tend to be less active and require slower presentations. As temperatures warm up, they become more active and can be enticed by faster-moving lures.

10) Targeting Active Feeding Areas

To increase your chances of catching trout, it’s important to focus on areas where they actively feed. Trout are opportunistic predators, and locating their feeding zones can significantly improve your success rate. Here are key areas to target:

1. Current seams: Trout often position themselves at the edges of converging currents, known as current seams. These seams create natural feeding lanes where food items get concentrated. Target the slower water adjacent to faster currents, as trout will be waiting to ambush passing prey.
2. Undercut banks: Trout seek shelter and food beneath undercut banks along the shoreline. The overhanging vegetation provides cover, while the water flow brings in a steady supply of insects and small aquatic creatures. Carefully approach these areas and make precise casts to target the hidden trout.
3. Weed beds and submerged vegetation: Aquatic weeds and submerged vegetation serve as both a food source and protective cover for trout. Look for areas with healthy weed growth, especially near drop-offs or points where trout can patrol the edges for prey. Cast your lures or baits along the weed edges or through openings to entice strikes.
4. Inflow areas: Streams or rivers that enter a larger body of water create inflow areas that attract trout. The influx of fresh water brings in nutrients and dislodges insects, attracting feeding trout. Focus your efforts near the mouth of the inflow, as well as along the seams and eddies created by the merging currents.
5. Overhanging trees or fallen logs: Fallen trees or overhanging branches provide shade and cover, attracting insects and other small organisms that trout feed on. Cast your lure close to these structures, allowing it to drift naturally downstream or employing a twitch-and-pause retrieve to mimic injured prey.
6. Deep pools: Deep pools offer trout a sanctuary and easy access to a range of food sources. These pools are often found below rapids or waterfalls, where trout can hold in the slower, deeper water. Use techniques such as nymphing or deep-diving lures to target trout in these areas.
7. Tailwaters: Tailwaters, the outflows below dams, can provide excellent trout fishing opportunities. The consistent water flows and regulated temperatures create a favorable environment for trout, and the constant release of food from the dam attracts feeding fish. Focus your efforts on the areas where the tailwater meets the main river or stream.

Remember to be observant of trout behavior and adapt your techniques accordingly. Pay attention to rising fish, insect hatches, and any signs of feeding activity to refine your approach. By targeting these active feeding areas, you can increase your chances of enticing trout strikes and have a more rewarding fishing experience.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Trout Fishing

Trout fishing is a thrilling pursuit that combines skill, knowledge, and a deep understanding of the elusive nature of these beautiful fish. Throughout this article, we have explored ten key factors that can influence a trout’s decision to strike or reject a lure. By paying attention to these factors and making necessary adjustments, you can enhance your chances of success on the water.

From slowing down your retrieve to choosing the right lure size, color, and scent, each aspect plays a crucial role in enticing a trout to strike. Understanding the importance of using thin lines, presenting lifelike lures, and avoiding spooking the fish further enhances your fishing experience. Additionally, targeting the trout’s active feeding areas and selecting the appropriate fishing locations based on their preferences can significantly increase your chances of landing that trophy trout.