Starter Trout Tackle Box

Wanted a little knowledge from some of the trout guys here. I’m planning on hitting the Rush River area this winter and spring. I’m not a fly fisherman at all so will be using light spinning gear. Wondering what are some must have lures I should pick up. I have already gotten a couple Mepps Aglias, Rapala Original Floaters, and Panther Martin spinners. Anything else I need? Also what test mono should I run. I was thinking 4lb?

I grew up there and fished a ton as a kid. I always liked the panther Martin with no hair and small rapala sticks. I never did a lot of winter fishing though as it wasn’t a season then, so not a lot of help. I do like a medium light with 6lb. You can launch those things a mile with a good set up. If you are not wading in, it’s tough to not spook them in the clear water.
Good luck, send some pics.

Johnie Birkel wrote:

I grew up there and fished a ton as a kid. I always liked the panther Martin with no hair and small rapala sticks. I never did a lot of winter fishing though as it wasn’t a season then, so not a lot of help. I do like a medium light with 6lb. You can launch those things a mile with a good set up. If you are not wading in, it’s tough to not spook them in the clear water.
Good luck, send some pics.

I’ll be wading, and going with someone who has pretty good knowledge of the area. I’m pretty excited about it. Almost more for the scenery than the fish. Always seems like the trout guys end up in the coolest little fishing spots. I’ll let you know how I do whenever I make it out.

Will teach you how to fly fish the rush in exchange for info on northeast metro walleyes:) I’ve got all the gear a guy could need and tight lips;)

Not to say you won’t have some success on spinning tackle but I bet you’ll have more on the fly

tg

FWIW I’m a medical provider down at Regions-not a creep;)

For some context, winter fly fishing usually involves drifting some type of nymph/pupae pattern along the bottom. For spinning gear you may want to also include some type of hair jig you can dead drift. Maybe 1/16 oz in blacks, browns and dark olives. It would give you another presentation option.