Canada’s 11 all-time top lures for brookies, browns, cutthroats, lakers and rainbows

Mister Twister Curly Tail

Nothing replicates invertebrates quite like a soft-bodied bait, and the Curly Tail is the king in this realm. Some anglers say it looks like a worm, others a leech. Some even think it resembles a wounded baitfish. It matters little, however, because trout of all types readily gobble it up when given the chance. In fact, if you had to select just one bait for all trout applications, this just might be it. Simply tailor the size and colour to the waters and fish you’re targeting, thread it onto a jig head that’s appropriate for the depth, and away you go, whether casting or trolling.Catch: Brook, brown, bull, lake and rainbow trout

Where: Lakes, streams and rivers of all sizes

When: Throughout the open-water seasons. As a rule, increase its size as the season progresses. It’s also effective in murky waters.

How: It can be vertically jigged, cast and bumped along the bottom, trolled alone or with a spinner blade, used as bait on spinner rigs, or even cast and swum back.