Legering / Bottom Bait for Rainbow Trout
A weighted rig holding bait hard on the bottom, with bites shown on a tip or alarm. Applied to rainbow trout, that means 4–8 lb main line and a light to ultralight, moderate action rod as your baseline.
Last reviewed 26 September 2026 · Editorial policy
Rod, reel, line and hooks
- Rod
- Light to Ultralight, moderate action, 6–7 ft
- Reel
- 1000–2500 spinning, or a 5wt fly outfit
- Main line
- 4–8 lb
- Hooks
- Size 8–14 bait hooks; size 10–18 flies
- Method — Rod
- 7'–12' depending on venue and casting distance
- Method — Line
- 10–30 lb by species
- Method — Hook
- Circle hooks for catfish; wide-gape for coarse species
Where the species baseline and the method spec differ, the method spec is the more specific advice — the species row tells you the strength you need, the method row tells you the behaviour you need.
Check prices for this setupWhy this works on this fish
How the rig works
A lead or feeder pins the bait in place so current or wind cannot move it. Bite indication comes from the rod tip, a bobbin or an electronic alarm instead of a float.
Rainbow Trout behaviour
Insects, nymphs, small fish and eggs. Feeds on drifting food in current.
Cold, oxygen-rich streams, rivers and stocked stillwaters.
When to fish it
Water 50–65°F (10–18°C), overcast skies, during an insect hatch.
Rainbow Trout tips
- Use the lightest line you can get away with; trout are line-shy in clear water.
- Match the hatch — observe which insects are on the water before choosing a fly.
- In stocked stillwaters, count down a lure to find the depth holding fish.
Other methods for rainbow trout
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Common questions
What line do I need for legering / bottom bait for rainbow trout?
Use 4–8 lb main line, adjusting for cover and water clarity.
What hook size for legering / bottom bait for rainbow trout?
Size 8–14 bait hooks; size 10–18 flies.
What rod and reel suit legering / bottom bait for rainbow trout?
A light to Ultralight, moderate action rod around 6–7 ft with 1000–2500 spinning, or a 5wt fly outfit.
Is legering / bottom bait hard to learn?
Difficulty is 1/5 (very easy). Use a running lead or a safe lead-release setup so a fish can never be tethered by a snagged lead.
When does legering / bottom bait work best for rainbow trout?
Water 50–65°F (10–18°C), overcast skies, during an insect hatch.