Get Geared Up – Dialling In Your Trout Fishing Setup
Trout fishing offers a peaceful escape and a thrilling challenge, all in one cast. To make the most of it, having the right gear isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. The ideal setup not only improves your chances of hooking more fish but also ensures your equipment lasts season after season. From rods and reels to the finer details like line choice and lure selection, dialling in the right tackle will set you up for success, whether you’re fishing streams, rivers, or still water. Let’s dive into what makes a great trout fishing setup.
Trout Fishing in Australia
Trout fishing in Australia generally falls into two categories: still water (lakes and impoundments) and flowing water (rivers and streams), each requiring different tactics and gear. Both environments can be effectively fished using either spinning gear or fly fishing setups, depending on conditions and angler preference. In rivers and streams, stealth and precise presentation are key, with small lures or flies used to target trout holding in current or structure. In lakes, covering water efficiently is critical—anglers often cast or troll lures, or use sinking fly lines with streamer patterns to reach deeper fish. Understanding the nuances of each environment and choosing the right method greatly increases your chances of success.
Trout Fishing Considerations
- In Addition to a nice trout fishing setup, it is highly recommended to invest in a high quality pair of polarized sunglasses. They are a must have for any sight fishing.
- Tools and accessories make a big difference, consider quality forceps/pliers, line clippers or scissors, mesh landing net, tackle bag or fishing vest and a headlamp. A good set of waders and wading boots if stream/river fishing.
- Trout don’t like warm water so be sure to fish cool water areas where water temperatures are below 20c(68F).
- Best trout waters are in the southern areas, think – Snowy or Blue Mountains, Tassie, Victoria’s Alpine region or Onkaparinga in South Australia.
The key to
the right setup
Selecting gear that suits both the environment and your fishing style.
- Know your water – Tailor your setup to lakes or streams, as each requires different casting range, depth control, and lure/fly presentation.
- Choose the right rod and reel – Ultralight to light spinning combos are ideal for most trout fishing; fly rods should match line weight and casting distance.
- Line matters – Use 2–6 lb fluorocarbon or monofilament for spinning, or match fly line weight and type (floating, sinking) to your target conditions.
- Lure or fly selection – Adapt to water clarity, season, and trout diet—spinners, soft plastics, dry flies, and nymphs all have their moment.
- Pack smart accessories – Tools like a net, forceps, polarized glasses, and leader material round out your setup and make on-water adjustments easy.
Learn more on all of the above down below.
Different Quality Factors
High-quality rods offer better sensitivity and casting control, while smooth, reliable reels help manage light line and fast runs. Anglers can opt for an all-rounder spinning combo suited to a wide range of waters, or a specialised setup tailored for specific environments or techniques. For example, a 6’6” light spinning combo with 4 lb fluorocarbon is an ideal all-rounder—equally at home in small alpine streams or casting from the bank of a still water. Alternatively, a longer 7’+ rod with a slightly heavier line offers greater casting distance and control for targeting larger trout in open lakes or windy conditions.
🎣 Did you know?
Trout can detect even the slightest unnatural drag on a lure or fly—often rejecting it in an instant. That’s why matching your line weight to conditions, using a sensitive rod, and mastering a natural presentation are just as critical as choosing the right location or lure.
Picking The Trout Setup That Is Right For You
Choosing the right trout setup comes down to a few key factors—your budget, how often you fish, the type of water you’ll be targeting (streams, rivers, or lakes), and your preferred style of fishing, whether that’s spinning or fly. Understanding these elements will help you invest in gear that matches your needs, performs well, and delivers long-term value on the water.
To help you make the right choice, here’s a breakdown of different trout fishing setups that consider environments:
Mountain Creeks & Streams
Small & Large Rivers
Lakes & Dams
Tailraces (Below Dams)
Fly Fishing Rods
Weight Rating:
– 3-4 weight for streams and creeks
– 5 weight for rivers and lakes
Length: 8-9ft is standard
Action:
– Medium for beginners and dry fly presentation
– Fast action for distance and windier conditions
Popular brands: Sage, Orvis, Primal, Scott, CTS, Loop
Fly Fishing Reels
Size – Match reel size to rod weight (e.g., 3/4, 4/5, or 5/6 weight)
Drag System:
– Click-and-Pawl: Traditional and lightweight; suitable for smaller trout
– Disc Drag: Offers better stopping power for larger fish and lake fishing
Arbor Size:
– Large Arbor: Faster line retrieval and reduced line memory
– Mid Arbor: Balanced performance for general use
Material: CNC-machined aluminium for durability; die-cast reels are cost-effective
Popular brands: Redington Classic Trout, Orvis Clearwater, Sage Foundation, Lamson Liquid
Fly Fishing Tackle
Line:
– Floating Line: For surface or shallow fishing
– Intermediate or Sinking Line: For deeper lakes or faster flows
– Leader & Tippet: 9–12 ft fluorocarbon leader tapered to 3X–5X tippet
Rigs:
– Dry flies (caddis, dun patterns)
– Nymphs (Pheasant Tail, Hare’s Ear)
– Streamers (Woolly Bugger, Zonker) for aggressive fish or deeper water
Popular brands: Airflo & Scientific Anglers, Umpqua, Hanák, RIO Products, Scientific Anglers, Frog Hair, Fulling Mill
Spinning Rod (Streams/Creeks)
Length: 6ft to 6-6ft
Action: Light to Ultra-Light
Power: Fast to Moderate-Fast
Construction Material: Graphite or Composite
Guides: Quality SIC or Alconite, especially when using braid
Handle: Cork handles offer better sensitivity and comfort over long sessions
Popular brands: Daiwa (Presso, Infeet Z), Shimano (Catana, Zodias 6’6″), St. Croix (Premier Trout, Panfish Series), G. Loomis (Classic Trout & Panfish), Okuma (Celilo UL Trout Series), Abu Garcia (Rayrex or Veritas), Megabass (Triza or F2-63XS Destroyer)
Spinning Reels (Streams/Creeks)
Size: 1000–2500 size spinning reels
Drag System: Smooth, sealed drag
Weight: Between 150–200g range
Line Capacity: Minimal is fine—spool with 2–6 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon, or braid with a fluoro leader.
Gear Ratio: Moderate gear ratio (around 5.0:1 to 5.2:1)
Build Material: Prefer carbon composite or magnesium frames for strength without bulk. Graphite-bodied reels also work well for budget-conscious setups.
Popular brands: Daiwa (LUVIAS Airity LT 1000, Fuego LT, KIX LT), Shimano (Vanford 1000, Stradic FL 1000, Sedona FI 1000),
Okuma (Ceymar C-10, Epixor XT 20), Abu Garcia (Revo MGXtreme, Revo SX 10), Pflueger (President 20X), Mitchell (MX2 1000 (great value option))
Spin Reel Tackle (Streams/Creeks)
Line:
– 4–6 lb fluorocarbon (or monofilament for more stretch)
– 6 lb braided mainline with a fluorocarbon leader
– Leader 2–4 ft of 4 lb fluorocarbon if using braid
Terminal Tackle
– Snap Swivel (optional): Size 00 or 0 to quickly change lures
– Split Shot Sinkers: For weighting soft plastics or baits in deeper pools.
– Hooks: Size 10–14 bait hooks for natural baits, wide-gap jig hooks for soft plastics.
Lures:
– Inline Spinners (#0 to #2), Spoons (1/16oz to 1/8oz), Soft Plastics (1/32oz or 1/16oz jigheads), Hardbody Minnows/Crankbaits (35mm–50mm)
Popular brands: Panther Martin, Blue Fox Vibra, Kastmaster, Celta, Thomas Buoyant, Berkley, Z-Man, Rapala, Daiwa
Spinning Rod (Lakes/Rivers)
Length: 7ft to 8ft
Action: Light to Medium
Power: Moderate-Fast to Fast
Construction Material: Graphite or Carbon Composite
Guides: Quality SIC or Alconite, especially when using braid
Handle: Cork or Cork/EVA hybrid
Popular brands: Daiwa (TD Black, Luvias Airity, Infeet 7’+), Shimano (TCurve, Zodias 7’–7’6″, Expride), G. Loomis (IMX-Pro Trout Spin), St. Croix (Avid Trout, Victory Series), Abu Garcia (Zenon, Veritas PLX), Okuma (Trout Precision, Light Game 7’+), Megabass (F3-70XS Destroyer)
Spinning Reels (Lakes/Rivers)
Size: 2000–2500 size spinning reels
Drag System: Smooth, sealed drag
Weight: Between 190–230g range
Line Capacity: 100–150 yards of 4–6lb mono or fluoro, or 10–15lb braid with leader.
Gear Ratio: Faster gear ratio (around 5.2:1 – 6.2:1)
Build Material: Carbon, magnesium, or aluminium-bodied reels offer superior rigidity and strength for casting power and smooth retrieves.
Popular brands: Daiwa (Luvias Airity LT 2500, Ballistic MQ LT 2500, Fuego LT 2500), Shimano (Vanford 2500, Stradic FL 2500, Miravel 2500), Abu Garcia (Revo SX 20, Zenon 20), Okuma (Ceymar C-25, Helios SX 25), Pflueger (President XT 25)
Spin Reel Tackle (Streams/Creeks)
Line:
– 6–10lb fluorocarbon (or monofilament for more stretch)
– 10lb braided mainline with a fluorocarbon leader
– Leader 2–4ft of 6-8lb fluorocarbon if using braid
Terminal Tackle
– Snap Swivel: Size 10 or 14 to quickly change lures
– Split Shot Sinkers: For weighting soft plastics or baits in deeper pools.
– Hooks: Size 18–12 bait hooks for baits or soft plastics.
Lures:
– Spinners (#1–#3), Spoons & Metal Lures (1/8oz to 1/4oz), Soft Plastics (1/16 to 1/8oz jigheads), Hardbody Minnows/Crankbaits (45–60mm)
Popular brands: Gillies Baitfish, Kastmaster, Mepps Aglia Long, Strike Tiger Nymphs, Berkley, Z-Man, Rapala, Daiwa
Other Essential Gear for Trout Fishing
- Landing Net – Makes landing and releasing fish easier and safer—especially when using light line.
- Forceps or Pliers – For safe and quick hook removal, crimping barbs, or cutting line.
- Polarized Sunglasses – Cuts surface glare, lets you see fish and structure, and protects your eyes from UV and stray hooks.
- Tackle Box or Sling Pack – Keeps your lures, hooks, leader, and tools organised and easily accessible.
- Waders or Waterproof Boots – Access hard-to-reach water comfortably, especially in cold or rocky areas.
- Safety & Comfort Essentials – First aid kit, bug spray, hat, sun block, headlamp & snacks – because you never know.
Understanding Trout Fishing Rules & Regulations
Before heading out on the water, it’s essential to understand the local rules and regulations for trout fishing in your area. These laws help protect wild populations, ensure sustainable fishing, and vary widely between states, regions, and specific waterways. From licensing requirements to bag limits, gear restrictions, and seasonal closures—knowing the rules keeps you compliant and supports the future of the fishery. Below are helpful links to review the current regulations in your region.
New South Wales:
Trout fishing regulation
Victoria:
Trout fishing regulation
South Australia:
Trout fishing regulation
Tasmania:
Trout fishing regulation
Western Australia:
Trout fishing regulation
