Captain Nate’s Go-To Spoon for Winter Trolling Success

Captain Nate’s Go-To Spoon for Winter Trolling Success

When winter sets in and baitfish shrink, trout and salmon can become surprisingly picky. Matching the hatch isn’t just for fly fishing—it’s critical for trolling too. That’s why Captain Nate has leaned heavily on one lure over the past few months, and it’s been consistently putting fish in the box.

The Trigger Spoon Jr.: A Wintertime Favorite

Captain Nate’s number one spoon this time of year is the Trigger Spoon Jr. The reason is simple: profile.

During the colder months—typically from December through February—most lakes are filled with very small baitfish. Whether it’s threadfin shad, pond smelt, silverside shiners, or similar forage, the common factor is size. Bigger spoons often get ignored, but the Trigger Spoon Jr. perfectly matches that small bait profile trout and salmon are locked onto.

That smaller silhouette, combined with an aggressive action, makes this spoon deadly when fish are feeding selectively.

Best Colors for Cold Water Conditions

While Captain Nate has had great success with one standout color, he emphasizes that multiple finishes have been producing fish consistently. Some of the top-performing patterns include:

  • Shad patterns
  • Red shad
  • Orange shad
  • Blue and chrome
  • Copper
  • Hammered gold

In general, flashy metallic finishes excel during winter months, especially when light penetration is low. These colors help the spoon stand out while still looking natural.

Dialing in the Right Trolling Speed

Speed is critical when running smaller spoons. For the Trigger Spoon Jr., Captain Nate recommends an optimal trolling range of:

2.0 to 3.0 mph,
with the sweet spot landing between 2.5 and 2.8 mph.

At this speed, the spoon delivers an erratic, high-action wobble that triggers reaction strikes without overpowering the presentation. This action closely mimics injured or fleeing baitfish—exactly what predators are looking for in cold water.

Proper Rigging Matters

To get the most out of the Trigger Spoon Jr., Captain Nate stresses the importance of rigging correctly.

Rod & Reel Setup

  • 7-foot downrigger rod rated for 2–8 lb line
  • Shimano Tekota 300 reel
  • Spooling with 8 lb Maxima line

This setup provides a deep, forgiving bend that keeps fish pinned and absorbs head shakes during the fight.

Swivel Choice
One of the most important components is a high-quality ball bearing swivel.

Because the Trigger Spoon Jr. has such an erratic action, using a standard snap swivel can lead to excessive line twist. A high-speed ball bearing swivel designed for trolling eliminates that problem and keeps your setup running clean all day.

Seasonal Transitions: When to Size Up

As water temperatures rise and baitfish grow larger heading into spring and summer, Captain Nate transitions to bigger spoons, including:

  • Trigger Spoon (Original)
  • Optimizers
  • Optimizer Jr.
  • Sizes 3 and 4

But during the heart of winter, the Trigger Spoon Jr. remains the top producer.

Final Tips for Maximum Success

  • Match spoon size to baitfish size
  • Run speeds between 2.5–2.8 mph
  • Use a quality ball bearing swivel
  • Don’t be afraid of flashy finishes
  • Add Chrome Killer scent generously for extra attraction

Shop the Trigger Spoon Jr. at Catch America

All of Captain Nate’s recommended spoons are available at Catch America, including individual colors, packages, and kits. If you’re looking to stay consistent during tough winter conditions, the Trigger Spoon Jr. deserves a spot in your spread.

Tight lines,
Catch America Team

Tags: Trigger Spoon Jr Trout trolling

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