If you've never tried a christmas tree fishing lure before, you might think it's just a holiday novelty meant for a stocking stuffer rather than a serious piece of gear. I remember the first time I saw one in a buddy's tackle box—it looked like a glittery mess of tinsel and beads that had no business being in the water. But then he started outfishing everyone on the boat, and I had to eat my words. It turns out that those bright, flashy colors aren't just for show; they trigger a predatory response in fish that's hard to beat when the conditions are right.
What Exactly Is a Christmas Tree Lure?
When people talk about a christmas tree fishing lure, they aren't usually talking about a tiny plastic evergreen tree with hooks on it. Instead, the name comes from the way the lure is rigged and its incredibly bright, multi-colored appearance. Usually, these lures consist of a series of shiny beads, flashy tinsel, and soft plastic wings or skirts, often arranged in a "daisy chain" or a multi-hook rig.
In the saltwater world, especially for guys chasing mackerel or herring, these are essentially beefed-up Sabiki rigs. They've got that signature flash that mimics a tiny school of baitfish. In freshwater or Pacific Northwest salmon fishing, a "Christmas tree" might refer to a specific trolling attractor that uses alternating colors like red, green, and silver to catch the light deep underwater.
Why the Flash Works So Well
The logic behind using a christmas tree fishing lure is pretty simple: visibility and curiosity. Fish are often drawn to movement and light reflection because that's exactly what a panicked baitfish looks like. When you have a rig with five or six different shiny points, it looks like a whole buffet moving through the water.
It's not just about being "pretty." The specific combination of red and green (hence the Christmas name) works well because those colors have different visibility levels depending on the depth and the clarity of the water. Green tends to stay visible deeper down than red, but the red provides that "wounded" look that predators find irresistible. When you mix them with silver or gold tinsel, you're covering all your bases.
Targeting Specific Species
You can catch a surprising variety of fish with a christmas tree fishing lure, but some species definitely fall for it more than others.
Salmon and Trout
In the Pacific Northwest, trolling with a Christmas tree-style attractor is a classic move. Whether you're in a lake or out in the sound, these rigs create a massive amount of "thump" and flash that calls fish in from a distance. You'll often run these behind a downrigger, and because they have so much drag, you need a rod with a bit of backbone.
Mackerel and Herring
If you're on a pier or a boat in the ocean, a "Christmas tree" rig is basically a cheat code for mackerel. These fish hunt in schools and they're highly competitive. When they see a string of shiny lures flying through the water, they don't just bite—they attack. It's not uncommon to pull up a full rig with a fish on every single hook.
Panfish and Perch
Even on a smaller scale, tiny versions of these lures work wonders for jumbo perch. A little bit of flashy tinsel on a jig head can be the difference between a slow day and a bucket full of fish. It's all about standing out in the murky water near the bottom.
How to Rig and Fish Them
Fishing with a christmas tree fishing lure isn't exactly rocket science, but there are a few tricks to keep your line from becoming a tangled nightmare. Since these lures often involve multiple hooks or long strands of tinsel, they can get messy if you aren't careful.
Trolling is the go-to method. If you're using a large attractor version, you want to keep your speed consistent. Too slow, and the lure just hangs there; too fast, and it might spin wildly and tangle your leader. I usually aim for a speed where the rod tip has a nice, steady rhythmic bounce.
Vertical jigging is another killer way to use them, especially for ocean species. You let the rig sink to the bottom, then give it a series of sharp upward jerks. On the fall, the tinsel flares out like a little umbrella, which is usually when the fish hit. It's a very active way to fish, and it's incredibly satisfying when you feel that "thump" on the drop.
Making Your Own Version
One of the coolest things about the christmas tree fishing lure concept is that it's incredibly easy to DIY. If you've got some old holiday decorations lying around, you're halfway there. I've seen guys take strands of silver tinsel from their actual Christmas tree and tie them onto a plain hook with some red thread.
All you really need are some colorful beads, a bit of flashabou or tinsel, and some soft plastic squid skirts. By mixing and matching colors, you can create a custom rig that matches the specific "flavor" of baitfish in your local spot. It's a fun project for a rainy afternoon, and there's nothing quite like catching a fish on a lure you slapped together yourself.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though a christmas tree fishing lure is a bit of a "power" lure, you can still mess it up. The biggest mistake I see is people using a leader that's way too light. Because these rigs have a lot of surface area, they put a lot of tension on the line. If a big fish hits a multi-hook rig and you're using 8-pound test, you're going to lose the fish and your expensive rig.
Another thing to watch out for is the "tangle factor." If you're fishing a rig with five hooks, don't try to cast it like a lure. It's meant to be dropped or trolled. Trying to hurl a Christmas tree rig 40 yards off a pier is a great way to end up with a "bird's nest" in your reel and a hook in your ear.
Is It Just a Gimmick?
I get why people are skeptical. The fishing industry is full of "as seen on TV" gadgets that promise to catch fish but really just catch fishermen's wallets. But the christmas tree fishing lure has stood the test of time because it's based on fundamental fishing principles: flash, vibration, and the "schooling" effect.
It's definitely not a subtle lure. If you're fishing a crystal-clear stream for spooky wild trout, this is probably the last thing you want to tie on. But when you're in deep water, or the water is stained, or you're dealing with aggressive schooling fish, it's a total game-changer. It's about making a scene and forcing the fish to react.
Wrapping It Up
At the end of the day, fishing should be fun, and there's something inherently lighthearted about using a christmas tree fishing lure. It looks ridiculous, it's incredibly bright, and it usually results in a lot of action. Whether you're buying a high-end trolling rig or tying some tinsel to a hook, it's a technique worth having in your back pocket.
Next time you're at the tackle shop and you see one of those gaudy, shiny rigs sitting on the shelf, don't walk past it. Give it a shot. You might find that the fish in your local lake have a lot more holiday spirit than you thought—even in the middle of July. It's one of those weird pieces of gear that proves that sometimes, being a little "extra" is exactly what you need to get a bite.