Lake trout are most prevalent in the chilly, deep waters of lakes in the western part of the U.S. and Canada. Several methods are effective for catching them, including jigging, trolling, bait casting, fly fishing, and spin casting. These fish respond well to lures, especially jigs and spoons.
Habitat: Lake, River, Stream
How to identify Lake Trout
Lake trout belong to the family of fish known as chars. The bodies of these fish can be a grey or green color with yellowish colored markings that also appear on their fins. Their bellies are lighter than the rest of their body. The lake trout’s tail has a deep forking compared to other chars. It is also much stronger and larger than most chars, often weighing more than 100 pounds. Lake trout have numerous strong teeth.
Where to catch Lake Trout
These fish can be found in parts of the western U.S., Alaska, Canada, and the Great Lakes. Lake trout prefer chilly, deep water but are also known to frequent the shallows of some northern lakes. Within the char family, the lake trout is the only one that has trouble tolerating saltwater. Because of this, it sticks to freshwater areas in the extreme northern regions of Alaska and Canada.
The following are habitats where you can catch Lake Trout:
- Dams and Falls
- Drop-offs
- Eddies
- Outside of Bends
- Overhanging Trees and Bushes
- Rivers and Streams
- Rock and Boulder Pockets
- Small Pointed Waves
- Undercut Banks
How to catch Lake Trout
The best time to fish for lake trout is when it the sky is overcast. This is because they prefer low light and tend to feed more aggressively during this time. The best places to look for them are in the deep areas of lakes. The spring is an especially good time to fish for lake trout, right after the ice has melted. During this time, they can often be found in shallower water. The best methods for catching lake trout are jigging and trolling, though bait casting, fly fishing, and spin casting will also work.
The following are effective fishing methods and techniques for catching Lake Trout:
Best Lures, Bait & Tackle to catch Lake Trout
Lake trout respond well to jigs with a soft, plastic tail. Skirted jigs will also get their attention. For trolling, the best option is to use a crankbait or spoon.
The following are fishing lures, bait and tackle that can be used to catch Lake Trout:
