There are many different types of trout, but what is a lake trout? Lake trout are one of the most sought-after species in North America. They inhabit cold water lakes and streams with rocky bottoms and have been known to grow to over 50 pounds! In this article, we answer questions about lake trout fishing. We will talk about how they behave, what equipment you need, and more.
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What Is The Scientific Name Of Lake Trout?
Lake trout live primarily in deep, cold freshwater lakes. Lake trout are also found in the Great Lakes and other large rivers like the Mississippi River system. They’re often caught by trolling with downriggers on deep holes – they use their incredible sense of smell to find baitfish that have been hooked out from a boat or fishing pier.
When Does Lake Trout Spawn?
Spawning occurs between late March and early July at depths shallower than 100 meters (328 ft) deep near reefs or other underwater structures such as large rocks, sunken logs, pilings, and bridge supports.
Lake trout are carnivorous fish and feed on other smaller species of freshwater fish, including whitefish, rainbow smelt, ciscoes, sculpins, and minnows. The diet is determined by the size of the lake trout as they often prey on small fry or juveniles in lakes to maintain their own growth rate. These forage fishes make up 60% of a lake trout’s food intake while zooplankton makes up only 40%. Lake trout will also feed on crustaceans such as crayfish and shrimp but this may be less than 30% of its total diet.
Lake Trout Fishing Tips
Lake trout are one of the most sought after game fish in North America. They can be found from Alaska to Mexico with their greatest concentration being around Lake Superior and Canada’s Great Lakes Region. This is no surprise given that it has been said by many experts that they put up a better fight than salmon or steelhead; but what exactly do you need to know about lake trout fishing?
- The average weight for a lake trout ranges between 12 lbs – 20 lbs, so it takes some skill if your goal is just to catch one. However, there have been reports of catches at over 60 pounds!
- During the day when visibility is high, use flies such as Adams patterns (often used for bass). In lower light conditions, use flies such as Clouser’s Minnow or Woolly Bugger.
- Lake trout anglers typically target deep water, so it is important to note that most fishermen don’t fish more than 20 ft from the edge of the shoreline at a time.
- Cast your line as close to where you want to catch lake trout and let out about 50 yards of slack before starting your retrieve; this will help keep your lure near the bottom while still allowing enough room for action on top.
- To get an idea of how deep the bait is, tie a weight to anywhere between 16 – 24 inches in front of the fly reel spool release with a 20 lb fishing line (best choice).
Catching Lake Trout In Summer
Catching lake trout in summer is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with friends and family. The fish are generally found near shore, but they can be caught anywhere in the water column including depths of up to 65 feet deep. They feed primarily on small minnows, shiners, smelt, anchovies, or other baitfish that inhabit lakes during this season so it’s important you use live bait if possible – such as nightcrawlers or leeches. When targeting larger prey these powerful predators will usually attack their target from below using techniques like “rocking” (bouncing off objects underwater) which causes them to jump out of the water momentarily before crashing back into the surface for an easy catch.
Best Time to Fish
Lake trout are most active in the evening but can be caught all day long. If you’re fishing from a boat, try to fish near shorelines and other areas that have structures like underwater rocks or reefs where they hang out during the daytime. You also want to cast your lure into more shallow water on sunny days because lake trout love warm temperatures.
- Catching them with bait is usually only possible when fishing close to shore since these fish typically spend their time deeper in freshwater lakes at depths of 40 feet or greater.
- If you’re deciding whether or not to use lures instead of living bait, it’s best if you choose artificial flies for catching this type of fish due to its preference for cold water.
- Lake trout are also known to be one of the most well camouflaged species on freshwater lakes and can make them difficult to find. To catch lake trout with bait you’ll want a trout rod that is long enough so the hook will reach this fish at its desired depth.
- When using lures, it’s best if they’re made out of bright colors like silver or gold because these types of metal attract attention in the water while still blending into the environment alongside any rocks or other surfaces where you may spot them hiding nearby.
Best Lures For Lake Trout
Lake trout are a prized catch. They’re large, they’re meaty and they provide hours of entertainment on the water. But catching them isn’t easy – in fact, it’s one of fishing’s most challenging tasks. Luckily you can improve your chances by understanding lake trout behavior and using the right equipment for different situations:
- When trolling or drifting along shallow shorelines, try casting topwater plugs like Rapala, Shad Raps, Zara Spooks or Bomber Long A near weed beds with spinnerbaits behind suspended baitfish patterns to stir up fish that may be cruising close to the surface waiting for an opportunity to strike;
- In early spring when ice is still forming over deeper pools, add a spoon like the Prop bait or a holographic spinner with downsized hooks such as Jigging Rapalas.
- When depths are greater, try crankbaits on a drop-shot rig and deep-diving plugs;
Lake Trout Trolling
Trolling is one of the most popular methods for catching lake trout.
- This is a traditional method that attracts fish by mimicking baitfish schools or other food sources.
- Trolling often involves jigging – jerking the line to induce vibration and mimic swimming prey.
- Other trolling techniques include using spoons, lead core lines, streamers, plugs, spinners or live bait rigs with (or without) downriggers.
A fishing license is required for all anglers in the United States. A fishing license can be purchased at a local sporting goods store or online. The type of license you will need depends on your residency, age, and whether or not you are using boats to fish. Non-resident licenses cost more than resident licenses because they pay into a national conservation fund that helps rebuild sport fisheries like lake trout by removing non-native species from lakes and rivers so native populations have space to flourish again.
Lake Trout World Record
There is a world record for catching lake trout. It was set in 1932 at Lake Pepin on the Mississippi River. The catch weighing 172 pounds and measuring 36 inches long. This fish would have been over 50 years old when it was caught! The two men who helped catch this massive fish were Joe Jensen and Walter Buschmann Jr., both from Wisconsin.
Lake Trout In Colorado
Colorado is a state where lake trout fishing should be on every angler’s bucket list. Lake trout are found primarily in the mountain streams, lakes, and reservoirs of the Rocky Mountains, but they have also been stocked into many other waters such as Lincoln Creek Reservoir near Denver and Great Plains Lakes.
Lake Trout In Yellowstone
In Yellowstone Lake, they are often caught near shorelines and shallow waters from a boat or kayak in late summer through fall during cooler water temperatures.
Lake Trout Baltimore
Lake Trout is a freshwater fish that inhabits both small lakes and large bodies of water such as Lake Huron and Erie. It has become one of Maryland’s most popular recreational fishing targets because it provides excellent sportfishing opportunities despite its size.