Lake Trout
Fishing Tips
Lake
Trout fishing is a bit tougher than some other kinds of fishing, but
armed with the correct information, you can increase your haul without
too much trouble. Lake Trout are ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ fish – they go from
very aggressive to totally uninterested, depending on the time of year
and the conditions on the lake. Using the right tackle and fishing
techniques for Lake Trout are essential if you want to avoid a lot of
frustration and an empty live well.
Lake Trout
Success – Hot & Cold Fishing Tips
The first
thing you have to grasp is that each lake is different, and that means
the Trout will act differently from lake to lake (even in the same
parts of the country). Lakes all react to unique things like sunlight
levels, air temperatures, wind, and the types of springs, creeks, and
streams that feed them.
This means
there are no hard-and-fast ‘rules’ for sure-fire success when fishing
for Lake Trout. However, some basic tips hold true in most
conditions, and they are a good place to start when sizing up the
pattern on your favorite body of water.
When it’s cold
(light ice covering or just after the first melt), Lake Trout tend to
mass near the surface. Set your fishing depth at 10 feet or less and
try a slow trolling technique. And I mean very slow! The Trout will
be sluggish but also very hungry, so the slower pace will win the
race. Use a flashy spoon (silver or gold shades work best) and work
it in an alternating zig-zag and straight-line pattern.
During middle
and late Spring, many Lake Trout will congregate in the 40-60 foot
range, where the prey fish tend to mass. Try jigging or even trolling
classic spoons or blade baits with a light line (about 6 lb.-test is
perfect). Trout fishing is always about being adaptable, so pack your
tackle box with many different lure styles and don’t be afraid to
experiment a lot.
When it’s hot,
Lake Trout are tough to entice, but it can be done. They will usually
dive deep to seek cooler waters and, of course, follow their natural
prey. The best fishing technique involves slow trolling with very
shiny spoons. Even flashy metallic jigs will work on some lakes, but
it’s hit-or-miss fishing.
One note on
hot weather Trout fishing: learn how your preferred lake is fed. If
you discover that cool springs feed it in the Summer, try a shallower
depth and you just might hit the jackpot! On some spring-fed lakes,
the Trout will seek shallow depths because the water stays cooler
nearer the surface, even when it’s hot up top. Do some good fishing
research on your lake and you may find yourself hauling in some nice
Lake Trout while your fellow anglers are left scratching their heads.
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