Lake Trout Fishing Pro-Tips
The lure used when fishing for lake trout will differ based on factors like the water depth, the season, the average size of the trout population, and the available baitfish. Always try to select lures that mimic native bait fish and talk with AML guides, who have typically fished this area their entire lives.
Our guides will tell you that trolling is much more efficient when you can replicate success. This means being able to put your baits at duplicate successful depths. Line counter reels like the Abu 6500 lc and Shimano Tekota lc filled with 12-14# floro, 30# braid, or Berkely Fireline are best. Use a 4-6’ 14-17# Seagur floro leader and a 8-9’ m action rod like the St Croix’s Icon 8’6” medium 2 piece. This is perfect for flatlining, snap weighting, three-way rigging, dipsy diving, and in-line planer boards.
During spring and early summer long line trolling works best, with inline planer boards paired with spoons such as Cleos, Sutton, and lil’ wolfies or minnow baits such as Yo-Zuri’s and Rapalas. Slow trolling spinner rigs or cowbells with live suckers or filleted sucker strips can also do the job, but when it comes to using live bait for lake trout, it’s hard to beat the good old fashioned nightcrawler. Remember that lake trout have a tendency to stay in the same area. The odds are that if you catch one in a specific area then there are likely to be more close at hand.
If you don’t have line counters, simply use a level wind reel and count the number of passes of the pawl. For jigging, either casting equipment or spinning equipment will work. Fill reels with either braid or Fireline of 10-14# for sensitivity and good hook-sets in deeper water. Because of the clearness of the water, use a 4-6’ 12# floro leader with a good ball bearing snap.
Lake trout are a very powerful fish. Pick a rod 6’-6’6” with a medium to medium heavy action, good backbone, and fast tip. Casting early in the season requires the long-range approach. Our guides recommend a fluorocarbon leader rather than monofilament. A long spool spinning reel filled with 10# Berkely Nano, a 4’ 10# floro leader with a ball bearing snap and a 7’6” medium action rod will put the baits far enough away so shallow, clear water fish aren’t spooked. Hold on tight when an Eagle Lake trout hits your lure, and get ready for a lengthy battle!
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