How to Catch Lake Trout
Lake trout are popular trophy fish, especially in northern regions. Lake trout typically eat baitfish, but they also eat shrimp and insects. Because they feed near the bottom, that is where you need to fish. During the spring lake trout move into shallower water, although they tend to move deeper during peak daylight.
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Instructions
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Troll for lake trout with a three-way swivel at the end of your line. Attach a leader with a sinker to one eye of the swivel and attach your lure on the end of a similar leader to the other. Use a downrigger or planar board to get your lure to the appropriate depth.
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Target a river mouth, especially during ice-out, because baitfish congregate there and the lake trout will follow right behind.
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Use a fishfinder to locate fish and underwater features that attract them, such as ledges and drop-offs.
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Try jigging if you find a large group of fish on your fishfinder. You must locate the depth where the fish are actively feeding, which is usually near, but some feet above, the bottom. Keep the lure just above where the fish are feeding to catch them. They look up to eat. Use a small jigging motion because lake trout won't chase your lure. Jigging also works through the ice.
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Tips & Warnings
While trolling, move the boat in a zigzag pattern and you will catch more fish.
Fish during the early morning and late evening hours.
Not all lake trout strike hard. Actually the bigger ones often take lures without realizing they are hooked. Make sure there is no slack in the line and be ready to set the hook.
