2 Ways to Catch Lake Trout
My nephew Tanner with his giant Laker last year.
Every May (except when COVID closes the Canadian border) I canoe through the waters of Southern Ontario. I’m there for many reasons, one of which is to hook some world class Lakers. Few fish give you the thrill and fight of a lake trout.
For the past 8 years, I’ve been learning how to catch lake trout and thought I’d share a couple “must haves” when it comes to boating these beauties.
Two types of people will find this blog important, those who want to fish for lake trout and those who want to fish for something FAR greater than lake trout. You’re smart and I’ll let you connect the dots. 😉
1. You need lake trout in the lake
I’ve yet to catch lake trout in a non-lake trout lake. Up North there are certain lakes that hold Lakers and some that don’t. You can “want” to catch Lakers but if you choose to fish the same waters over and over knowing full well there’s no lake trout in the lake then after some time I will question your desire to actually land a Laker. This basic tip caused us to pack up and portage a known lake full of largemouth bass for an unknown, deeper lake, loaded with Lakers. I’m glad we did.
2. You have to fish at their depth
Depending on what month it is, Lakers will only be at a certain depth of water. For example, if you’re up North in the summer months and choose to only use a top water bait, you may catch a pile or smalley but you will not catch a Laker. You can cast all day and use the most expensive lure on the market but I promise you, your stringer will be empty. Trust me. At some point you have to adjust (read that again) to WHERE the fish are. You can be in the right lake but at the wrong depth. Here’s what I know, lake trout don’t come to where you are, you go to where they are...if you want to catch one, that is.
Funny thing is that when we finally got the depth thing figured out, we looked like professional lake trout anglers. I got the pics to prove it. What a glorious afternoon that was.
A few years ago my brother and I had the joy of meeting Craig at Canoecopia in Madison. In his breakout session, we learned a lot about catching Lakers. He is literally world renown when it comes to landing Lakers and yes I had him sign my book! 🤣 I do recommend his book to gain actual guidance in this regard. Who knows, maybe I’ll see you up in Quetico sometime.
Quetico Fall Fishing Legends : Lake Trout, Smallmouth, and Walleye Jig Fishing Secrets - by Craig Zarley
That said, if you’d like to learn more about the adventure of a lifetime (that being friends responding to the gospel of Jesus), please listen to these podcast episodes. In these sessions, Tommy and Dan join me to discuss the mandate that is the Great Commission, that of helping other people find and follow Christ.
Episode 03 - Movements That Change the World - Part 1
Episode 05 - Movements That Change the World - Part 2
Episode 07 - Movements That Change the World - Part 3
Episode 09 - Movements That Change the World - Part 4
Listen on itunes, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.
A fish story is temporary. A buddy’s testimony like this (Phil’s Story) is eternal.
Go fish!
#WeAreMissionWednesday
