Jig Fishing for Lake Trout
A weighted head and hook in one, dressed with a skirt or soft plastic, worked along the bottom. Applied to lake trout, that means 10–20 lb main line and a medium to medium-heavy rod as your baseline.
Last reviewed 26 September 2026 · Editorial policy
Rod, reel, line and hooks
- Rod
- Medium to Medium-Heavy, 6.5–8.5 ft
- Reel
- 3000–4000 spinning, or a line-counter trolling reel
- Main line
- 10–20 lb
- Hooks
- Size 2–2/0; trebles on spoons and plugs
- Method — Rod
- 6'10"–7'3" Medium to Medium-Heavy, fast action
- Method — Line
- 12–17 lb fluorocarbon (bass) or 10–15 lb braid + leader
- Method — Jig head
- 1/8–3/4 oz depending on depth and current
Where the species baseline and the method spec differ, the method spec is the more specific advice — the species row tells you the strength you need, the method row tells you the behaviour you need.
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How the rig works
The head keeps the hook point up and in contact with the bottom. Hops and drags imitate a crayfish or fleeing baitfish; most takes come on the fall, felt as a tick or as line moving sideways.
Lake Trout behaviour
Predator of ciscoes, smelt, sculpins and other fish; also takes invertebrates.
Deep, cold, clear, oxygen-rich lakes. Shallow after ice-out and in autumn, deep below the thermocline in summer.
When to fish it
Cold water. Shallow shorelines after ice-out and in late autumn; deep trolling or vertical jigging in summer.
Lake Trout tips
- Use electronics or a line counter to put lures at the fish's depth in summer.
- Fish slowly: lake trout rise from depth, so a slow retrieve helps.
- Fish brought up fast from deep water are stressed; handle quickly if releasing.
Other methods for lake trout
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Common questions
What line do I need for jig fishing for lake trout?
Use 10–20 lb main line, adjusting for cover and water clarity.
What hook size for jig fishing for lake trout?
Size 2–2/0; trebles on spoons and plugs.
What rod and reel suit jig fishing for lake trout?
A medium to Medium-Heavy rod around 6.5–8.5 ft with 3000–4000 spinning, or a line-counter trolling reel.
Is jig fishing hard to learn?
Difficulty is 3/5 (moderate). Keep a semi-slack line on the fall — a tight line pulls the jig toward you and kills the natural drop.
When does jig fishing work best for lake trout?
Cold water. Shallow shorelines after ice-out and in late autumn; deep trolling or vertical jigging in summer.