Spinning with Lures for Lake Trout
Casting and retrieving spinners, spoons or small soft plastics on light spinning tackle. 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'–7'6" Light to Medium spinning rod
- Method — Line
- 6–12 lb mono or braid, matched to the species
- Method — Trace
- Wire or 40 lb+ fluorocarbon trace whenever pike may be present
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.
Check prices for this setupWhy this works on this fish
How the rig works
A rotating blade or wobbling spoon puts out flash and vibration that predators detect on the lateral line as well as by sight, so it works in coloured water where sight-only baits fail.
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 spinning with lures for lake trout?
Use 10–20 lb main line, adjusting for cover and water clarity.
What hook size for spinning with lures for lake trout?
Size 2–2/0; trebles on spoons and plugs.
What rod and reel suit spinning with lures 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 spinning with lures hard to learn?
Difficulty is 1/5 (very easy). Spinners twist line badly. Use a quality swivel and re-spool when coils appear.
When does spinning with lures work best for lake trout?
Cold water. Shallow shorelines after ice-out and in late autumn; deep trolling or vertical jigging in summer.