Trolling for Lake Trout
Pulling lures behind a moving boat at controlled speed and depth to search large water. 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
- 7'–9' moderate-action trolling rods
- Method — Line
- 10–30 lb; braid for depth control, mono for shock absorption
- Method — Extras
- Line-counter reel, planer boards or downriggers for precise depth
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
Depth is controlled by lure choice, line length behind the boat, line diameter and added weight or downriggers. Speed controls lure action, so small speed changes often matter more than lure changes.
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 trolling for lake trout?
Use 10–20 lb main line, adjusting for cover and water clarity.
What hook size for trolling for lake trout?
Size 2–2/0; trebles on spoons and plugs.
What rod and reel suit trolling 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 trolling hard to learn?
Difficulty is 3/5 (moderate). Record speed, depth and lure for every fish. Trolling is a data exercise — repeatability is the whole point.
When does trolling work best for lake trout?
Cold water. Shallow shorelines after ice-out and in late autumn; deep trolling or vertical jigging in summer.