Lake Trout tackle guide
A deep-water char of cold northern lakes. Depth control is everything — the fish follow cold water.
Last reviewed 26 September 2026 · Editorial policy
The short answer
- Main line
- 10–20 lb
- Rod
- Medium to Medium-Heavy, 6.5–8.5 ft
- Reel
- 3000–4000 spinning, or a line-counter trolling reel
- Hooks
- Size 2–2/0; trebles on spoons and plugs
- Typical weight
- 3–15 lb for average fish
- Best conditions
- Cold water. Shallow shorelines after ice-out and in late autumn; deep trolling or vertical jigging in summer.
Where they live and what they eat
Habitat
Deep, cold, clear, oxygen-rich lakes. Shallow after ice-out and in autumn, deep below the thermocline in summer.
Feeding
Predator of ciscoes, smelt, sculpins and other fish; also takes invertebrates.
How to fish for lake trout
Trolling
Pulling lures behind a moving boat at controlled speed and depth to search large water.
Jig Fishing
A weighted head and hook in one, dressed with a skirt or soft plastic, worked along the bottom.
Spinning with Lures
Casting and retrieving spinners, spoons or small soft plastics on light spinning tackle.
Practical 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.
Lake Trout vs other species
Against similar species
| Species | Main line | Rod power | Hook sizes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Trout | 10–20 lb | Medium to Medium-Heavy | Size 2–2/0; trebles on spoons and plugs |
| Largemouth Bass | 10–20 lb | Medium to Medium-Heavy, fast action | 1/0–5/0 worm hooks; 2–1/0 trebles on hard baits |
| Smallmouth Bass | 6–12 lb | Medium-Light to Medium, fast action | 1–2/0 finesse hooks; size 1–4 trebles |
| Rainbow Trout | 4–8 lb | Light to Ultralight, moderate action | Size 8–14 bait hooks; size 10–18 flies |
| Brown Trout | 4–10 lb | Light, moderate action | Size 6–14 hooks; size 8–18 flies |
Lake Trout through the year
See the full lake trout seasonal guide for month-by-month patterns and tactics.
Common questions
What line strength should I use for lake trout?
Most anglers use 10–20 lb (about 5–9 kg) main line. Go heavier around snags and cover, lighter in clear, open water.
What rod is best for lake trout?
A medium to Medium-Heavy rod of around 6.5–8.5 ft covers most situations.
What reel size do I need for lake trout?
3000–4000 spinning, or a line-counter trolling reel.
What hook size for lake trout?
Size 2–2/0; trebles on spoons and plugs. Match the hook to the bait size rather than the fish size.
What are the best techniques for lake trout?
Proven methods include Trolling, Jig Fishing, Spinning with Lures.
Where do lake trout live?
Deep, cold, clear, oxygen-rich lakes. Shallow after ice-out and in autumn, deep below the thermocline in summer.
When is the best time to catch lake trout?
Cold water. Shallow shorelines after ice-out and in late autumn; deep trolling or vertical jigging in summer. Always check local seasons and rules.