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Lake Trout

Lake Trout

Lake trout in Maine, locally called togue or lakers, are the largest member of the char family and represent some of the state's most prized coldwater gamefish.

They're native to about 100 lakes throughout Maine but have been successfully introduced to waters from Aroostook County to York County.

Also known as togue, lakers

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by their deeply forked tail, creamy white spots on bronze to dark green backgrounds, and white leading edges on fins.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Native to about 100 lakes throughout Maine, introduced to waters from Aroostook County to York County.
  • Prefer large, deep, coldwater lakes with irregular bottom contours and rocky shorelines.

Key Locations

  • Moosehead Lake (74,890 acres), Sebago Lake, Allagash Lake, Chamberlain Lake, Rangeley Lakes region, First Roach Pond, Beech Hill Pond in Hancock County, remote waters of the Moosehead and Penobscot regions.

Specific Spots

  • Ice fishing in 10-100 feet of water, summer trolling at depths typically between 40-100 feet, shallow water (often less than 6 feet) during spawning over broken ledge and boulders.

Lake Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Lake Trout in Maine?

Smelts, shiners, suckers, silver/white/copper jigs, copper/gold/silver lures, large spoons (Red Eyed Wigglers in fire tiger or hot pink, Michigan Stingers in natural colors), flatfish 5½+ inches in silver/white or natural patterns, large bucktail jigs (1-2 ounces), live bait.

What flies work for Lake Trout in Maine?

Streamer flies that resemble smelt, big streamers with contrasting colors - black with purple/pink accents or mostly white with other colors work well.

When is the best time to fish for Lake Trout in Maine?

Winter: Ice fishing is highly productive throughout winter. Spring: Excellent fishing immediately after ice-out when surface waters are still cold. Summer: Fish retreat to deeper water.

How do you catch Lake Trout in Maine?

Ice fishing, trolling with lead core line or downriggers, fly fishing with big streamers.

What do Lake Trout eat?

Young lake trout feed on insects and crustaceans, transitioning to fish when they reach 8-10 inches. In Maine, they historically fed on whitefish, suckers, minnows, sunfish, sculpins, perch, and cusk. Where smelts have been introduced, lake trout feed on them almost exclusively.

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