Skip to main content

Lake Trout

Lake Trout

Lake Trout are not native to Massachusetts but have been successfully introduced to select deep, cold water bodies in the state. These char are the largest freshwater members of their family and can live up to 70 years.

They are top predators in their ecosystems.

Scientific Name: Salvelinus namaycush

Also known as mackinaw

Physical Characteristics:
  • Largest freshwater members of the char family.
  • Wachusett Reservoir has produced lake trout over 20 pounds, with the current Massachusetts catch-and-release record being a 34-inch fish.
  • The catch-and-keep record is a 25-pound, 7-ounce fish from Quabbin Reservoir.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Primarily found in two major reservoirs in Massachusetts: Wachusett Reservoir and Quabbin Reservoir.
  • They prefer deep, cold water bodies.

Key Locations

  • Wachusett Reservoir and Quabbin Reservoir.
  • At Wachusett Reservoir, focus on areas like the Scar Hill Bluffs section at the end of Scar Hill Road in Boylston.

Specific Spots

  • They typically inhabit depths of 50-200+ feet, though they move shallower during certain seasons.
  • They spawn over boulder beds in 8-20 feet of water.

Lake Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Live shiners on slip-sinker rigs. Flashy lures in the 3/4 to 1.5-ounce range in colors like gold, silver, silver/blue, gold/green, gold/orange, and 'brook trout' pattern. Large spoons like Red Eyed Wigglers in fire tiger or hot pink, and Michigan Stingers in natural colors (gold, silver, bronze).

What flies work for Lake Trout in Massachusetts?

Big, flashy streamers. Focus on gaudy patterns with multiple colors rather than monochromatic flies - black with purple or pink accents, or white with other color highlights work well.

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

Prime season runs from November through May, with late fall and early spring being optimal. Avoid targeting them during spawning season in fall (October-November).

How do you catch Lake Trout in Massachusetts?

Live shiners on slip-sinker rigs - set up multiple rods and wait for strikes, checking baits frequently as lake trout are notorious bait thieves. For active fishing, drop lures to the bottom and work them with a jigging retrieve - yank up sharply then let flutter back down.

What do Lake Trout eat?

Young lake trout eat plankton, insects, and small invertebrates, while adults are primarily piscivorous, feeding on fish like alewives, rainbow smelt, and other baitfish. Some populations feed on plankton throughout their lives and remain smaller than their fish-eating counterparts.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Lake Trout.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Lake Trout water

    Pick Lake Trout and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Lake Trout

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Lake Trout are.

Open the map, filter by Lake Trout, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

Massachusetts licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Explore Massachusetts waters

Top fishing waters

Popular Cities

Loading popular cities...

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.