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Lake Trout

Lake Trout

Lake trout are Michigan's largest native freshwater char, found throughout all five Great Lakes and many deep, cold inland lakes. These apex predators can reach impressive sizes and can live over 25 years.

Lake trout populations in the Great Lakes collapsed by the 1950s due to overfishing and sea lamprey predation but are recovering through extensive rehabilitation efforts including stocking programs and sea lamprey control.

Scientific Name: Salvelinus namaycush

Physical Characteristics:
  • Light spots on a dark background with deeply forked tails.
  • Michigan's state record stands at 61 pounds, 8 ounces, though average adults weigh 9-10 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout all five Great Lakes and many deep, cold inland lakes in Michigan.

Key Locations

  • All five Great Lakes, Higgins Lake, Elk Lake, Torch Lake, Crystal Lakes, Manistee (deep drop-offs and charter access), Frankfort, Ludington (coldwater outflows), Sturgeon Bay in Wisconsin (consistent deep water access).

Specific Spots

  • Shallow water (10-30 feet) during fall, winter, and spring, depths of 100-200+ feet in summer, boulder beds and rocky reefs during spawning, underwater reefs and drop-offs, piers and rocky points, Great Lakes bays for ice fishing.

Lake Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Spoons, spin-n-glows behind dodgers or cowbells, flasher/fly combinations, magnum-sized spoons, heavy spoons, tube jigs, large spoons, crankbaits, spoons or jigs tipped with cut bait for ice fishing.

What flies work for Lake Trout in Michigan?

Todd's Wiggle Minnow (especially in brown trout, red, and white), Bennett's Lunch Money, Beadhead Hare's Ear Nymph (sizes 10-16), Copper John (sizes 14-16 with tungsten bead), Glo Bug e.g.g patterns (sizes 6-8 in chartreuse).

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

Prime season for Lake Michigan lake trout runs from May through October, with May being exceptional for all trout species activity. Spring (April-June) and fall offer the best opportunities when fish move into relatively shallow water. Summer requires deep water targeting (100-300+ feet).

How do you catch Lake Trout in Michigan?

Trolling at 1.5-2.5 mph, vertical jigging with heavy spoons or tube jigs over structure and bait schools, casting large spoons or crankbaits from piers and rocky points during spring and fall, count-down techniques for fly fishing.

What do Lake Trout eat?

Diet consists primarily of other fish including native ciscoes and sculpin, plus alewives, smelt, gobies, round gobies (which have become increasingly important since 2003), and occasionally crustaceans and terrestrial insects.

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