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Lake Trout

Lake Trout

Lake trout are Minnesota's largest native char species, with the state record weighing 43 pounds caught in Lake Superior. In Minnesota, lake trout average 1-3 pounds but can exceed 25 pounds, with some reaching 37 inches and 17 pounds in the Boundary Waters.

They're found in over 100 deep, cold, well-oxygenated lakes, primarily in northeastern Minnesota near the Canadian border, with the best populations in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Lake Superior.

Scientific Name: Salvelinus namaycush

Physical Characteristics:
  • Minnesota's largest native char species, average 1-3 pounds but can exceed 25 pounds, with some reaching 37 inches and 17 pounds in the Boundary Waters.
  • State record weighing 43 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found in over 100 deep, cold, well-oxygenated lakes, primarily in northeastern Minnesota near the Canadian border.
  • Inhabit deep, clear lakes with rocky bottoms and good oxygen levels.

Key Locations

  • Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Lake Superior, Tuscarora, Gillis, Little Saganaga, Caribou, West Pike, and Knife lakes in the BWCAW, Lake Superior's North Shore, Gunflint Trail area, designated trout lakes throughout northeastern Minnesota.

Specific Spots

  • Target depths of 25-30 feet near steep drop-offs and rocky structures in spring.
  • Rocky shorelines, points, and reefs.
  • Summer requires deeper water (40+ feet).

Lake Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Dead ciscos, live minnows, white bucktail jigs, crankbaits in golden or silver shiner colors, flashy spoons like DareDevils and Swedish Pimples, jigs tipped with minnows, wax worms. A 3/8 oz gold Kastmaster tipped with half a salted shiner is highly effective.

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

Spring (after ice-out through early summer) offers the best fishing. Summer fishing requires deeper water tactics. Winter ice fishing can be excellent, particularly just after the season opens in January. The season closes September 30th to protect spawning fish.

How do you catch Lake Trout in Minnesota?

Trolling with spinners tipped with minnows, vertical jigging with spoons or jigs tipped with minnows or cut bait, using live minnows under floats. Trolling in canoes is effective - paddle slowly and quietly, taking breaks to let lures sink.

What do Lake Trout eat?

Apex predators feeding on ciscos (tullibee), suckers, whitefish, rainbow smelt, shiners, and freshwater shrimp. In Lake Superior they primarily eat rainbow smelt and coregonines, while inland populations focus more on ciscos and other native forage fish.

Where do Lake Trout live in Minnesota?

Found in over 100 deep, cold, well-oxygenated lakes, primarily in northeastern Minnesota near the Canadian border. Inhabit deep, clear lakes with rocky bottoms and good oxygen levels.

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