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Lake Trout

Lake Trout

Lake trout in Oregon are actually char, not true trout, despite their common name. These aggressive, fish-eating predators are apex predators with voracious appetites.

In Oregon, lake trout are primarily found in deep, cold lakes with plenty of oxygen, abundant forage fish, and proper spawning areas.

They have been introduced to several Oregon waters including Odell Lake in the Cascade Range, where they exist as a non-native species alongside native bull trout.

Physical Characteristics:
  • These aggressive, fish-eating predators are distinguished by their deeply-forked tail, gray coloring with large pale spots, and can reach weights of 20 pounds or more.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In Oregon, lake trout are primarily found in deep, cold lakes with plenty of oxygen, abundant forage fish, and proper spawning areas.
  • They prefer cold, oxygen-rich waters and are most often found in depths ranging from 60-200 feet, especially during summer months when they retreat to cooler depths.

Key Locations

  • They have been introduced to several Oregon waters including Odell Lake in the Cascade Range.
  • In Oregon's Odell Lake specifically, lake trout were caught most effectively using gill nets and trap nets during research.

Specific Spots

  • Target depths typically range from 40-100 feet during summer, often requiring deep-water techniques.
  • When targeting lake trout in Oregon's lakes, focus on areas with structure, drop-offs, and where forage fish concentrate.

Lake Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective lures include spoons (Bay de Noc Laker Taker, Williams Wabler), deep-diving crankbaits like Reef Runners, and heavy spoons such as the Luhr-Jensen Krocodile for casting when fish are shallow. Use tube jigs (white being preferred), airplane jigs, or heavy baits like the Bondy Bait for trophy-sized fish.

What flies work for Lake Trout in Oregon?

For fly fishing, use streamers or large flies that imitate the baitfish lake trout feed on.

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

Spring offers the best opportunities when surface temperatures are around 50 degrees. Fall is another prime time, particularly late September, when they move to shallow water (5-15 feet) for pre-spawn activity. This spawning period should be avoided for fishing to protect reproductive success.

How do you catch Lake Trout in Oregon?

Trolling with downriggers is highly effective, presenting spoons at precise depths where fish are holding. Vertical jigging has become increasingly popular with modern electronics. Flasher and fly combinations work well, with the flasher providing attraction while the fly mimics easy prey.

What do Lake Trout eat?

Lake trout are apex predators with voracious appetites, feeding on a variety of salmonids like kokanee and mountain whitefish, non-salmonids such as tui chub, and other seasonally available prey including fish e.g.gs and aquatic insects.

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