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Lake Trout

Lake Trout

Lake Trout are not native to Utah but have been successfully introduced to several major waters, most notably Flaming Gorge Reservoir and Bear Lake.

These apex predators can grow to impressive sizes, with some exceeding 30 pounds, though most in Utah waters average smaller due to the productivity limitations of these systems.

Scientific Name: Salvelinus namaycush

Physical Characteristics:
  • These apex predators can grow to impressive sizes, with some exceeding 30 pounds, though most in Utah waters average smaller due to the productivity limitations of these systems.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer cold, deep waters.
  • At Flaming Gorge, they're found in depths ranging from 40-80 feet when actively feeding, typically along channel walls, ridges, and underwater structure.

Key Locations

  • Flaming Gorge Reservoir (entire reservoir but especially the dam area and major tributary mouths) and Bear Lake (deeper sections and areas near tributary inflows).

Specific Spots

  • At Flaming Gorge Reservoir, target depths of 50-75 feet along channel walls for smaller lake trout, and focus on deeper structure for trophy fish.
  • At Bear Lake, focus on areas near spawning tributaries and deeper water adjacent to rocky shorelines.

Lake Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Spoons are highly effective - try silver and gold patterns, as well as chartreuse and pink colors. Kastmaster spoons, Thomas spoons, and similar heavy metal lures work well for both trolling and vertical jigging.

What flies work for Lake Trout in Utah?

Large streamers that imitate baitfish - white, black, and olive woolly buggers in sizes 2-6 are productive. Strip these flies slowly near bottom structure.

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

Fall offers excellent opportunities as fish prepare for winter, while spring provides good action as they recover from spawning.

How do you catch Lake Trout in Utah?

Try trolling spoons behind downriggers at 2-3 mph, or vertically jig over structure and drop-offs. Winter ice fishing can be productive using glow-in-the-dark jigs tipped with cut bait, worked near bottom in 60-100+ feet of water.

What do Lake Trout eat?

Lake Trout are piscivorous, feeding primarily on other fish including kokanee salmon, Utah chub, rainbow smelt, sculpin, and smaller trout. In Bear Lake, they consume endemic species like Bonneville cisco, Bear Lake sculpin, and various whitefish.

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