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Lake Trout

Lake Trout

Lake Trout in Wisconsin are the largest members of the char family and represent a specialized native species restricted to deep, cold lakes.

Once abundant in the Great Lakes, their populations collapsed dramatically in Lake Michigan due to overfishing, pollution, and sea lamprey predation - the commercial catch dropped from over 6 million pounds in 1944 to just 34 pounds by 1954.

Scientific Name: Salvelinus namaycush

Physical Characteristics:
  • Lake Trout can reach impressive sizes, with Wisconsin's state record being 47 pounds from Lake Superior and inland record of 35 pounds from Big Green Lake.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Today, Lake Michigan sustains populations only through extensive stocking programs (about 1 million yearlings annually), though some natural reproduction was documented in 2013.
  • Lake Superior maintains the only naturally sustaining population in the Great Lakes.
  • Inland populations exist in select deep lakes.

Key Locations

  • Lake Michigan (excellent trolling runs from Sturgeon Bay to Kenosha), Lake Superior, Trout Lake (Vilas County), Green Lake (Green Lake County), Geneva Lake (Walworth County), Big Cedar Lake (Washington County), Big Green Lake.

Specific Spots

  • Typically inhabit depths of 20-200+ feet, moving deeper in summer as surface waters warm.
  • On inland lakes focus on underwater structure - islands, humps, rock bars, and drop-off edges in 10-50 foot depths.
  • Target depths of 20-60+ feet during ice fishing.

Lake Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Dodger and fly combinations, large spoons (Red Eyed Wiggler in fire tiger or hot pink, Michigan Stinger in natural colors), plugs, and diving lures like Flatfish in 5+ inch sizes.

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

Lake Trout fishing peaks during spring (April-June) and fall (September-November). Best fishing occurs from May through October, starting close to shore in spring then moving to deeper water (80+ feet) as temperatures rise. Ice fishing is productive during winter months.

How do you catch Lake Trout in Wisconsin?

Trolling accounts for 95% of catches. Jigging using heavy jigs. Ice fishing targeting depths of 20-60+ feet. Casting approaches in 5-15 feet during fall. Shore fishing during west/northwest winds, especially early and late season.

What do Lake Trout eat?

Apex predators feeding primarily on alewives, smelt, sculpin, cisco, and other fish, though juveniles consume zooplankton and invertebrates.

Where do Lake Trout live in Wisconsin?

Today, Lake Michigan sustains populations only through extensive stocking programs (about 1 million yearlings annually), though some natural reproduction was documented in 2013. Lake Superior maintains the only naturally sustaining population in the Great Lakes. Inland populations exist in select deep lakes.

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