Few species roam the open waters of large lake systems like Lake Trout. Also called Mackinaw, these fish have a voracious appetite and they sit on top of the food chain, operating with relative impunity. They patrol deep waters, largely consuming other fish. Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Forage Fish, Small Mammals, Reptiles, and anything else in the water better watch out when Lake Trout are present…
Lures offer one of the best options when fishing for Lake Trout. Whether you choose an exploratory technique or focus on a specific area, lures provide the action that triggers that predatory drive in Lake Trout. Choose your favorites, do some experimenting, and start casting because there are few better ways to locate and catch these fish than with a well-presented lure!
Lake Trout Behavior
We know Lake Trout are predatory but much of their behavior is driven by water temperature and seasonal conditions. Food availability is always a top behavioral drive but temperature factors heavily into the equation, too. In cold environments where lakes freeze, you’ll find the fish in shallow waters (5–20 feet) immediately after ice-off. They also spawn during this period and drop eggs as early as February.
As temperatures warm, the fish move into deeper waters. They drop to the 40–60 foot range frequently but will go to several hundred feet deep in some environments. Younger Lake Trout can feed on phytoplankton, insects, and crayfish, making it possible to cruise near the bottom or along drop-offs and ledges. Adults tend to look for other fish as forage, and they’ll move through the water column to find feeding opportunities.
When the fish aren’t feeding, they tend to suspend. Otherwise, Lake Trout move a fair amount as they search and hunt for food. When large numbers of other fish are present, they’ll remain in that area rather than traveling away from reliable food sources. Find the food and you’ll find Lake Trout!
The Best Fishing Lures for Lake Trout
As a general rule, you can go big when choosing Lake Trout lures. Visibility and action are two of the primary objectives. I like to play with colors and make selections based on overall conditions and visibility. Bright and dark colors both work well. When the fish are active, they won’t hesitate to chase down a lure. When they’re moving slowly, using cut bait or live bait offers an advantage.
Big Spoons
You can’t go wrong with a heavy spoon. They sink fast, troll well, and work great on the cast and retrieve. Pure gold or silver colors work but I like spoons with combinations of chartreuse and silver or pink and silver. When you want to get deep in a hurry, look to the classic spoon to get the job done. Extending the general category are blades that resemble a spoon. They’re labeled differently but are built on the same general platform. Large blades are a great option for Lake Trout.
Big Flatfish
The wobble action of a flatfish is deadly while searching for Lake Trout. These lures are fun to troll and very visible. They come in large sizes, too. Lake Trout have huge mouths so don’t worry about oversizing here—it’s amazing how they’ll still inhale these lures. While there are many other options and exciting lure designs, flatfish are a staple in every serious Lake Trout tackle box.
Jigs
Jigs are on the table for every species and they’re really nice when Lake Trout are suspended down deep. If you can hold a position over a group, it’s possible to get right in their face. Look for stout hooks and jigs that implement rubber and other active elements. The more motion you can add, the better success in my experience. That said, a scent-filled soft plastic threaded on a jig hook never hurts your odds of catching a monster.
Diving Lures
Brands like Rapala and Lurh Jensen make diving lures to reach specific depths. If you have a preferred depth range, check the labels closely. You can always add depth with additional weight or a downrigger setup. Diving lures make it possible to enjoy the action of crankbaits and stickbaits far below the surface. They’re excellent for trolling and a ton of fun to cast as well. If you can find a reliable drop-off, hold the position in a boat and cast and retrieve to really feel the weight of a Mackinaw strike.
Blades and Spinnerbaits
Fish can see a spinnerbait or blade-style lure from long distances. If they have trolling flashers rigged in tandem, it really becomes a great setup. I love blades attached to hoochie rigs that use rubber lures. They can look like squid, which isn’t something Lake Trout eat, but they still work really well. There are many different spinnerbaits and blade lures that are ideal for trolling.
Lake Trout Lure Fishing Strategies
Most anglers associate Lake Trout with deep-water fishing techniques. While the need to deep jig or troll with downriggers is common, you can cast and retrieve to catch fish as well. I’ve even caught them on the fly right after ice out!
The early spring season is the best time to find Lake Trout in the 20–30 foot range. In the lower 48 states, they go deep within a month or so of ice-off. In Alaska, they seem to stay in that range a little longer as the seasons are much shorter. No matter where you choose to chase this species, it pays to have a boat with a downrigger and a high-quality fish finder.
Learning the topography of the lake’s bottom is the key to consistently finding Lake Trout. They like deep structure and channels where they can travel. Using electronics to study the bottom will help you consistently find fish.
Where to Catch Monster Lake Trout
Mackinaw are largely distributed throughout Alaska and the Great Lakes region. They love big, cold bodies of water with large populations of forage fish. Populations have been introduced across northern states and even in California as well. Some very large fish are caught in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain states and they’re even considered a threat to sensitive species like Bull Trout in Montana.
Some of the best lake trout fishing in the west occurs in Blue Mesa Reservoir in Colorado and Flathead Lake in Montana. Flaming Gorge Reservoir in Utah is another favorite for very large specimens.
For world-class action, anglers should also look to Canada. Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories have some truly incredible opportunities. Canada is loaded with big lakes that offer ideal habitats. Like Alaska, access ranges from easy to extremely remote.
Get Your Lake Trout Fishing Lures Wet!
Now that you know which lures to use, hit the water and catch a 30+ lb Lake Trout. It’s incredible how large these fish grow and it’s rare that they aren’t in the mood to eat. Just know that you might need some serious wall space if you decide to mount one! Lake Trout are heavy, fun, and they promise to test your tackle. Hang on tight and prepare for a fight!
Are you in love with fishing the deep waters where Lake Trout live? We’d love to hear about your best lures and how you fish them. Reach out in the comments below!
The post The Best Lake Trout Fishing Lures: A Beginner’s Guide for 2025 appeared first on FishingBooker Blog.
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