How to Catch Lake Trout

The downrigger advantage!

The knowledge of how to catch lake trout during the summer months can really extend your season for this superb fish at many Canada fishing lodges. Lake trout remain aggressive as they follow baitfish into thermal layers that provide a temperature to their liking. There are a number of methods for fishing lake trout in depths between 60 and 100 feet, but the most successful remains the use of a downrigger while trolling.

The use of wire (or steel) lines has become somewhat obsolete at most Canada fishing lodges with the popularity of downriggers over the last couple of decades. A downrigger is simply a fishing tool that allows anglers to get their lure to a deep water level. All this is done while allowing you to use a standard fishing rod. Downriggers are much more effective than a wire line because you can gauge the depth of your line (we’ll get into this in a moment).

So how to catch lake trout while using a downrigger? The first thing is to examine the anatomy of a downrigger. The downrigger typically consists of a two to four foot arm which extends out the side or back of your boat. The base typically is directly attached to the decking or side of your boat. Along with the arm and base there is a substantial reel at the bottom of the arm. This reel is typically threaded with steel cable and can hold more than two hundred feet of 150 pound-test wire. A heavy ball weight is attached the bottom of the steel wire (usually around 12 pounds) to take your lure to the depth you need. Just above the steel ball is a “clip” that allows you to fasten your fishing line through. The clip will release when a fish strikes your lure.

A downrigger will also have a depth indicator on it. Some models are manual and have their depth meter turn as you manually let out or bring in the line. Other downrigger models are “automatic” and will let steel line out to the depth you indicate. Either way, they are a valuable tool for how to catch lake trout when they move deep.

Most Canada fishing lodges employ the use of 7 or 8 foot graphite rods, a strategy that you will find most suiting. 10 pound test monofilament is typically recommended. A fluorocarbon leader is a good investment as lake trout can thrash and roll in the line as you get them close to the boat. Also, the use of a good ball bearing swivel is a must to keep your line from twisting (and eventually making a mess in your reel).

An excellent tactic while “downrigging for lake trout” is to have 2 downriggers going at a time. On one side use a large spoon while tempting them with cut bait in the other. Rather than employing the same strategy on both lines, mix up your offering and let the fish decide. If you have 2 or 3 strikes on your spoon and none on the bait – then adjust your second line accordingly.

Because these fish are so strong, many anglers remove the treble hook on their lure and replace it with a siwash hook. It adds to the strength of your overall rig and can result in less fish lost.

When looking at how to catch lake trout while fishing a deep underwater structure, you must consider a few things. First of all the use of a depth finder is essential so you can see where the structure is. Secondly, when you work the underwater structure hit it hard and then move back into deep water. Repeat this tactic over and over. The trout seem to get turned on when you hit or bounce on the bottom kicking up debris. As your lure moves off of the structure into the deeper water the lake trout will often strike.

Of all the methods of how to catch lake trout, this one can be truly effective. But it is also risky. As you bounce your lure off the bottom, your 12 pound downrigger weight can be at risk. It is not uncommon for it to bounce on the bottom as well, which puts it in danger of getting caught in the structure below. This can be not only a time consuming problem should you lose your weight, but it can be expensive as well.

Many Canada fishing lodges are supplementing the use of downriggers with a buoyant Jet Diver. By adding a jet diver to your fishing line, it will take your lure down an additional 10 to 50 feet (depending on the model) once you begin trolling. What this means is you don’t have to lower your downrigger all the way to the depth of the underwater structure.

For example if you want to work a reef at 85 feet, lower your downrigger to 60 feet, and use a jet diver to take you the additional 15. It is a great trick, and can really save the wear and tear on your downrigger. The next time someone asks you how to catch lake trout with a jet diver, share this little secret with them!

Knowing the different strategies for how to catch lake trout will make this fish accessible to you year round. The equipment is as important for catching lake trout as it is for any other fish in Canada. They can be tough to entice a bite from, but if you have the proper set up you can be in for an amazingly productive day.

Good luck out there, and thanks for reading!!

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