Ice Fishing Lake Trout

Understanding patterns will lead to more trout

Ice fishing lake trout can be a challenging affair for those who don’t understand the tendencies of these large fish. There are typical patterns the trout will follow throughout the winter, and you need to pay attention. Know their actions and be ready for a busy day on the ice.

Lake trout change locations during the winter as much or more than any other freshwater species. Trying to understand their underwater tendencies is what most anglers have a difficult time with. If you don’t know the lake you are fishing, you may have a bit of work ahead of you (but that’s what this sport is all about, right?).

Typically when the trout find a good feeding location, they will remain there until the food supply has been exhausted. Often times you will find them at a variety of suspended depths rather than simply on the bottom. This is an important element to keep in mind while you experiment with presentations and locations.

Lake trout typically see their prey much better above them than below. Generally pounding your jig off of the bottom of the lake floor may prove to be fruitless. An aggressive lake trout will rise to intercept your lure from as much as 40 feet below. This is the action you are looking for.

But don’t limit yourself to just one depth in the water column. There are times when lake trout will be on the bottom feeding on deadbait. You don’t want to miss these potential trophy fish.

While ice fishing lake trout, start with your jig just a few feet off of the bottom. Work this depth for a few minutes. If you have no luck, bring it up ten or fifteen feet and work that depth for a short period. If no trout, bring the jig up to a shallower depth and work that area. Continue this pattern until you nail one.

This way you will scan the whole water column and understand where the fish are feeding. Trout have been caught at a 20 foot depth while fishing in 70 feet of water. So keep an open mind.

Ice fishing equipment for lake trout is straight forward. You will need a good ice fishing rod with at least 15 pound test. Don’t forget a leader. A variety of jig sizes is nice, but a large fluorescent or bright yellow jig always seems to work best. Make sure you have some variety with you.

Often trout will hit your jig while it descends. So be prepared. You may have one on before you know it.

Ice fishing lake trout is a terrific way to spend a winter day. This species can grow to be well into the 40 pound range and make for an unbelievable battle through the ice. Be prepared and be smart. You could land the fish of a lifetime.

Thanks for reading.

Good fishing.

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