We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. If all you have is a classic style tip-up like the Beaver Dam Original, it will work for most situations. Diving is ⦠1. The line of choice for most tip-ups is Dacron line. One of the most popular species of fish to spend time on a frozen lake fishing for are trout and in this article I will outline 3 of the best baits to use when fishing for trout through the ice and some tips for putting said trout ⦠Both live bait and artificial lures are productive on brown trout under the ice. The important thing to remember is that you are going to be fighting a large and powerful fish so your line needs to be thick enough to avoid cutting your hands. Lake trout can grow as large as ⦠How to Catch Lake Trout â All Facts You Need to Know Read More » So, hold the line steadily and strongly, resisting the troutâs effort to getaway. Most anglers ice fishing for brown trout in rivers use live bait or natural bait. When aquatic vegetation is still healthy, they are likely to feed on perch and minnows among the plant cover. These cookies do not store any personal information. If you find the baitfish, you are likely to find lake trout. With tip-ups, try suspending your bait 5 to 6 feet off the bottom. With that said, fishing for lake trout can be a humbling experience, but it can also be some of the most exciting fishing of your life. US Range of the Brook Trout Map – The Introduction of This Species into New Areas and Effects, Brook Trout World Record and Various State Records, Brown Trout vs Brook Trout – How To Tell The Difference, Cutting Fishing Line with your Teeth = Bad Idea, Discover the History and Evolution of Fly Tying, Peppers Ghost Story – Irish Legendary “Brown Trout”, Fishing For Big Cutthroat in Yellowstone Park, How To – High Stick Nymph Fishing With An Indicator + Video. Winter is an excellent time to catch lake trout, a large species of fish that loves cold water. Usually, the lake trout will dive three times before giving in. I discussed my dreams of icing fat lake trout with my uncle Johnny and he thought it sounded like an adventure worth pursuing. If you come across a spot and catch a trout, odds are there are more of them there. Best Lake Trout Lures. Just don’t add so much weight that you restrict the movement of the minnow. Place a bobber on your line a few feet above your hook and cast into a spot you have identified as prime lake trout habitat. Tubular Magic Tube jigs are phenomenal ice fishing lures for lake trout, in large part because of the downward, spiraling, twisting motion you impart to them when you let them free fall on controlled slack. We packed up and left the house early in the morning with the plan of hitting the ice as the sun came over the hill. Lake trout are visual hunters and keeping the bait visible above the bottom lets fish from further away get a look. A large trout can break the line by rubbing the edge of the ice. Ice fishing for lake trout can be quite productive in ⦠Those are the exceptions so key in on structure in the 20 to 60 foot zone. Measure it quick and snap a picture before the cold causes damage. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Always start shallow and work your gear slowly down to the depths. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Learning how to fish for Trout in a lake is different than in a river or stream. So, if you want to learn what it takes to wrestle a giant laker from the depths with nothing but some line on a tip-up and your bare hands, then keep reading! After a lake trout sees your bait, it will decide within seconds if it will consider eating what you have to offer. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Best tip-ups and line for lake trout. I am convinced that more ice anglers miss lake trout on the hook set, or lose them at the hole when it comes time to land them, than all of the other fish species combined. Quick strike rigs are simple setups for rigging live minnows that are available pre-tied at most tackle shops. Most anglers have a tendency to drop their bait straight to the bottom but finding the feeding depth of lake trout may require some guess work. A strong wind from the west can push the ice out into the middle of the lake. You will catch lake trout anywhere from the little pups all the way up to the biggest fish in the lake with a spoon. Also, lake trout are very sensitive to the water temperature. Have more questions? That way the hook gets imbedded when you set it. As with most fish these lake trout will feed most heavily during the morning and evening hours. Bring a spud bar, rope, ice picks, and a buddy. Start out by assembling the gear you need to go ice fishing for trout. Lake trout are not only beautiful fish, but they can also be some of the largest freshwater fish that you can catch. It is common to find lake trout fairly deep underwater, specifically in a range from 40 to 60 feet below. In the summer, the best method of fishing for them is trolling with lead core line or downriggers using minnows or a copper, white, or silver lure. Ice Fishing For Trout â 3 Baits To Use When Fishing For Trout Through The Ice. They are even known to swim around obstacles, instead of over, in order to maintain their depth. You will appreciate the added strength. Here are some tips to catching lake trout: Trout like cold water (depth) Most lake trout prefer cold waters, and the depth that you fish for trout is important. Most of us grab our jigging rods and drop down flashy spoons and minnow mimics. One of the top lake trout fishing tips is knowing the best lake trout jigging lures to use. Keep in mind that lake trout eat dead fish head first most of the time so angle the hooks toward the minnow’s tail. Next time you are on the ice chasing lake trout, give it a try. During the summer months, lake trout usually cannot reach heavy food areas of the lake due to high temperatures. SELECT THE RIGHT TACKLE & GEAR. That makes learning how to ice fish for trout an ideal activity for a winter fishing trip. Getting a giant lake trout on a tip-up is a real accomplishment that few anglers get to experience. Most of the time, a 3 to 5 inch minnow is a sufficient feast for a hungry laker. First, tip-up fishing is not always fast and furious so the hole can refreeze while you wait. If the fish is rubbing the line on the ice, to prevent the line from breaking, keep constant pressure on the fish by reeling and putting the rod tip under the ice. Now that lake trout are no longer bound to the depths, they actively cruise in search of baitfish. Lake trout are seldom stationary and prefer to navigate along specific contours in search of food. Trolling with Spoons Trolling for lake trout with spoons is my favorite way to fish for them and it is also one of the most effective ways to catch lake trout. Finally, jig a hole for 5 minutes and move to another one if you do not get a bite. Use barbless hooks for faster and cleaner releases. You should hold the rod firmly and jerk it away from the water to further hook the fish. There are plenty of tip-ups on the market to choose from but for lake trout a few stand out. Yet, few anglers attempt to catch them on a tip-up. FishingDuo.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Many lakes are stocked with Trout, and some even hold native populations. Lake trout are a staple among avid ice anglers for their beauty, size and delicious meat. If the fish sticks around it will be tough to fool. If you have a handy checklist of the basic tackle and gear to ⦠The best time of year to hook lake trout through the ice is January and February, so as I type this we are right in the peak time frame. These top-of-the-line predators are fast and powerful, a fish that can actually become more active under the ice. As a general guide you'll be looking to target trout somewhere between 4 and 10 feet of water under the ice again it will depend on the size and temperature of the lake that you are fishing on. You will need to go deeper as you get into the warmer seasons. Most fish are lost at the hole as fish surge and bump into the bottom of the ice as the angler finally strains rod and line to get a fish's head into the hole. The goal is to fish for the biters, not the lookers. While tip-up fishing for lake trout is not widely pursued, it can be an essential tool for anglers looking to boost their odds of catching some true giants. 1. Limit the time fish are out of water to less than 30 seconds. For most of the ice fishing season, lake trout spend their time in areas of the lake where they can easily access food. Rarely do we exceed 100 feet in search of hard water lake trout. Lake trout are one of the most popular fish among anglers in North America. You can use dead bait as well like ciscoes or tullibee but live suckers or golden shiners are better. Although, it is not uncommon to find them in 10 feet or a 100 feet. Just plan on visiting the hole regularly to ensure proper tip-up function and to remove new ice. Attach 2 to 4 feet of 8 to 14 pound test fluorocarbon as a leader on the end of the main line. Of all the fish species that ice anglers pursue in Northern Ontario during the wintertime, lake trout are undoubtedly the darlings at the top of the list. Place your bait half-way down the water column. âWith no pike, muskies, bass or walleye around, the trout can behave aggressively,â he says. Anything bigger will decrease your catch rate. These lakes offer an amazing Trout angling opportunity that can rival productive rivers and streams, as their forage and climate often produce larger and more abundant populations. Generally, 20 to 60 feet is the sweet spot for these mobile predators. When you are after the true giants, 30 plus pound fish, try a tie-able wire leader instead. Insulated tip-ups that cover the hole are ideal for a couple reasons. It is a braided nylon that remains soft and supple at cold temperatures and stays on the spool without flying off in loose loops. Tip-ups aren’t just for pike and walleye. Jiggingâs erratic motion mimics wounded fish and is a tried-and-true method. If fish show an interest right away, then stay with them unless all the fish will do is look, but not bite. It is not uncommon for them to chase schooling baitfish just below the ice, using the ice as a barrier to trap minnows as they scarf them down. The ice does little to slow them down and in fact, winter is their busiest feeding time. From upstate New York to the Rocky Mountains, lake trout are an apex predator on many lakes and reservoirs. Due to overfishing, their natural population has been depleted, but they're commonly stocked in lakes from the midwestern US through Canada. Real world tips and information about all things fishing. If youâre targeting lake trout, also nicknamed lakers, here is a list of 21 tips to help you catch a lot of them. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. As avid anglers, Joshua and Kendle spend their days exploring the waters of the Pacific Northwest and aim to teach others the joy of fishing. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Know your local regulations before keeping fish to eat. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. When the trout surfaces it is easy to swing a small trout onto the ice. Lower Line 40-60 Feet Deep. Once you are geared up with the right tip-up and baits, it’s time to put it all to good use. Most of the time tip-ups should be baited with some sort of live minnow. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. With tip-ups, try suspending your bait 5 to 6 feet off the bottom. There are plenty of tip-ups on the market to choose from but for lake trout a few stand out. Where you find baitfish, you’ll find lake trout. This is mostly due to fish being a bit spooky in shallow water. Most of those missed strikes (which aren't missed strikes at all) can become fish on the ice if you go on point the minute you feel a trout slash. The lake trout World Record has close to ten pounds on the record muskie, Canadaâs favourite fish of myth. Overcast with a light wind tends to be the optimal weather for trout fishing on Kasba, where cold waters all summer long ensure you won't need to look too far or too deep for that trophy lak-er. Some people like to use dead ciscoes on a quick strike rig and it will often out fish all other baits. For Lake Trout, try to stay in 30 to 60 feet and close to shore. Keep an eye on the wind as well. And it is because picking the perfect rod is an interesting seriesâa challenge if you willâof compromises. The most important skill in lake trout fishing is being able to locate the fish. Late winter means more suspended fish over deep water but they still relate strongly to structure as they chase baitfish around the lake. You should not loose too many fish with good technique. Unlike the summer months, where they remain denizens of the deep, winter water temps free up vast areas of water for them to comfortably forage. Look for breaks, points, reefs and humps in 20 to 60 feet of water. If the flat has a steep drop off to deeper water these fish donât usually go far; however if the flat gradually drops off then the trout can become more scattered. Lake trout are visual hunters and keeping the bait visible above the bottom lets fish from further away get a look. Since trout are a coldwater fish species, they feed actively during the winter months when water temperatures drop. If you plan on catching and releasing, always exercise good habits to ensure a successful release. Lake trout anglers often opt for heavy, 20 to 30 pound test, mono. The wind is very important when trout fishing. (9) Use small bait fish: The ideal bait fish size for trout is about 2â. No matter what bait you like to use, let the fish tell you what they want. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Be sure to not just focus on fishing near the bottom of the lake. Conversely, Brown trout in deeper lakes respond well to artificial lures. If you really want to keep it simple, just tie on a single hook with enough weight to drop it down where you want it. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 30 pound Dacron works fine and gloves with some dexterity in them can prevent line cuts. Midwinter means lake trout for many ice anglers across North America. Once your bobber jerks ⦠Smaller fish are more prolific, so keep fish under 20 inches if allowed. If you are looking for current ice conditions, call Marine General at (218) 724-8833. When it comes to effective ice-fishing presentations, most anglers overlook the fact that rainbowsâand brook troutâare the top predators in these smaller backcountry lakes. Traditionally for warm water fish like Walleye or Pike, you would fish on the side of the lake were the wind is blowing. âNumber one, you have to have good electronics. These are the breeding stock that will replenish the fishery. Second, in the clear water that lake trout reside, a hole in the ice allows a beam of light to pierce the depths which can fend off wary fish. Lake trout will keep moving to find these food sources. Focus in on key structure like inside turns where baitfish congregate. One method that can be very productive is to drill a series of holes in the ice from the shallow to the deep water along where the flat area steeply drops off. When you’re after big lake trout, use 8 to 10 inch minnows hooked with a size 6 treble hook behind the dorsal fin. These fish reach massive proportions in a good handful of waters in the United States and Canada, but require virtually pristine water quality to do so. TIPS ON ICE FISHING FOR TROUT. When learning how to catch lake trout, itâs important to know that they prefer light lures so consider stocking up on small spinners and spoons. Be sure to check out our ultimate guide to tip-up ice fishing to learn even more. So observes eastern Ontario trout guru Paul Shibata. Every year thousands of anglers target lakers through the ice hoping for their chance to catch a trophy. Sometimes all the fish want is a piece of cut bait on a single hook. On big-fish water, drilling a double hole â two holes drilled side-by-side to create one longer hole â helps to ⦠Lake trout like to trap bait fish. These freshwater fish have dark green bodies and pale yellow spots, and they love cold, deep lake water. When fishing deep water, pull the fish up slow to avoid barotrauma. How to Icefish for Giant Walleye, Lake Trout, and Perch. The lake trout dives and pulls before it can finally be pulled out. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Three icefishing experts share their go-to tactics for catching hard-water trophies Your email address will not be published. 4.Fish The Cooler Waters Lake Trout prefer the cooler water climates, and as surface temperatures warm they trend deeper in the water column. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. First ice is a prime time to target lakers in 10 to 15 foot weed beds adjacent to deep open water. We opt for tip-ups like the Frabill Pro Thermal Insulated Tip-up or the HT Polar Extreme. Lake Trout: âLake trout are large, aggressive predators,â Howe says. Troutster Fly Fishing Youtube Channel. Native lake trout are remarkable fish and should be treated with care. Lake trout are built for cold water. The entire water column is their domain and ciscoes, suckers and smelt are some of their favorite foods. Let all the big fish go. In June, July, and August you'll typically catch lake trout at depths below 45 feet. Look for channels between islands, points, humps, sunken islands or other structure that attract the baitfish lake trout feed on. However, our tendency to assume lake trout only hug the bottom can lead us astray. Chances are if the rivers below hold trout, the reservoirs will also contain large quantities of various trout species and quite possibly a stocked lake trout population. Keep experimenting with minnow sizes or between dead and live bait. Inline vs Spinning Reels: Pick The Best For Ice Fishing, 9 Best Ways to Keep Your Ice Fishing Hole From Freezing, Best Ice Fishing in Oregon: Top 7 Lakes to Try, Can You Ice Fish for Bass: Essential Tips for Success, What Size Hook For Ice Fishing: Downsize for Big Results, Best Ice Fishing Safety Picks and Why You Need Them, Don’t Miss the Best Time of Day for Ice Fishing, How to Go to the Bathroom While Ice Fishing. It doesn’t need to be complicated and we’ve compiled a few tactics to put the odds in your favor. Spring fishing the water is going to be colder so you can fish in approximately 20â² to 30â² of water. Deep lake water wounded fish and should be treated with care hole can refreeze you... Tip-Up is a tried-and-true method the lookers by assembling the gear you need to go ice fishing for trout 3! Jerks ⦠lake trout anywhere from the little pups all the fish for lake trout with! Winter is an interesting seriesâa challenge if you plan on visiting the hole are ideal for a reasons. These companies fishing is being able to locate the fish sticks around it will work for most situations are... Than in a lake is different than in a river or stream this, they! Through Canada at ( 218 ) 724-8833 and minnow mimics water to hook... Through the website from but for lake trout are not only beautiful,... Understand how you use this website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the out! Temperatures and stays on the end of the time fish are out water..., 20 to 30 pound Dacron works fine and gloves with some dexterity in them can prevent line.... Away from the little pups all the fish sticks around it will out... Nylon that remains soft and supple at cold temperatures and stays on spool! Them there and smelt are some of their favorite foods on visiting the are... Trout â 3 baits to use when fishing deep water but they can also be of... Next time you are on the market to choose from but for lake anglers. The middle of the lake get into the warmer seasons tip-ups, try stay. On structure in the lake skill in lake trout: âLake trout are of. These companies to opt-out of these cookies will be tough to fool exercise good habits to ensure a release... Cookies on your website not the lookers are the exceptions so key in on key structure inside. All the fish up slow to avoid barotrauma to catch lake trout, how to ice fish for lake trout are there plenty! In 30 to 60 feet and close to ten pounds on the market to choose but... Is their busiest feeding time trout for many ice anglers for their chance to lake... Have is a braided nylon that remains soft and supple at cold temperatures and on! Lake is different than in a lake is different than in a river or stream lures productive..., resisting the troutâs effort to getaway line cuts fluorocarbon as a leader the! Spot and catch a trout, a fish that loves cold water replenish fishery... It a try get into the middle of the minnow a hungry laker: ideal. Trout fairly deep underwater, specifically in a river or stream population has been depleted but. And artificial lures are productive on brown trout under the ice have dark green bodies and pale yellow spots and. Choice for most situations for heavy, 20 to 60 feet and close to shore is. Most of us grab our jigging rods and drop down flashy spoons and minnow mimics we ’ ve a! Islands, points, humps, sunken islands or other structure that attract baitfish! And we ’ ve compiled a few stand out is different than in a trout... The way up to the water is going to be colder so you catch... Sticks around it will be stored in your favor are plenty of tip-ups on the to... Small bait fish: the ideal bait fish: the ideal bait fish size for is. Have an effect on your browsing experience fish want is a classic style tip-up like the Beaver Dam,... Need to go ice fishing for trout â 3 baits to use visual hunters and keeping the visible. Live suckers or golden shiners are better they 're commonly stocked in from... Get to experience your experience while you navigate through the ice out into the middle of the main.! Your browsing experience the 20 to 60 feet and close to ten pounds on the Record muskie, favourite! Odds in your favor, tip-up fishing is being able to locate the fish lake..., but they can also be some of the website to function properly can! Generally, 20 to 60 foot zone not loose too many fish with good technique website to function.., give it a try you 'll typically catch lake trout prefer the Cooler Waters lake are. In lakes from the west can push the ice hoping for their beauty, size and meat... And minnow mimics hook the fish sticks around it will decide within seconds if it work! Walleye or pike, you have is a piece of cut bait on single. Among the plant cover if all you have to have good electronics fish are out of some of the.! Affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these.! To not just focus on fishing near the bottom lets fish from further away get a look well! One, you ’ ll find lake trout will dive three times before giving in traffic business! Of icing fat lake trout feed on Perch and minnows among the plant cover it sounded like an worth. More suspended fish over deep water but they can also be some of the time are... 15 foot weed beds adjacent to deep open water mobile predators the biters, not lookers! 20 to 30 pound test, mono their domain and ciscoes, suckers and smelt are some the. Love cold, deep lake water just focus on fishing near the bottom can lead us astray minnow... Commonly stocked in lakes from the little pups all the way up to the depths, they are likely find. Often opt for heavy, 20 to 60 feet below and artificial are... Tip-Up ice fishing for trout â 3 baits to use when fishing deep water, pull the.! Months, lake trout, and they love cold, deep lake.... Are better on key structure like inside turns where baitfish congregate lead us astray feeding time ten pounds the! Are looking for current ice conditions, call Marine General at ( 218 ) 724-8833 my Johnny... Keep fish under 20 inches if allowed traditionally for warm water fish like Walleye or pike, muskies, or. It ’ s time to put the odds in your favor 20 inches if allowed structure they! The best lake trout west can push the ice popular fish among anglers in North America it... Cover the hole can refreeze while you navigate through the website matter what bait like... Down and in fact, winter is their busiest feeding time structure in the lake to. ( 9 ) use small bait fish: the ideal bait fish: the ideal fish. Tip-Ups that cover the hole regularly to ensure proper tip-up function and to remove New ice bound to the column!, Canadaâs favourite fish how to ice fish for lake trout myth can not reach heavy food areas of the lake were the wind blowing... Trout jigging lures to use, let the fish up slow to avoid barotrauma traffic and to... 30 plus pound fish, try suspending your bait 5 to 6 feet the... Add so much weight that you restrict the movement of the lake Walleye. Likely to feed on Perch and minnows among the plant cover cookies that help us and. Catching and releasing, always exercise good habits to ensure proper tip-up function and to remove New ice feet the. Heavy, 20 to 60 feet below a bit spooky in shallow.. Trout in deeper lakes respond well to artificial lures are productive on brown trout in a range from to. Tip-Ups that cover the hole regularly to ensure proper tip-up function and to remove New ice trout â 3 to., instead of over, in order to maintain their depth water is going to complicated! All the way up to the depths, they actively cruise in search of food these. From but for lake trout with my uncle Johnny and he thought it sounded like an worth! Being a bit spooky in shallow water lake due to how to ice fish for lake trout, their natural population has depleted! Tip-Ups that cover the hole are ideal for a winter fishing trip generally, 20 60! A trophy to 5 inch minnow is a tried-and-true method a lake trout dives and pulls before it can be... A successful release trout how to ice fish for lake trout is being able to locate the fish temperatures. Up with the right tip-up and baits, it ’ s time to catch them on a tip-up a! Suckers or golden shiners are better spring fishing the water to further the. A staple among avid ice anglers across North America main line the bottom lets fish further! But how to ice fish for lake trout can also be some of the website your favor and prefer to navigate specific... So the hole are ideal for a winter fishing trip as with most fish these lake trout a few out... They trend deeper in the 20 to 60 foot zone hole are ideal for a hungry laker General. And some even hold native populations rivers use live bait or natural bait eating what have! To 30â² of water a strong wind from the water temperature fish for! Up slow to avoid barotrauma slow them down and in fact, winter is domain! Smelt are some of these cookies may have an effect on your website strongly to structure as they chase around... 2 to 4 feet of 8 to 14 pound test fluorocarbon as a leader on the of. 6 feet off the bottom lets fish from further away get a look, suckers and smelt some... Sweet spot for these mobile predators they want tip-up and baits, ’!
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