Lake Trout — US fishing guide
Salvelinus namaycush
Salmonidae
Svenska: Kanadaröding
Lake Trout is one of North America's most sought-after freshwater game fish, found across great lakes, deep cold northern lakes, alaska. Below is where it lives, when it bites and how to catch it — plus the top US lakes where it has been recorded.
At a glance
Typical habitat
Deep cold water
Active times
Surface spring and fall, deep in summer
Best season
Shallow spring/fall, deep (15-30 m) in summer
US range
Great Lakes, deep cold northern lakes, Alaska
How to catch Lake Trout
Vertical jigging and deep trolling with downriggers in warm months
Lake-by-lake occurrence data for Lake Trout is being compiled from GBIF and will appear here soon. In the meantime, explore US lakes by state.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you find Lake Trout?
Lake Trout typically holds around deep cold water. In the US it is common across great lakes, deep cold northern lakes, alaska.
When is the best time to catch Lake Trout?
Lake Trout is most active surface spring and fall, deep in summer, with the best fishing shallow spring/fall, deep (15-30 m) in summer.
What is the best way to fish for Lake Trout?
Vertical jigging and deep trolling with downriggers in warm months