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

Browse by state

Top 5663 lakes nationally

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

All US fish species