Fishing
Lake trout fishing with a guide
Lake trout live in deep, cold, clear lakes and can grow very large and very old. Finding them in open water takes knowledge and the right gear, which is exactly what a guide brings.
Where lake trout live and when to go
Lake trout need cold, well-oxygenated water. Right after ice-out, when the whole lake is still cold, they often feed near the surface and close to shore, which makes early season one of the most popular times for a guided trip.
As the surface warms in summer, lake trout drop down to the deep, cold layer of the lake. Fishing them then means working much deeper water, and that is where a guide's electronics and experience really pay off.
How guides fish for lake trout
Trolling is the classic method: spoons, plugs or flashers pulled behind the boat, sometimes with downriggers or weighted lines to reach the right depth. The guide watches the sonar for fish and bait and adjusts speed and depth as the day goes on.
Vertical jigging over deep structure is another approach, especially once fish are located. In spring, casting from the boat near shore can also work. Lake trout are also a common target for ice fishing in winter.
Fighting a lake trout from deep water is a steady, heavy pull rather than a jumping fight, and the guide will tell you when to keep pressure and when to let it run.
What is usually included
Lake trout water is often big and remote, so many trips are outfitter packages. Read each offer to see what is covered.
- Boat suited to big water, motor, fuel and safety gear
- Guide with sonar and trolling equipment
- Rods, reels and lures, sometimes downriggers
- Lodging and meals on multi-day packages
- Float plane or road access to remote lakes
- Fish cleaning and packaging for the fish you keep
Choosing a lake trout guide and what to ask
Lake trout grow slowly and many lakes are managed carefully. Ask whether the water is catch-and-release, what size limits apply and how the guide handles fish brought up from deep water so they can be released in good shape.
Licences, seasons and catch limits for lake trout vary by province, zone and lake, and some lakes have special rules. Check the official regulations and confirm with your guide or outfitter.
In GuideHunter, filter the map by lake trout to see the guides and outfitters that offer it, what each package includes and how far away they are.
What to bring
Early-season trips can be cold, so pack warm layers, a toque, gloves and good rain gear. Add polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, your fishing licence and a cooler for the trip home if you are allowed to keep fish.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between lake trout and touladi?
They are the same fish. Touladi is the name used in Québec French, and lake trout is the English name. It is actually a char, a close relative of the brook trout.
When is the best time to fish lake trout?
Early season, right after the ice goes out, is popular because lake trout are often shallow and active. In summer they move deep, and a guide with good electronics makes a big difference.
Do I need special gear for lake trout?
Trolling deep water often uses downriggers, weighted lines or heavy jigs. Guides usually supply the right gear, so ask what is included before you book.