Spring After ice-out, lake trout roam the shoreline shallows and reefs, where they remain until water temperatures warm in early summer. Lake trout like bait. Troll with spinners tipped with minnows. Cast or troll with white bucktail jigs, crankbaits, or flashy spoons. Focus your efforts in depths shallower than 30 feet.
Lake trout are often most active at dawn or dusk.
Summer Warming water sends lake trout to the cool depths. Look for them in depths greater than 40 feet. Troll with downriggers, wire line, or bottom bouncers, using crankbaits or spoons. Try vertical jigging with spoons or jigs tipped with minnows or cut bait. September Spawning urges bring lake trout back to the shallows when water cools.