Lake trout inhabit deep, cold lakes, especially those with boulder-strewn or gravel bottoms. In New York these fish can be found in shallow water near shore only during colder periods of the year. At other times, they are restricted to the depths. Lake trout spawn in the fall. Areas of a lake with a course gravel or boulder bottom are chosen as spawning sites.
Males usually enter the spawning area first.
After a few days the female enters the area, and several males may spawn in groups with one or more females. No apparent changes in physical appearance occur in lake trout during the spawning season. The young lake trout eat insects and crustaceans. Larger individuals feed heavily on fish. Distribution of lake trout in NY state.