Lake trout fishing is a pursuit that has captured the hearts of anglers for generations.
These elusive and powerful fish are known for their impressive size and the thrill they provide when reeling them in.
To increase your chances of landing a trophy lake trout, you’ll need the right tools, and one of the most critical elements in your tackle box is the lure.
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of lake trout lures, exploring the types, techniques, and top choices to help you become a master of the craft.
Understanding Lake Trout
Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush), often called “lakers,” are freshwater fish native to North America.
They are commonly found in deep, cold-water lakes and are known for their voracious appetite and powerful swimming abilities.
Lake trout can grow substantially, with some individuals exceeding 40 pounds.
Top 8 Lake Trout Lures
Selecting the perfect lake trout bait can be challenging due to the fish’s varying preferences depending on factors like water temperature, time of year, and the specific lake you’re fishing in.
When choosing the best trout lures for lakes, versatility is key, as these fish can be quite unpredictable and have varying preferences depending on factors like water temperature, time of year, and the specific lake you’re fishing in.
Here are some of the best lake trout lures that have proven effective in a variety of situations:
1. Spoon Lures
Spoon lures are a classic choice for lake trout. They mimic injured or dying baitfish, making them highly attractive to lakers.
Silver and gold spoons in various sizes are versatile options. Popular choices include the Sutton Silver Spoon, Acme Little Cleo, and Williams Wabler.
Spoon lures are a popular and effective fishing lure anglers use to catch various fish species, including trout, pike, bass, salmon, and lake trout.
These lures get their name from their shape, which resembles a spoon, typically with a concave, curved shape on one side and a smooth, shiny surface on the other.
Spoon lures come in various sizes, colors, and styles to cater to different fishing conditions and preferences.
Here’s a closer look at spoon lures and why they are a go-to choice for many anglers:
1. Flash and Attraction: One of the primary reasons spoon lures are so effective is their ability to create flash and vibrations underwater.
The curved shape of the spoon causes it to wobble and flutter as it’s retrieved through the water.
This motion imitates a wounded or disoriented baitfish, which can trigger a predatory response in fish like lake trout.
The shiny, reflective surface of the spoon also mimics the scales of baitfish, making it more appealing to these predators.
2. Versatility: Spoon lures can be used in various fishing situations. You can cast, troll, or jig with them, making them suitable for shore and boat anglers.
Depending on the size and style of the spoon, you can target lake trout at different depths in the water column.
3. Different Sizes and Colors: Spoon lures come in a wide range of sizes, from small 1/8-ounce versions targeting smaller fish to larger 3-ounce or more spoons for big lake trout.
They are also available in various colors, including silver, gold, copper, and various patterns, allowing you to match the lure to the prevailing conditions and the preferences of the fish.
4. Attracting Big Fish: Lake trout prefer larger prey, and spoon lures can effectively imitate larger baitfish.
When targeting trophy-sized lake trout, opting for larger spoon lures can increase your chances of hooking a big one.
5. Easy to Use: Spoon lures are relatively easy to use, making them a great choice for anglers of all skill levels.
You can cast them out, retrieve them at a consistent speed, and let the lure’s action do the work.
6. Tip with Bait: While spoon lures can be effective on their own, some anglers tip them with bait like a piece of worm or a minnow to add extra scent and appeal.
Additionally, varying retrieval speed and depth can help you discover what the lake trout currently responds to.
2. Jigging Lures
Jigging is highly effective for lake trout, especially in deep waters. Jigging lures are a category of fishing lures specially designed for a fishing technique known as “jigging.”
Jigging involves imparting an up-and-down or side-to-side motion to the lure, mimicking the erratic movements of prey fish.
This motion can attract predatory fish, such as lake trout, by creating a realistic and enticing presentation.
Here’s a closer look at jigging lures and how they are used in lake trout fishing:
1. Types of Jigging Lures
Jigging Spoons: Jigging spoons are a common type of jigging lure used for lake trout.
They typically have a concave, spoon-like shape and are made from metal.
The shape and weight of the spoon allow it to flutter and wobble as it is lifted and dropped, imitating a wounded or struggling baitfish.
Examples include the Hopkins Shorty and Acme Kastmaster.
Lead-Headed Jigs: These lures consist of a lead head with a hook and often have a soft plastic or feather tail or body attachment.
Lead-headed jigs can be dressed with various trailers, including soft plastics, live bait (minnows or leeches), or marabou feathers.
They come in various weights and shapes to suit different fishing situations.
Jigging Rapalas: These are another popular choice for jigging lake trout. Jigging Rapalas are designed to mimic the swimming action of baitfish when jerked up and down.
They often have a plastic or metal lip that imparts a side-to-side wobbling motion. They come in various sizes and colors.
2. Jigging Technique
- You’ll need to employ the jigging technique to use jigging lures for lake trout effectively. Start by casting the lure into the water.
- Let it sink to your desired depth, which may vary depending on where you think the lake trout is holding.
- Begin jigging by raising your rod tip sharply to lift the lure, then allowing it to fall back down.
- Vary the cadence and intensity of your jigging until you find a rhythm that entices strikes.
- Pay attention to the fishfinder or depth finder to monitor the depth of the lake trout, as they may change their position in the water column throughout the day.
- Often, lake trout will strike during the lure’s fall, so be ready for a sudden hit.
3. Choosing the Right Jigging Lure
- The choice of jigging lure depends on factors like the depth you’re fishing, the size of the lake trout you’re targeting, and the preferences of the fish on that particular day.
- Experiment with different weights, sizes, and colors until you find what’s working. Lake trout can be selective, so it’s essential to be adaptable.
- Natural-colored lures often work well in clear water, while in murkier waters or low-light conditions, brighter colors and lures with added flash may be more effective.
4. Rod and Line Selection
- A medium to medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting rod is ideal for jigging lake trout.
- The rod should have enough sensitivity to detect subtle strikes.
- Use a braided or fluorocarbon line with a pound-test rating appropriate for the size of lake trout you expect to catch and the cover or structure you’ll be fishing around.
Jigging spoons and lead-headed jigs tipped with soft plastics or live bait can simulate the movements of prey fish. Consider lures like the Hopkins Shorty, Swedish Pimple, or Bucktail Jig.
Jigging lures are a versatile and effective choice for targeting lake trout, especially when these fish are held at different depths in the water column.
3. Swimbaits
They have gained popularity among anglers targeting various fish species, including lake trout.
These lures are highly effective for enticing predatory fish like lake trout, which are known to feed on smaller fish.
Here’s a closer look at swimbaits and how to use them in lake trout fishing:
1. Types of Swimbaits
Soft Plastic Swimbaits: Soft plastic swimbaits are made of pliable, often lifelike materials that closely resemble baitfish.
They come in various sizes, shapes, and colors. Some have realistic details like eyes, fins, and scales.
Brands like Berkley, Keitech, and Storm offer a wide range of soft plastic swimbaits.
Hard Body Swimbaits: These swimbaits are typically made from hard plastic or wood and have a jointed or segmented body to replicate the natural swimming motion of fish.
They often come with built-in diving lips or lips that can be attached, allowing you to control their swim depth.
2. Choosing the Right Swimbait
- When selecting a swimbait for lake trout fishing, consider the size of the prey fish and match your swimbait size accordingly.
- Lake trout often feed on smaller fish, so opt for swimbaits in the 3- to 6-inch range.
- Pay attention to the color of the swimbait. Choose colors that closely resemble the prevalent baitfish species in your fishing lake.
- Some swimbaits come with built-in scents or flavors to enhance their appeal. Scented swimbaits can be especially effective in enticing lake trout.
3. Techniques for Using Swimbaits
Retrieve Styles: You can use various retrieve styles with swimbaits for lake trout. Experiment with slow, steady retrieves and stop-and-go retrieves to imitate injured or fleeing baitfish movements. V
ary your retrieval speed to find what triggers the most strikes.
Depth Control: To target lake trout at different depths, choose a swimbait with the appropriate diving depth or use additional weights or sinkers to control the lure’s depth.
Adding a weighted swimbait hook or a jig head can help you reach deeper areas.
Cover and Structure: Fish swimbaits around underwater structures like rocks, drop-offs, and submerged vegetation, as these are often prime hunting grounds for lake trout.
Pay attention to your fishfinder to locate these features.
4. Gear and Tackle
- Use medium to medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting gear depending on the swimbait size and the lake trout you’re targeting.
- Spool your reel with a braided or fluorocarbon line that matches the size of your swimbait and the fishing conditions.
5. Additional Tips
- Lake trout can be wary, so consider using a fluorocarbon leader to make your presentation less visible.
- Pay attention to water temperature and the time of year.
- Lake trout behavior can change with the seasons, and adjusting your swimbait choice and presentation accordingly can be crucial.
Swimbaits can be highly effective in enticing lake trout, especially when these fish are actively hunting prey.
By selecting the right size, color, and retrieve technique, you can increase your chances of hooking into these powerful and prized freshwater predators.
Brands like Storm, Keitech, and Berkley produce quality swimbaits for trout.
4. Crankbaits
Crankbaits are fishing lures known for their ability to dive underwater and imitate the appearance and action of injured or fleeing prey fish.
They are effective for a variety of fish species, including lake trout. Here’s a closer look at crankbaits and how to use them effectively for lake trout fishing:
1. Types of Crankbaits
Diving Lip Crankbaits: These are the most common types of crankbaits and have a diving lip or bill at the front.
The shape of the lip determines the depth the lure will reach when retrieved. For lake trout fishing, consider using deep-diving crankbaits, as lake trout often inhabit deeper waters.
Brands like Rapala, Strike King, and Bomber offer various diving lip crankbaits.
Lipless Crankbaits: Lipless crankbaits are designed to sink quickly and vibrate when retrieved.
They can be effective for lake trout when used in deeper water or when you want to cover a specific depth range.
Examples include the Rat-L-Trap and Bill Lewis Echo 1.75.
2. Choosing the Right Crankbait
Depth Rating: Pay attention to the diving depth rating of the crankbait. Select crankbaits that can reach the depths where you believe lake trout are holding.
Deep-diving crankbaits are typically labeled with their maximum diving depth.
Color Selection: Choose crankbait colors that match the local forage fish in the lake.
Silver, gold, shad patterns, and natural colors like perch or trout can be effective choices.
Lure Size: Select crankbait sizes based on the size of the prey fish lake trout are feeding on.
Smaller sizes (2-4 inches) can mimic smaller baitfish, while larger sizes (4-6 inches) are ideal for imitating larger prey.
3. Techniques for Using Crankbaits
Casting and Retrieving: Cast the crankbait to your target area and retrieve it steadily. The lure’s diving lip will cause it to dive and wiggle, imitating a swimming fish.
Experiment with different retrieval speeds to find what lake trout respond to on a particular day.
Pause and Jerk: Occasionally pause your retrieve and give the rod a sharp jerk or twitch to make the crankbait dart and mimic the erratic behavior of an injured fish.
This can trigger strikes from curious or aggressive lake trout.
Bouncing Off Bottom: In deeper water, allow the crankbait to hit the bottom, then lift it by raising your rod tip and resuming the retrieve.
This can imitate a prey fish trying to escape by bouncing off the lakebed.
Trolling: Trolling with crankbaits can be highly effective if you’re fishing from a boat.
Use downriggers or lead core lines to control the lure’s depth and cover a wider area.
4. Gear and Tackle
- Use medium to medium-heavy casting or spinning gear, depending on the crankbait size and the lake trout you target.
- Spool your reel with a braided or monofilament line. The pound-test rating should match the crankbait’s size and the lake trout’s potential size.
Crankbaits can be a productive choice for lake trout fishing, especially when you need to cover a range of depths or when lake trout are actively chasing prey.
Look for deep-diving crankbaits like the Rapala Deep Tail Dancer or the Reef Runner Deep Diver.
5. Trolling Plugs
Trolling plugs are a category of fishing lures designed specifically for trolling, a popular fishing technique where lures or baited lines are dragged through the water behind a moving boat.
These lures are highly effective for various fish species, including lake trout. Trolling plugs are versatile and can target lake trout at various depths in the water column.
Here’s a closer look at trolling plugs and how to use them effectively for lake trout fishing:
1. Types of Trolling Plugs
Diving Plugs: These are the most common type of trolling plugs with a diving lip or bill at the front. The shape and angle of the lip determine the depth at which the lure will dive when trolled.
Choose diving plugs that can reach the depths where you believe lake trout are holding.
Surface Plugs: Surface plugs are designed to stay on or below the water’s surface when trolled.
They create surface commotion and can entice aggressive surface-feeding lake trout.
2. Choosing the Right Trolling Plug
Depth Rating: Pay attention to the diving depth rating of the trolling plug. Lake trout often inhabit deeper waters, so select plugs that can reach the desired depth.
Deep-diving trolling plugs may be labeled with their maximum diving depth.
Color Selection: Choose trolling plug colors that match the local forage fish in the lake.
Silver, gold, shad patterns, and natural colors like perch or trout can be effective choices.
Lure Size: Consider the size of the trolling plug and the size of the prey fish that lake trout are feeding on.
Smaller plugs (2-4 inches) mimic smaller baitfish, while larger plugs (4-8 inches) mimic larger prey.
3. Techniques for Trolling Plugs
Boat Speed: Adjust the speed of your boat to control the depth at which the trolling plug runs.
Faster trolling speeds will cause the lure to dive deeper, while slower speeds keep it closer to the surface.
Downriggers: Downriggers are specialized trolling equipment that allows you to control the depth of your trolling lure.
Attach your trolling plug to the downrigger’s release clip, and adjust the depth using the downrigger’s cable.
Vary Depth and Spread: Using different depths and lure sizes to cover a broader water column range when trolling with multiple lines.
4. Gear and Tackle
- Use medium to medium-heavy trolling rods and reels with line capacity suitable for trolling. Downrigger rods may also be used to control depth.
- Spool your reel with a braided or monofilament line. The pound-test rating should match the size of the trolling plug and the potential size of the lake trout.
5. Pay Attention to Location
Use a fishfinder or depth finder to locate the depth at which lake trout are holding. Pay attention to underwater structures, thermoclines, and temperature changes that may indicate where the fish congregates.
Trolling plugs can be highly effective for lake trout fishing, especially when you need to cover a wide range of depths or when lake trout are dispersed throughout the water column.
By selecting the right trolling plug, adjusting your boat’s speed and depth, and paying attention to color and location, you can increase your chances of success when targeting these elusive and powerful fish.
Brands like Rapala, Yo-Zuri, and Rebel produce effective trolling plugs. Using downriggers can help control the depth at which your lure travels.
6. Tube Jigs
Tube jigs are a fishing lure that has gained popularity among anglers for targeting various fish species, including lake trout.
These lures consist of a soft plastic tube with a hollow body and a jighead inserted inside.
Here’s a closer look at tube jigs and how to use them effectively for lake trout fishing:
1. Anatomy of Tube Jigs
Soft Plastic Tube: The main body of a tube jig is a soft plastic tube with an empty cavity inside.
The tube may be solid or have tentacle-like appendages or skirts that add extra movement and attraction.
Jighead: A weighted jighead is inserted into the hollow tube. The weight of the jighead determines the sinking rate and depth at which the tube jig will be fished.
2. Choosing the Right Tube Jig
Size: Select tube jigs appropriate for the size of the lake trout you’re targeting. Tube jigs typically range from 2 to 5 inches or more.
Smaller sizes can mimic smaller prey fish, while larger sizes imitate larger baitfish.
Color: Choose tube jig colors that match the forage fish in the lake. Silver, white, and natural colors like green or brown are common choices.
Consider using glow-in-the-dark or UV-enhanced colors for low-light conditions.
3. Techniques for Using Tube Jigs
Jigging: Tube jigs are highly effective when jigged vertically. Drop the jig tube to the desired depth, and then use a series of short, sharp lifts and drops of your fishing rod to create an enticing up-and-down motion.
This mimics the erratic movement of injured or struggling baitfish.
Slow Retrieval: You can also use a slow, steady retrieve to imitate the swimming action of prey fish.
Vary the speed and depth at which you retrieve the tube jig until you find what the lake trout responds to.
4. Gear and Tackle
- Use medium to medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting gear, depending on the tube jig size and the lake trout’s potential size.
- Spool your reel with a braided or monofilament line. The pound-test rating should match the size of the tube jig and the fishing conditions.
5. Pay Attention to Depth
Use a fishfinder or depth finder to locate the depth at which lake trout are holding.
Lake trout can change their position in the water column throughout the day, so staying adaptable is essential.
6. Tip with Bait
- Tube jigs can be even more enticing by adding a piece of live bait to their hooks, such as a minnow or worm.
- Tube jigs are a versatile and effective choice for lake trout fishing, especially when these fish are held at different depths in the water column.
By mastering the jigging technique, experimenting with colors and sizes, and paying attention to depth and location, you can increase your chances of landing these elusive and powerful freshwater predators using tube jigs.
7. Inline Spinners
Inline spinners are a classic fishing lure consisting of a wire shaft with a spinning blade, beads or other attractants, and one or more treble hooks.
These lures are known for attracting various fish species, including lake trout. Inline spinners are particularly effective when lake trout feed near the surface or in shallower waters.
Here’s a closer look at inline spinners and how to use them effectively for lake trout fishing:
1. Anatomy of Inline Spinners
Spinner Blade: The spinner blade is the rotating component of the lure that creates flash and vibration as it spins through the water.
These blades come in various shapes, including Colorado, Indiana, and Willowleaf, each producing slightly different vibrations and movements.
Beads or Attractants: Inline spinners often feature colorful beads or other attractants that add visual appeal and sound to the lure.
These components can mimic the appearance of prey fish or insect larvae and enhance the lure’s overall attractiveness.
Treble Hooks: Inline spinners typically have one or more treble hooks attached to the end of the wire shaft, providing multiple points for hooking fish when they strike.
2. Choosing the Right Inline Spinner
Size: Select inline spinners in sizes appropriate for the size of the lake trout and the forage fish they are feeding on.
Smaller spinners (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) can mimic smaller prey, while larger ones (1/2 to 1 ounce) imitate larger baitfish.
Color: Choose inline spinner colors that match the forage fish in the lake. Silver, gold, and natural colors are often effective.
Experiment with brighter or fluorescent colors in murky or low-light conditions.
3. Techniques for Using Inline Spinners
Casting and Retrieving: Inline spinners are versatile lures that can be cast and retrieved effectively. Cast the spinner to your target area and retrieve it at a steady pace.
The spinning blade creates flash and vibrations that attract lake trout. Vary your retrieval speed to find the most effective presentation.
Retrieve Depth: By adjusting your retrieval speed, you can control the depth at which the inline spinner runs.
Faster retrieval speeds keep the spinner near the surface, while slower speeds allow it to sink deeper.
Stop-and-Go: Occasionally pause your retrieve and let the inline spinner sink before resuming the retrieval.
This can mimic the behavior of a wounded baitfish and trigger strikes.
Spin-Cast: If you’re fishing in shallow or weedy areas, spin-casting inline spinners can be effective.
These lures are designed to be cast using a spin-casting outfit and are particularly useful when lake trout are feeding near the shoreline.
4. Gear and Tackle
- Use medium to medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting gear, depending on the size of the inline spinner and the potential size of the lake trout.
- Spool your reel with a braided or monofilament line. The pound-test rating should match the size of the inline spinner and the fishing conditions.
Inline spinners are a versatile and effective choice for fishing for lake trout, especially when these fish feed near the surface or in shallower waters.
Inline spinners like the Mepps Aglia and Rooster Tail can be productive, especially when targeting smaller lake trout or those near the surface.
These lures create flashes and vibrations, enticing fish to strike.
8. Soft Plastic Grubs
Soft plastic grubs mimic the appearance and movement of aquatic prey, making them an attractive option for lake trout fishing.
Here’s a closer look at soft plastic grubs and how to use them effectively:
1. Anatomy of Soft Plastic Grubs
Soft Plastic Body: The main body of a soft plastic grub is made from a pliable, rubbery material that closely resembles the shape and texture of prey fish or aquatic insects.
Grubs often have a slender, tapered body with a curly tail or appendages.
Tail: The tail of the grub is typically its most active part. When retrieved through the water, the tail creates a subtle wiggling or vibrating motion that imitates the movement of live prey.
Hooks: Soft plastic grubs are usually rigged with a single or treble hook inserted into the body.
The hook is typically concealed within the lure for a more natural appearance.
2. Choosing the Right Soft Plastic Grub
Size: Select soft plastic grubs in sizes appropriate for the size of the lake trout and the forage fish they are feeding on.
Grubs generally come in a range of sizes from 2 to 4 inches.
Color: Choose grub colors that match the local forage fish in the lake. Silver, white, and natural colors like green or brown are commonly effective.
Experiment with different colors to see what lake trout respond to on a particular day.
3. Techniques for Using Soft Plastic Grubs
Jigging: Jigging soft plastic grubs can be highly effective for lake trout, especially when you want to imitate the movement of prey fish.
Drop the grub to your desired depth, then use a series of lifts and drops of your fishing rod to create an enticing up-and-down motion.
Experiment with different jigging rhythms to find what lake trout prefer.
Slow Retrieval: You can also use a slow, steady retrieve to imitate the swimming action of prey fish. Vary the speed and depth at which you retrieve the grub until you find what triggers the most strikes.
Deadstick: In some situations, leaving a soft plastic grub still or dead-sticking it can be effective.
This can mimic a resting or injured prey fish and entice nearby lake trout to strike.
4. Gear and Tackle
- Use light to medium spinning or baitcasting gear, depending on the soft plastic grub’s size and the lake trout’s potential size.
- Spool your reel with a braided or monofilament line. The pound-test rating should match the size of the grub and the fishing conditions.
5. Pay Attention to Depth
- Use a fishfinder or depth finder to locate the depth at which lake trout are holding.
- Lake trout can change their position in the water column throughout the day, so staying adaptable is essential.
6. Tip with Bait
Adding a small piece of live bait, such as a minnow or a piece of worm, to the grub’s hook can add scent and flavor, making the presentation even more enticing to lake trout.
Soft plastic grubs are a versatile and effective choice for lake trout fishing, especially when these fish are held at different depths in the water column.
Using soft plastic grubs, you can increase your chances of landing these elusive and powerful freshwater predators.
Remember that the key to successful lake trout fishing often involves experimenting with different lures, colors, sizes, and retrieval techniques until you find what works best in your fishing situation.
Additionally, local knowledge and the advice of experienced anglers in the area can be invaluable for selecting the most effective lures for your fishing lake.
Lake Trout Fishing Techniques For Success
Success in lake trout fishing isn’t solely about the lure choice; it also involves understanding the fish’s behavior and employing the right techniques.
Here are some tips for improving your lake trout fishing game:
Vary Retrieval Speed: Experiment with different retrieval speeds to see what triggers a strike.
Depth Matters: Lake trout can be found at various depths depending on the season and time of day. Use a fish finder to locate them, and adjust your lure’s depth accordingly.
Be Patient: Lake trout can be notoriously elusive. Don’t be discouraged by slow days; persistence often pays off with a trophy catch.
Weather Considerations: Pay attention to the weather and how it affects lake trout behavior. Overcast days can be more productive than bright, sunny ones.
Conclusion
Lake trout fishing is a rewarding endeavor that requires skill, patience, and the right equipment.
When choosing the best lake trout lures, versatility is key. You’ll have the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions and preferences by having spoons, jigs, swimbaits, crankbaits, and trolling plugs in your tackle box.
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