Springtime sees the Lake Trout in shallow water near the surface and close to the shoreline and there are good reasons for this.

 

1.Most importantly, the water is cold. Lake Trout like cold water and will follow it to the deepest parts of the Lake in the summertime.

 

So as the ice comes off the lake, Lake Trout head to the surface and shoreline for a feast after a long winter spent at the bottom of the lake where they’ve been fasting for most of the winter.

 

2. Spring is a highly active time for animal and plant life. Therefore most fish species and insects are out in abundance and mating.

Wondering What to Use to catch Trout?

Yellow perch mate in huge numbers as soon as the ice comes off the lake and head to shallow rivers and inlets. Smelt also rush into the shoreline to mate once the ice has left and die shortly after mating.

Alewife also spawn in the spring when waters reach 55°F to 60°F/10°C to 15.5°C. In some locales, alewife also make a good bait choice for catching Lake Trout.

Spring Fishing Techniques

Using a baitcaster, cast towards the shoreline using surface spoons, spinners and plugs. Fly fishing is also very effective this time of year.

 

Try dry flies that look like the most popular insects currently in abundance, which happen to fall into the water. May flies are popular in many areas as are dragon flies.

Trolling for Lake Trout

Some of the best Lake Trout can be caught by trolling close to the shore using flashy spoons and diving plugs.

 

In the northern regions such as Nunavut, Alaska, Northwest Territories and other Arctic locales, jigging is very successful.

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