How to Rig for Lake Trout

Salvelinus namaycush

Lake trout are a deep, cold-water fish that sit near the bottom of large northern lakes through summer, then move shallow after ice-out and again in late fall. In summer most are caught trolling or vertical jigging over deep structure, often below 60 feet. They are slow-growing and long-lived, so releasing big fish carefully helps a fishery that recovers slowly.

Answer at a glance

Best rig

Dropshot Rig

Best bait

Tube bait, soft plastic minnow, or dead smelt jigged over deep humps and basin edges

Where

lake

Typical size

18–36 in

Season

Peak season: spring, fall, winter

#1 Best Match

Dropshot Rig

intermediatelake

The hook ties above the weight rather than below it, holding bait at a fixed height off bottom. Precise and finesse-oriented, well suited to structure fishing from a kayak or jetty.

Main line8-12 lb fluorocarbon or braid
LeaderSame line, palomar-tied hook, no separate leader
Leader lengthHook tied 12-18in above the weight on the main line
Hooks1/0 - 3/0 hook
WeightHeavier dropshot weight, 1 - 2oz to reach deep water
Line to sinker12-18in from hook down to weight, fixed distance
BaitTube bait, soft plastic minnow, or dead smelt jigged over deep humps and basin edges

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Fish-Finder Rig

The sinker slides freely on the main line, so a fish can pick up bait and move off without feeling resistance.

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Downrigger Trolling Rig

A heavy cannonball on its own cable carries the fishing line down to an exact depth, where a release clip holds it until a fish strikes and pops the line free.

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Source & regulation note

Technique guidance is educational. Seasons, size limits, bag limits, closures, and protected areas can change. Always verify the current rules before fishing or keeping fish.

FishBase species profile ↗NOAA Fisheries / state agencies ↗Fisheries and Oceans Canada ↗Editorial methodology

Fishing regulations vary by location and season. Check current local regulations before fishing.

Last reviewed: 2026-09-26

Common Questions

What is the best rig for Lake Trout?

The Dropshot Rig is the top recommendation for Lake Trout. The hook ties above the weight rather than below it, holding bait at a fixed height off bottom. Precise and finesse-oriented, well suited to structure fishing from a kayak or jetty.

What bait works for Lake Trout?

Check the recommended rig cards above for bait notes specific to Lake Trout.

When is the best time to catch Lake Trout?

Peak season: spring, fall, winter. Typical size runs 18–36 in. Always check current regulations before keeping fish.

Where do you catch Lake Trout?

Lake Trout is caught while lake fishing. Lake trout are a deep, cold-water fish that sit near the bottom of large northern lakes through summer, then move shallow after ice-out and again in late fall. In summer most are caught trolling or vertical jigging over deep structure, often below 60 feet. They are slow-growing and long-lived, so releasing big fish carefully helps a fishery that recovers slowly.