Lake trout do not leap, but instead wage a strong, determined underwater battle. Most are taken by trolling with spoons or minnow-like plugs attached to wire-line rigs or downriggers. They can also be taken by bottom-fishing with whole or cut fish. Siscowets (fat trout) are seldom caught on hook and line because they live at extreme depths.

Lake trout require, cold, clear, well oxygenated water, so they are found almost exclusively in oligotropic lakes. In summer they often move to depths of 50 to 100 feet, but in spring and fall you can find them at depths of 20 feet or less. They prefer water from 40 to 52 degree F. The siscowets live at depths of 330 to 500 feet, but have been found as deep as 600 feet.

Eating Habits

In most waters, lake trout rely heavily on small fish like ciscoes, smelt, or sculpins. But in some lakes, they feed almost exclusively on plankton, insects, or crustaceans. In this situation, lake trout never reach the size of those in fish-eating populations.

Age & Growth

Lake trout are slow-growing and long-lived, sometimes reaching an age of 40 years. In the far North, it may take 15 years for a laker to reach 2 pounds.

1991 - 66 pounds, 8 ounces, caught in Great Bear Lake, Northwest Territories. A 102- pound lake trout was taken in a gillnet in Lake Athabasca, Saskatchewan, in 1961.

Northwest Territories

Hearne Lake Lodge

Ontario

Chapleau Lodge
Leisure Island Houseboat Rentals
Papa John's Place
Sudbury Aviation Ltd.

Wapoos Sibi

Saskatchewan

B & L Cabins and Outfitters Ltd.
Cree River Lodge
Minor Bay Camps Ltd.

Yukon

Taylor's Place