TackleDexOntario tactics
How to catch Lake Trout in Ontario
Ontario's cold-water giant. Lakers live where the water is coldest, which means shallow at ice-out and deep all summer.
When to fish
Just after ice-out they roam shallow and are catchable on light gear; by summer they're deep in the cold layer. A prized ice-fishing target too.
Where to find them
Deep basins, sharp drop-offs, and main-lake structure. Early and late season they feed near the surface; in summer they hug the thermocline.
How to catch them
Jig spoons and tubes vertically over deep structure, or troll spoons behind flashers and downriggers in summer.
Gear
Heavier tackle and good sonar are essential — you're often fishing 40–100+ feet down.
Pro tip
In summer, find the cold (8–12 °C) layer and the bait, and you'll find lakers stacked on bottom structure within it.
Before you go
Always confirm the current season and limits — Lake Trout seasons & limits by zone → — and check today's bite times for your spot.
Scan to catch more lake trout on your phone.Instant season & limit answers for any Ontario water, your private FishDex, and stocking alerts.