Lake Trout
Salvelinus namaycush
The largest char in North America, lake trout inhabit the cold, deep waters of the Great Lakes, Canadian shield lakes, and select deep inland lakes across the northern United States. They are a cornerstone of big-water fisheries and grow slowly to impressive sizes, rewarding anglers who master deep-water tactics.
Seasonal Activity
Best Techniques
- deep trolling with downriggers
- jigging spoons
- vertical jigging
- ice fishing deep lakes
Top Baits
- spoons
- flashers with flies
- tube jigs
- whitefish/cisco imitations
- cut bait
Fishing Regulations
Season dates and limits for Lake Trout, by state. This list may not cover every state yet — always confirm current rules with your state's wildlife agency before you fish.
Alaska 1 zone
Lake trout found in deep interior lakes. 2 per day in most areas. Some lakes have special slot limits.
Effective 2025 · Source: adfg.alaska.gov
California 1 zone
Found in select deep, cold lakes. Included in the combined trout daily limit.
Effective 2025 · Source: wildlife.ca.gov
Colorado 1 zone
Found in deep mountain reservoirs such as Blue Mesa, Granby, and Taylor Park. Part of combined trout limit.
Effective 2025 · Source: cpw.state.co.us
Idaho 1 zone
Found in Priest Lake, Pend Oreille. Unlimited harvest in some waters to protect native species.
Effective 2025 · Source: idfg.idaho.gov
Maine 1 zone
Lake trout have a lower daily bag limit of 2 on most waters. Found in deep, cold lakes throughout Maine.
Effective 2025 · Source: maine.gov
Michigan 1 zone
Limits vary by Great Lakes management unit. Most zones allow 3 fish daily with 15 inch minimum.
Effective 2026 · Source: michigan.gov
Minnesota 1 zone
Found in Lake Superior and deep inland lakes. Lake Superior has separate regulations with specific zones. Inland lakes have a 3-fish limit. Lake Superior limit is typically 3 with size restrictions varying by zone.
Effective 2025 · Source: dnr.state.mn.us
Montana 1 zone
Found in Flathead Lake and other deep western Montana lakes. Unlimited harvest on some waters to protect native species.
Effective 2025 · Source: fwp.mt.gov
New Hampshire 1 zone
Found in deep, cold lakes including Lake Winnipesaukee and Squam Lake. Daily limit of 2.
Effective 2025 · Source: wildlife.nh.gov
New York 1 zone
Inland waters lake trout season. Great Lakes tributaries may have different regulations.
Effective 2025 · Source: dec.ny.gov
Oregon 1 zone
Found in Odell Lake and a few other deep lakes. Combined with trout daily limit.
Effective 2025 · Source: myodfw.com
Utah 1 zone
Found in Flaming Gorge, Bear Lake, and Fish Lake. Part of combined trout limit. Special rules at some waters.
Effective 2025 · Source: wildlife.utah.gov
Vermont 1 zone
Found in deep cold lakes including Lake Champlain. Daily limit of 2. Lake Champlain has specific regulations.
Effective 2025 · Source: vtfishandwildlife.com
Washington 1 zone
Found in Lake Chelan and a few other deep lakes. Combined with trout daily limit.
Effective 2025 · Source: wdfw.wa.gov
Wyoming 1 zone
Found in Flaming Gorge, Fremont Lake, and Jackson Lake. Harvest encouraged to protect native cutthroat.
Effective 2025 · Source: wgfd.wyo.gov
Special regulations on specific waters
These override the statewide rule above on the listed water.
Lake Superior lake trout limits vary by management unit.
Effective 2026 · Source: michigan.gov
State Records
Official rod & reel records by state. Log your catch to see how you compare.
| State | Weight | Length | Angler | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MI | 61.5 lb | 49 in | — | 1997 | Lake Superior |
| WI | 47 lb | — | — | 1946 | Lake Superior |
| MN | 43.5 lb | — | — | — | Lake Superior |
| NY | 41.5 lb | — | Jesse Wykstra | 2003 | Lake Erie |
| CA | 37.38 lb | — | Robert Aronsen | 1974 | Lake Tahoe |
| WA | 35.63 lb | — | Phil Colyar | 2013 | Lake Chelan |
| PA | 31.81 lb | — | Keith Miller | 2019 | Lake Erie |
| OH | 26.63 lb | — | James J. Beres | 2017 | Lake Erie |
| TN | 22.13 lb | — | Jack Forbes | 2008 | Watauga Reservoir |
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