If you’re an angler who’s looking to catch lake trout, then you’ve probably wondered what the best bait to use is. Lake trout are known for their finicky eating habits and can be challenging to catch. However, with the right bait, you can significantly improve your chances of catching them.
What are Lake Trout?
Before we dive into the best bait for lake trout, let’s first understand what they are. Lake trout are a type of freshwater fish that can be found in many cold water lakes across North America. They’re known for their large size and are considered a prized game fish by many anglers.
Factors that Affect Bait Choice
When it comes to choosing the best bait for lake trout, there are several factors that you must consider:
Location
The location where you’re fishing plays a significant role in determining the best bait to use. If you’re fishing in shallow waters, then using live bait such as worms or minnows can be effective. On the other hand, if you’re fishing in deeper waters, then using lures that mimic the movement of small fish may work better.
Time of Year
The time of year when you’re fishing also affects what type of bait works best for lake trout. During the spring and fall months when water temperatures are cooler, using live bait such as leeches or nightcrawlers can be effective. During summer months when water temperatures are warmer, using lures that mimic small fish such as spoons or crankbaits may work better.
Water Clarity
The clarity of the water also affects what type of bait works best for lake trout. In clear water conditions, using natural-colored lures such as silver or gold spoons may be more effective. In murky water conditions, using brightly colored lures such as chartreuse or fluorescent orange may work better.
Best Bait for Lake Trout
Now that we’ve discussed the factors that affect bait choice let’s dive into the best bait for lake trout:
Live Bait
Live bait such as worms, leeches, and minnows can be effective when fishing for lake trout. When using live bait, it’s essential to hook them properly to ensure they stay alive and attract fish. You can use a single hook or a treble hook depending on the type of live bait you’re using.
Lures
Lures are artificial baits that mimic the movement of small fish or other prey. There are several types of lures that work well when fishing for lake trout:
- Spoons: These are metal lures that have a curved shape and wobble back and forth in the water. They come in various sizes and colors and can be effective in both clear and murky water conditions.
- Crankbaits: These are lures that have a bill-like projection on their head, which causes them to dive deeper into the water.
Crankbaits come in various shapes, sizes, and colors and can mimic small fish or other prey.
- Jigs: These are lures that consist of a weighted head with a hook attached. They’re typically tipped with live bait such as leeches or minnows to attract fish.
Bait Tips
No matter what type of bait you decide to use when fishing for lake trout, there are several tips you should keep in mind:
- Change up your bait: If you’re not having any luck with one type of bait, try switching to another. Lake trout can be finicky eaters, and sometimes, a change in bait can make all the difference.
- Use scent: Adding scent to your bait can help attract lake trout.
You can use commercial scents or natural scents such as garlic or anise oil.
- Match the hatch: Matching the hatch means using a bait that mimics the prey that lake trout are feeding on. This can give you a significant advantage when trying to catch them.
- Presentation: How you present your bait is essential when fishing for lake trout. Make sure your bait is at the proper depth and moving in a way that mimics natural prey movements.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best bait for lake trout, there are several factors that you must consider, such as location, time of year, and water clarity. Live bait such as worms or minnows and lures such as spoons or crankbaits can be effective when fishing for lake trout.
Remember to change up your bait if you’re not having any luck and use scent to attract fish. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to catching more lake trout on your next fishing trip!
