Land of Nipigon

Land of Nipigon Fishes

Lake Trout

Lake Trout are common throughout the Land of Nipigon. From the large deep lunkers of Lake Nipigon, to the small sleek river Lakers of the Nipigon River.  The represent the two “subspecies” of Lake Trout in our region.

The larger, fatty Lake Trout which tend to live in the deeper colder waters can easily get over 20lbs with a few 50lb + fish caught every year. 

The sleeker, streamlined and smaller brook trout along the shores and in some of the rivers typically run 2lbs to 10lbs and at certain times of the year can be caught casting from shore. These make for great eating and smoking fish.

Lifespan: 20 Years
Habitat: Inland lakes, rivers, streams. Clear water with good oxygenation. Deep, cooler waters necessary for summer.

Spawning: Fall (September-October)
Spawn Habitat: Boulder and rubble bottoms
Foods: Aquatic Insects, Smaller fish, Smelt, Lake Cisco
World Record: 72 lbs (1995)
Standard Baits: Lures, Jig Flies, Smelt colors/patterns
Bait (minnow)

When to fish
Late May and June Lake Trout can be caught from shore or from a boat simply flat lining. Of course this is very temperature dependent with a water temperature around 55F-60F being preferred.

As the water warms up, the Lake Trout will move into deeper, colder waters. Downriggers become necessary during the summer months with many charter boats available on Lake Nipigon and Lake Superior for your fishing pleasure.

Lake Trout are commonly targetted through the ice as well during the winter months. 

Where to fish
Casting at the Nipigon Marina and under the Nipigon River Bridge in the spring and then in September.

Trolling Lake Superior shorelines and the Nipigon River and Jesse Lake during spring and again in the Fall. 

Downrigging on Lake Nipigon or Lake Superior for the bigger fish during the summer months.

Ice fishing in the winter on Lake Superior – Kama Bay, Mazukama Bay, Bays End or Jesse Lake on the Nipigon River during its open season. 

What to fish
Mighty Mitch & Jungle Jims Jig Flies, Larger little Cleos, Canoe Spoons and large jigs for Ice fishing. 

Jigs, hooks tipped with smelt (where allowed) or minnow can create some very aggressive feeding. 

Tips

Fish the water column as the Lake trout will seek out its comfort temperature for hunting and once you find an active depth, keep fishing the similar depth. 

Vary your retrieve/trolling speed. Lake Trout are notorious for following bait/lures for some time and never striking. The trick is to vary the speed and therefore your lure/jig or whatever will slow/drop enticing a strike.

Ice fishing start 4-5 feet off the bottom, jig large strokes and let the hook flutter down, repeat a few times, reel in 4-5 more feet, repeat. Lake trout will take the lure/jig on the drop so be prepared. 
Once you find the active feeding depth, fish that depth.