Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned ice fisherman, it is possible to catch big lake trout if you follow a few essential tips. Having a jig, a good cadence, and a good location are all things that will help you to land a trout.
Location is the hardest part of the puzzle.
Trying to figure out where to fish is always a daunting task. This is especially true when you are hunting for big lake trout. To make matters worse, the local weather service predicts a few days of rain and thunderstorms. This means you must be on your game from dusk to dawn to catch a trophy class fish.
There are several ways to go about it. First, look for baits and lures on the surface and below. Second, take a gander at the ice that is covering the lake. This will give you a better feel for the water depth and where the fish are. Lastly, be ready for a fishing partner. Having one to hand will increase your odds of success significantly.
A few of my most memorable catches came from this method. The key is to locate where the fish are and then work your way outward, ideally in small groups. This may mean moving to your partner’s hole. You will also want to be prepared to get your hands dirty and the ice if you are going to have a go at the juicier fish. Restocking your cooler with a few icy cold beers is also good. The fish above are only opposed to a little pushy if you’re careful. The same can be said for most ice anglers.
The biggest problem comes in identifying the best areas to start. For instance, the site where the fish are most active is often the spot with the most incredible ice depth. There are many reasons for this, but the most obvious is that you will be able to see the fish more clearly than you will in the weeds.
Jig while the line descends
Using a tube jig or spoon while the line descends to catch big lake trout is an excellent way to catch fish. In addition to the jigging motion, the lure should be suspended on a controlled slack line.
A good technique is dropping your lure into a zone and slowly beginning jigging. This should take about three to four feet of motion. Anglers can also use a slow-motion two-ounce weight to go deeper.
When jigging for lake trout, the most important thing is to keep the lure in contact. If the interest is slid off the bottom or snagged, the fish may not strike. For this reason, it’s essential to get the lure back into the water as soon as possible.
In the summer, you can usually find lake trout in depths of twenty to eighty feet. However, the most active trout are in a different part of the lake. Instead, they prefer to be in the middle of a narrow depth band. It would help if you used a hydrographic chart or a fish locator to locate this band. You can then follow the contours and find the spot where the fish are congregating.
It would help if you used a braided mainline of about ten to fifteen pounds when fishing for lake trout. This will give you complete control of the lure and allow you to present it precisely.
A good presentation is a red worm or wax worm. You can also try a lipless crankbait, a soft-plastic paddle tail swimbait, or a shad body. For a trailing treble, you should use a chub minnow.
You can tie a spike on your jig for a more dynamic presentation. This will increase the number of strikes you receive from the fish.
Imitate a wounded and fleeing baitfish
Using the right lure in the proper context is all it takes to conjure up a swarm of large trout. You’ll need to get out of your dreary hole and move to your partner’s if you want to get in on the action. Once you’re snaring fish after fish, you’ll want to keep it up a notch. The cold water beneath the ice is the ideal temperature for trout. The temperature ranges from about 46 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average depth is about five feet. To ensure success, you’ll need to learn where to hide your prized possessions. The best places to look are secluded areas, preferably with some sand or gravel to help prevent tangles. You’ll need to pick a few key spots to scout before you go too deep.
If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a few shady mates. Aside from the apparent apex predators, there are plenty of smaller minnows and shades. The fish are often found in small packs, so be prepared to do battle if you plan to reel them in. They are also known for their sassy ways, so be ready to pounce on the fish of the moment. This isn’t the only time you’ll find them around, so make it a point to set aside some time for some severe angling fun. The big lakers have an enviable knack for spotting predators, and you’ll need to do your best to avoid being the next victim. The best way to do this is to read up on their habits and be prepared to make the best of them.
Developing a cadence
I am developing a cadence when ice fishing for big lake trout is no small feat. One of my favorite aspects of this sexism is scouting the prime locations for fish and game. The more specialist my buddies are, the more snobby I am, and the better the experience will be. A brief discussion of our preferred staking grounds will go a long way in keeping our spirits high through the winter months. The perks of a bye-bye shack in the hands of seasoned pros are the plethora of fishing options. The etiquette is costly, but a happy sailor can be good. There are a few snags to avoid. Fortunately, I’ve been armed with a few top-of-the-line, hand-picked ice nippers to keep me company. The trick is to be prepared to make the necessary adjustments. A seasoned pro is more than capable of snatching the elusive big girl off the ice with the least amount of abrasion.
My favorite ice-fishing locale is the illustrious bluff lake in central Pennsylvania. For many anglers, it’s the same old… same old. Even though a good chunk of my favorite lake is a slushbox, I’m still looking forward to the first tepid to frosty morning.
Landlocked salmon are often found right under the ice.
Unlike saltwater salmon, landlocked salmon live in lakes without ever reaching the ocean. They spawn in native river systems and return to lake habitats after spawning. The salmon’s life cycle is similar to that of trout. The fish feed on plankton, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. They are a highly prized food fish in North America.
Landlocked salmon can be caught in many rivers and lakes. Their taste varies depending on the water quality, turbidity, and season of catch.
Most salmon are caught using spoons, down-riggers, and live bait. These fish can be hard to reel in, and sometimes the fishing can be all over the place.
In addition to fishing for landlocked salmon, you can also target rainbow trout. These fish often hang out on the surface in early spring, and you can catch them by the same methods you use for salmon.
If you want to try landlocked salmon fly fishing, one of the best spots is the Crooked River. This river is a tributary to Sebago Lake, and fishing can be a lot of fun. You can also find good fishing at Diamond Point.
Diamond Point is an excellent spot for landlocked salmon, but there are a few precautions to keep in mind. You should be prepared for the weather, wear dry clothes, and use caution. If fishing with a small child, consider putting them in a dry area.
It is important to note that these salmon are not native to Lake George. They were stocked into the lake in the 1800s. It is possible to catch them on various lures, but they are not the same size as saltwater salmon.
