Targeting Back Lake Trout

Finally we are seeing some good ice after a very slow start to the winter season. Mild weather seems to follow any cold spell and it has caused repeated melts and limited access to some of the bigger lakes.

This past weekend saw myself and a few friends head up north into the Bancroft and Haliburton areas to target some back lake trout. Try to get your hands on the stocking list provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources for each region in Ontario. With a little homework and a good map/gps you can locate these lakes and spend some time trying a few choice selections.

Lake trout, rainbows, speckles and even brown trout are stocked in the regions we researched and access was taken into consideration. Some back lakes are limited to snowmobiles or very long walks and others offer easy access, we prefer something in between. While some very good fishing can be found close to the small northern towns, easy access usually leads to increased angler traffic. These stocked lakes are put, grow and take fisheries and sometimes the heavy traffic lakes do not offer much trophy potential. Granted knowing a few easy access lakes is handy when taking kids out for a day on ice but for some nice trophies and usually quiet angling locations try the back lakes.


Look for lakes that are stocked every year or every other and a quick search of local maps or an online map tool like google earth can lead to some plans shaping up for some hardwater trout. Check local regulations on the selected lakes, things vary from region to region and even lake to lake. Live bait restrictions, one or two lines, limit numbers are all things to know before you head out.

Depending on the species you choose, different patterns will be needed. Speckle, brown and rainbow trout tend to hang out shallow during the cold months, we start looking for submerged trees, points, creek mouths and anything a little different along the shorelines as a places to target. Splake and sometimes rainbows will use the middle depths, 8-20 feet and points, humps and underwater shelves are great spots to spend some time. Lake trout are the deep water trout and although you can catch them shallow in some lakes, generally you should start looking from 20 feet and beyond. I have caught them below 100 feet but most lakes will find them hanging around the 30-40 foot depth.
Small spoons, jigs and live bait, if allowed, will all take fish but bring a selection. Keep your baits on the smaller side unless you have info that it's a big fish lake. Most of the fish we catch are between 1-5lbs and of course some lakes have a much better average than others. The only way to find out is to get out your auger and go look.

Be aware of ice conditions especially near creek mouths and new lakes. Stay mobile and open minded. Finding one spot and staying there all day might get you some fish but checking several spots and trying to develop a pattern may lead to some of the best ice action of the year. Most of all enjoy the scenery, we live in a beautiful country, take a few moments and enjoy the place your in.