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Cold, clear and deep
Ontario Lake Trout
Deep-water power in summer, shallow action in spring and hard-water fishing in winter.
Ontario record: 63.12 lb
The Ontario water
Ontario record: 63.12 lb
With white and grey markings, lake trout look perfectly suited to cold water. They live in clear, deep lakes across much of Ontario, including the Great Lakes and many northern inland waters.
During summer heat, deep trolling and vertical jigging are dependable methods. Spoons, plugs and large jigs reach fish near deep structure, suspended baitfish and sharp breaks. Strong tackle helps control a powerful fish while reducing fight time.
Soon after ice-out, lake trout may roam shallow shorelines and points. Casting or flat-line trolling can bring fast action before warming water pushes fish deeper.
FIELD NOTE
A classic Ontario ice fish
When safe ice arrives, anglers jig for lake trout over deep water. Electronics help locate suspended fish, but lake trout can move quickly through the water column. Check ice thickness often, carry safety equipment and follow winter seasons and limits for the lake you fish.
Watch Ontario fishing
Two videos. One next-trip idea.
Dave Mercer: Heavy-Cover Bass
Techniques for fishing weeds and thick largemouth cover.
Quick answers
Ontario fishing FAQ
How deep are lake trout in summer?
They often move into cold deep water, though exact depth depends on temperature, oxygen and baitfish.
Can I catch lake trout through the ice?
Yes. Many Ontario lakes have winter lake trout seasons, but dates and rules vary by fishing zone and lake.
Keep planning
Related Ontario fishing pages
Ontario Brook TroutFish wild Ontario brook trout in cold streams, rivers and northern lakes with flies, spinners and light tackle.
Rainbow Trout & SteelheadFish Ontario rainbow trout and steelhead in Great Lakes tributaries, inland lakes and rivers with flies, roe, spoons and light tackle.
Ontario Salmon FishingFish Ontario Chinook, coho, pink and Atlantic salmon in the Great Lakes and tributaries by trolling, casting and drifting.