Trout & Salmon
Lake Trout Fishing in Indiana
A deep-water char of big, cold lakes. Lakers come shallow after ice-out and in fall, and are taken through the ice or by trolling and jigging deep in summer.
- Waters
- 1
- State
- Indiana
- Water
- Freshwater
- Methods
- Spin & Bait
Best Months in Indiana: Jun to Aug
Licenses & Regulations
Most anglers need an Indiana fishing license; age cutoffs and exemptions are set by the state. Seasons, limits, and tackle rules vary by water, so check current regulations before you go.
Indiana Department of Natural ResourcesPlan by Month
Best Flies, Lures & Bait for Lake Trout
2 picks for October.
Paddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Jigged deep.
Shop This LureCasting Spoon 1/4 to 1 oz
LureSpoon · Shallow after ice-out.
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Rod & Reel
Lake Trout Setup
Fly
8 to 9 wt rod with a full-sink line when fish are shallow after ice-out.
Spin / Cast
7 ft medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting rod, 20 to 30 lb braid with a fluorocarbon leader, or downrigger trolling gear.
Indiana
Where to Catch Lake Trout
Indiana
Shops to Stock Up
Recommended
Gear for Lake Trout
Rods
Ugly Stik Bigwater Trolling Rod
A long, forgiving trolling rod for downriggers and planer boards.
Check PriceSpoons
Acme Kastmaster Spoon
A dense spoon that casts a mile and flutters on the fall.
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