Trout & Salmon
Lake Trout Fishing in Michigan
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
- 7
- State
- Michigan
- Water
- Freshwater
- Methods
- Spin & Bait
Best Months in Michigan: Jun to Aug
Licenses & Regulations
Most anglers need a Michigan 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.
Michigan 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.
Shop This Lure
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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.
Michigan
Where to Catch Lake Trout
Lakes & Reservoirs · Michigan
Grand Traverse Bay
A large bay of northern Lake Michigan where the DNR lists lake trout, Chinook and coho salmon, and smallmouth bass as summer targets.
Lake Trout · Chinook Salmon · Coho Salmon
Lakes & Reservoirs · Michigan
Lake Huron (Alpena)
Lake Huron waters at Alpena, where the DNR lists walleye and lake trout in summer and Chinook and coho salmon in fall.
Walleye · Lake Trout · Chinook Salmon
Lakes & Reservoirs · Michigan
Lake Michigan (Frankfort)
Lake Michigan off Frankfort, where the DNR lists browns, lake trout, and steelhead in winter and spring and salmon from summer into fall.
Chinook Salmon · Coho Salmon · Lake Trout
Lakes & Reservoirs · Michigan
Lake Michigan (Grand Haven)
Lake Michigan off Grand Haven, where the DNR lists Chinook and coho salmon, lake trout, and steelhead as summer targets.
Chinook Salmon · Coho Salmon · Lake Trout
Lakes & Reservoirs · Michigan
Lake Michigan (St. Joseph)
Lake Michigan off St. Joseph and Benton Harbor, where the DNR lists salmon and steelhead through most of the year and yellow perch in summer and fall.
Chinook Salmon · Coho Salmon · Steelhead
Lakes & Reservoirs · Michigan
Lake Superior (Marquette)
Lake Superior off Marquette, where the DNR lists lake trout, coho salmon, brown trout, and steelhead in summer and fall.
Lake Trout · Coho Salmon · Brown Trout
Lakes & Reservoirs · Michigan
Little Traverse Bay
The Lake Michigan bay at Harbor Springs and Petoskey, where the DNR lists Chinook and coho salmon, lake trout, and smallmouth bass in summer.
Chinook Salmon · Coho Salmon · Lake Trout
Michigan
Shops to Stock Up
Anglers Point Marina Bait & Tackle
Chesterfield, Michigan
28955 William P Rosso Hwy 586-949-9223
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.
Check Price