Species / Lake Trout / Montana
Trout & Salmon
Lake Trout Fishing in Montana
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.
Best Months: May to Jun, Oct to Feb
Plan 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
Lake Trout
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.
Montana
Where to Catch Lake Trout
Lakes & Reservoirs · Montana
Flathead Lake
Largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi outside Alaska. Lake trout, bull trout, and yellow perch.
Lake Trout · Bull Trout · Yellow Perch
Lakes & Reservoirs · Montana
Fort Peck Lake
A 134 mile Missouri River reservoir on the plains with walleye, lake trout, and pike.
Walleye · Lake Trout · Northern Pike
Montana
Shops to Stock Up
Bass Pro Shops
Billings, Montana
The fishing department carries conventional tackle, bait, fly-fishing gear and ice-fishing equipment.
Capital Sports
Helena, Montana
Locally owned since 1970, the store carries fly-fishing, spin-fishing and jigging equipment.
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