Trout & Salmon
Lake Trout Fishing in Wisconsin
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
- 3
- State
- Wisconsin
- Water
- Freshwater
- Methods
- Spin & Bait
Best Months in Wisconsin: May to Jun, Oct to Feb
Licenses & Regulations
Most anglers need a Wisconsin 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.
Wisconsin 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.
Wisconsin
Where to Catch Lake Trout
Lakes & Reservoirs · Wisconsin
Lake Michigan (Algoma)
Lake Michigan off Algoma in Kewaunee County, where state creel surveys counted more than 42,000 Chinook salmon kept in 2023, plus rainbows and coho.
Chinook Salmon · Rainbow Trout · Coho Salmon
Lakes & Reservoirs · Wisconsin
Lake Michigan (Manitowoc)
Lake Michigan off Manitowoc and Two Rivers, where state creel surveys counted more than 17,000 Chinook salmon kept in 2023, plus rainbows, coho, and lake trout.
Chinook Salmon · Rainbow Trout · Coho Salmon
Lakes & Reservoirs · Wisconsin
Lake Michigan (Sheboygan)
Lake Michigan off Sheboygan, where state creel surveys counted more than 13,000 Chinook salmon kept in 2023, along with coho, lake trout, and rainbows.
Chinook Salmon · Coho Salmon · Lake Trout
Wisconsin
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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