The Lake trout
The lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) is a cold-water sport fish found in Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and the Niagara River. Lake trout can also be found in many of the Finger Lakes. Lake trout typically range between 20 and 30 inches in length and can be identified by their gray body, dull yellow fins, deep olive back, and white spots that speckle their entire body.
The lake trout is actually a char, not a trout. Lake trout are therefore more closely related to the brook trout, which is also a char. Interestingly, brook trout and lake trout are the only species of “trout” native to New York State. The brook trout is our official state fish.
Habitat
Unsurprisingly, lake trout live primarily in the deep, cold waters of large lakes. Lake trout will typically reside at or near the bottom of the lake they inhabit. For instance, in Lake Ontario, lake trout can be found in 200-300 feet of water, especially in the summer. Because lake trout prefer cold, deep water, Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes, and Lake Erie provide excellent habitat for lake trout.
Lake trout don’t always reside in deeps parts of large lakes, however. During late fall through spring when the weather cools, lake trout will venture into the shallower parts of lakes. Most notably, the lower Niagara River can provide great opportunities to catch lake trout from shore in the fall and spring. In the lower Niagara, lake trout numbers increase in October and peak in November, after which they decrease. In the spring, lake trout numbers rebound again in the lower Niagara River and can provide excellent fishing especially in late April through May (depending on water temperatures).
Unlike steelhead and salmon, lake trout do not run up creeks to spawn. The Niagara River is the only stream in western New York that sees runs of lake trout. Interestingly, there was one year when lake trout showed up in the Oak Orchard River, which was likely the result of the fish being confused by unusual water temperatures or flows.
Food
Lake trout probably eat baitfish almost exclusively. However, the lake trout in the Niagara River will also eat trout and salmon eggs. Lake trout are a top predator in Lakes Erie and Ontario, as well as the Niagara River.
Where to Catch Lake Trout
Lake Erie and especially Lake Ontario provide excellent fishing for lake trout. The best way to target lake trout in the summer is by boat. Trolling the deep waters of Lake Erie and Ontario is often very productive. July is usually the best month to troll for lake trout on Lake Erie.
From late fall through spring, when water temperatures are cold, lake trout will move into shallower waters in Lake Erie and Ontario, probably providing some shore fishing opportunities. However, the most popular area to target lake trout from shore is the lower Niagara River. Lake trout can usually be found in the lower Niagara from late November through May. Good shore access locations include Art Park, Whirlpool, and Devil’s Hole state parks. Keep in mind lake trout season is closed between October 1 and December 31 (inclusive). Fishing regulations on the lower Niagara can be found here: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/31425.html
Although not in western New York, the Finger Lakes can provide good lake trout fishing. Along with trolling, vertical jigging is a popular method for targeting lake trout in the Finger Lakes in the summer. Unbeknownst to many, the Finger Lakes can also provide good ice fishing opportunities for lake trout. Because the Finger Lakes are so deep, they rarely freeze. However, during very cold winters, areas of the Finger Lakes will freeze enough to allow for ice fishing. Below is a nice little lake trout caught while ice fishing the Finger Lakes.
How to Catch Lake Trout
Spin fishing is probably the most popular method for targeting lake trout from shore. When shore fishing for lake trout, good baits to use include large spoons, spinners, jigs (bucktail or marabou) tipped with a wax worm, or curly tail grubs on a large jig head. When fishing the lower Niagara River, lake trout can be caught on egg sacs or trout beads fished under a float. In the lower Niagara River, lake trout take advantage of the supply of fish eggs from spawning steelhead and salmon.
Believe it or not, one can actually fly fish for lake trout. The best place to fly fish for lake trout is the lower Niagara River. Egg patterns and trout beads fished under an indicator can actually produce fish. Just be sure you add enough weight to get your bait down deep. Swinging heavy streamers can probably be productive as well. Swinging streamers on big water such as the lower Niagara is best done with sink-tip line.
