Trolling for Lakers

[tj417]

I am headed up to Ontario in 2 weeks for a fishing trip to a multi-species lake. We started trolling for lakers with lead core the last few years using stick baits with some success (25 to 40 feet down), but I was wondering if anybody has any baits they have found to be especially effective trolling for lakers (spoons or cranks) behind leadcore line, or are there some of the deep diving cranks that are effective when trolled long line?

Thanks in advance for any input!

[1DIRTBALL]

Get yourself some Sutton Spoons. They are plated with real silver which will reflect light at a greater depth than other metals. They are very thin and will dip and wobble even at very low speeds. Since you are using lead core, tie on a mono leader about 3 feet long and use a good quality swivel. I was just talk'ing with one of my fishing buddies last night and he told me he was having good luck using a Rapala Deep Tail Dancer. These baits will go down to 30' on their own using monofilament. I've forgotten what the pattern is called but there is one that is primarily blue and silver and that's what I would try. Lake trout will often follow a spoon for quite a distance without hitting it so don't forget to occasionally vary your speed. Or just give your line a jerk once in a while. Doing this well many times produce a hit for you. Which Ontario lake are you headed for? If your trip is in the not too distant future, you should be able to find the lakers in not very deep water. 25 to 35 feet. Hope I've helped a little. Good luck and good fishing! 1DIRTBALL

[tj417]

Great post Dirt - Thanks - We have been going to Berry Lake Camp for 25 years. It is located just north of Lake of the Woods, 8 miles north of Sioux Narrows. Great lake because of the milti-species fishery, trophies of all species, and portage lakes available too. I will be on my way up 2 weeks from today, so your prediction of the trout being in that 30 feet down or so range sounds about right.

[1DIRTBALL]

tj417, I just thought of another lure that you might want to consider trying for lakers. The Canadian Wiggler! It's a bananna type bait, similiar to a Flatfish, Lazy Ike,etc... The big difference though, it's made entirely of metal. Naturally it will run very deep. If the trout are going to be as shallow as I think they are going to be when you go, I would run it off a straight low stretch monofilament line. You can still run it off leadcore if you want to but tie on at least a 4' mono leader. Also use a good quality Cros-lok snap to attach your lure. The CW has a very good, strong wobbling action and rigging this way will make sure you get every bit of that good strong wobble. This lure is also a very good walleye killer! I would love to be going with you guy's! Are you sure you don't need a guide? Since I only live in Warroad, you could pick me up on the way! Just kidding, of course. Good luck and good fishing! 1DIRTBALL

[macgruber]

sutton spoon, sutton spoon, sutton spoon..... and some lil cleos

[fish500]

I tried long lining flatfish for lakers once, and had good results in the middle of summer. It was fun catching them on lighter tackle.

[tj417]

Where can I get Sutton spoons? None at Gander, none at Fleet.

[1DIRTBALL]

Try "Capra's" on Central Avenue up in either Fridley or Blaine. Can't remember exactly which one they are located in. Another place you could try calling would be Trails End BPS in Fridlet. Check the lists of FM sponsor's. Maybe one of them could help you. Of course, on your way to Warroad to pick me up, you can get them at Strieff's Sporting Goods here by Warroad.LOL! 1DIRTBALL

[Lake Trout]

Tell ya what. My best all time Laker spoon is the silver Diamond King. It doesn't get bent like the flimsy spoons do and has great action. Imitates a smelt. I use it on a downrigger and it has been my best producer by far. I know what I'm talking about. Look at my online name. It's also hanging out of the mouth of the Laker in my photo...

[Powerstroke]

I was in the BWCA last week and we caught a mess of lake trout trolling with deep diving fat raps and deep tail dancers. Most were in 15-30ft of water. Still pretty shallow despite the heat up there. Biggest one was 20" with many smaller eaters and lots of misses. I would say almost half the fish we caught were actually snagged cause they missed the lure on the hit.

Only kept one fish because he couldn't be revived.

[chris63]

Google suttons and order directly from the manufacturer.Or i know Joes in maplewood carries a limited supply.If you want lakers you want suttons!!!!c63