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Fish Species - Details

LAKE TROUT (Salvelinus namaycush) Other Common Names Laker, togue, mackinaw Identifying Characteristics A dark background of bluish gray to olive green, with light spots scattered over the head and sides. Lower fins are faintly edged in white. Tail is deeply forked. 10 to 12 rays in the anal fin. Habits and Habitat Preferred temperature range is 44 to 55 degrees; 50 degrees is ideal. Often found in very deep water (down to 300 feet), particularly in summer. When water temperatures approach freezing, they can be taken in the shallows. Spawn in the fall in shallow areas of lakes, and rarely venture into rivers. The exception to this is the lower Niagara River. Tackle and Techniques Use medium- to heavy-weight tackle and 8- to 14-pound-test line. In the early spring and late fall, cast from shore or troll in shallows. A variety of spoons and spinners work well, as do flatfish and fireplugs. Lake trout also hit well on white streamers. Fishing with live bait such as a small sucker, chub, or minnow is also productive in the fall. In the summer, troll deep using the above lures in combination with dodgers or cowbell attractors. Current State Record 39 pounds, 8 ounces; caught by John J. Mamrak, Jr., on Lake Ontario on May 5, 1994.