How to Catch Lake Trout With a Fly Rod

Lake trout are cold water fish that normally feed in deep waters. Deep water methods are associated with lake trout fishing, as a depth of 70 to 100 feet is common with the fish. However, under the right conditions and equipment, you can catch lake trout with a fly rod. During the summer months, the fish concentrate in the deepest sections of the lake. While the water temperature is cooler in the spring and fall months, the lake trout move to shallow water.

Things You'll Need

  • Arbor reel
  • High-modulus graphite rod
  • Leader
  • Fly line
  • Leader loop
  • Super strength glue
  • Streamer
  • Sink-tip line
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Fit a large arbor reel to a high-modulus graphite rod. Good quality and strength of the equipment is essential for reeling in big, voracious lake trout.

    • 2

      Attach a six-foot length of 0x leader to the fly line. Use a braided leader loop to attach and then use super strength glue to reinforce the nail knot.

    • 3

      Secure a large streamer to a heavy deep-water sink-tip line. Successful streamers include those with a rabbit-strip wing, ones with long under-bodies, tinsel bodies and colorful hues.

    • 4

      Plan fishing trips for early mornings and late evenings when the fish are most active and more likely move into shallow waters.

    • 5

      Cast the line so that the fly hits the bottom of the lake. Be prepared to reel in caught trout, as they will put up a decent fight and head for deeper waters.