Lake Trout Fishing in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's deep-water giants — lake trout that prowl the cold depths of Lake Superior. Country Cave Baits injection-pours premium soft plastics built for the lake trout that swim Wisconsin's lakes and rivers.
Salvelinus namaycush
About Lake Trout in Wisconsin
Lake Trout are Wisconsin's largest trout, thriving in the cold, deep waters of Lake Superior. These char — a cousin of the brook trout — grow to impressive sizes and are targeted by anglers trolling deep or vertically jigging over the depths where lakers hold.
Lake trout require cold, oxygen-rich water, so they're confined to Lake Superior and a few deep, cold inland lakes. They feed on baitfish like ciscoes and smelt, and they hold over deep structure and in the thermocline during summer. Vertical jigging is a popular and effective presentation.
Country Cave Baits specializes in warmwater soft plastics, but our paddle tails and split tail minnows can be a change-of-pace jigging offering for lake trout. Injection-poured in Fall River, Wisconsin, their durable plastic holds up to lakers' teeth.
Habitat
Cold, deep water over structure and in the thermocline of Lake Superior and deep inland lakes.
Best Seasons
- Spring (April–May)
- Summer (June–August)
- Fall (September–October)
Best Baits for Lake Trout
Our top-recommended Country Cave Baits for targeting lake trout in Wisconsin. Each is injection-poured in Fall River, WI and shipped fresh to your door.
Swim & thump
4 Inch Skinny Paddle Tail
A slim-profile 4-inch paddle tail that swims with a seductive kick on a steady retrieve. Perfect for swim jigs, spinnerbait trailers, or a weighted swimbait hook through grass and around docks.
View 4 Inch Skinny Paddle Tail
Finesse flicker
3 Inch Split Tail Minnow
A delicate 3-inch split tail minnow that flickers and darts on a drop shot or small jig head. The slim forked tail shimmies on the fall, making it a go-to for pressured bass and finicky feeders.
View 3 Inch Split Tail MinnowFishing Techniques for Lake Trout
Vertically Jig Over Deep Structure
Mark lake trout over deep structure and vertically jig a soft plastic paddle tail or minnow through the school. Lakers will rise to eat a falling bait.
Find the Thermocline
Summer lake trout hold in and below the thermocline. Use electronics to find the cold, oxygenated layer and focus your jigging there.
Use Heavy Jig Heads
Deep lake trout fishing requires heavy jig heads to reach the bottom quickly. Pair with durable soft plastics that handle repeated drops.
Wisconsin Lakes with Lake Trout
These Wisconsin fisheries hold lake trout — click any lake for a full guide, species list and recommended baits.