FishableWaters

Species

Lake Trout

On record in 91 waters across 8 states

Lake trout are the deep-water giants of northern lakes, capable of living decades and growing well past 20 pounds in the right system. They're a cold-water char that spends most of the year deep, which means summer fishing usually means getting your bait down 40 to 100-plus feet.

Lake Trout are on record in 91 waters across 8 states, most heavily in New York, Michigan, Vermont, Washington and Maine. FishableWaters tracks every lake trout stocking from state agency reports — use the state links and most-stocked list below to find waters near you.

By state

Most-stocked waters

How to catch them

Downrigging or jigging spoons near bottom structure is standard summer technique once fish push deep. In early spring and late fall, when water is cold top to bottom, lakers move shallow and become catchable by trolling or even casting from shore.

Trolled spoons, large jigs tipped with a minnow, and cut bait fished near bottom structure all produce. Deep-diving crankbaits and heavy jigging spoons work well once you've marked fish on electronics.

Know your fish

Deeply forked tail, more so than any other trout or char, light spots on a dark gray-green to olive body, and a sleeker, more elongated shape than brook or brown trout. No red spots — the spots on a lake trout are always pale.

Ice-out and late fall are the best windows for shallow, accessible lake trout fishing. Summer fishing is productive but requires deep-water gear and electronics to find suspended fish.

Freshest lake trout stockings

Jul 20, 2026Electric LakeUT250
Jun 24, 2026Porcupine ReservoirUT7,564
May 26, 2026Saint Froid LakeME1,037
May 26, 2026Glazier LakeME1,037
May 21, 2026Haymock LakeME1,700
May 15, 2026Lake AuburnME1,150
May 11, 2026Nahmakanta LakeME600
May 6, 2026Nichols PondVT322
May 6, 2026Shadow LakeVT802
May 6, 2026Pemadumcook LakeME4,000
May 6, 2026Center PondVT361
May 6, 2026Lake ElligoVT881
May 6, 2026Nelson PondVT241
May 4, 2026Harriman ReservoirVT1,282
May 1, 2026Damariscotta LakeME600

Lake Trout — FAQ

Where can I catch lake trout?+

Lake Trout are stocked across 8 states, led by New York, Michigan, Vermont, Washington and Maine. Pick a state below to see every water stocked with lake trout.

What's the best bait for lake trout?+

Trolled spoons, large jigs tipped with a minnow, and cut bait fished near bottom structure all produce. Deep-diving crankbaits and heavy jigging spoons work well once you've marked fish on electronics.

When is the best time to catch lake trout?+

Ice-out and late fall are the best windows for shallow, accessible lake trout fishing. Summer fishing is productive but requires deep-water gear and electronics to find suspended fish.

How many waters are stocked with lake trout?+

91 waters across 8 states hold lake trout on record, updated daily from agency stocking reports.