Introduction

Few experiences in life are as rewarding as fishing on the majestic Great Lakes, home to a plethora of fish species, including the coveted salmon and trout. If you’re new to trolling or looking to refine your skills, this comprehensive guide on how to start trolling for salmon and trout on the Great Lakes will be invaluable.

The Great Lakes – A Fisher’s Paradise

The Great Lakes region, encompassing Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario, is a fisherman’s paradise, with plentiful supplies of salmon and trout, among others. Whether you’re seeking the elusive King Salmon or the vigorous Rainbow Trout, each lake has its unique appeal and opportunities for trolling.

Salmon Species in the Great Lakes

Chinook (King) Salmon

The King Salmon, also known as Chinook, is the largest species of Pacific Salmon and is highly coveted by anglers on the Great Lakes. They are known for their powerful runs and dogged determination when hooked, offering an exhilarating battle for the angler. These impressive fish typically weigh between 10 and 15 pounds but can reach up to 40 pounds in the Great Lakes. They are characterized by their green-blue backs and silver flanks. King Salmon feed on smaller fish, so lures and baits that mimic these prey are particularly effective.

Coho Salmon

Coho Salmon, also known as Silver Salmon, are smaller than their Chinook counterparts, generally weighing between 8 and 12 pounds. However, what they lack in size, they make up for in feistiness, making them an absolute joy to catch. The Coho Salmon are known for their acrobatic leaps and long, blistering runs once hooked. In appearance, they have dark blue or greenish-black backs with silver sides. Cohos are more surface-oriented than other species, making them an excellent target for topwater trolling techniques.

Atlantic Salmon

While not as common as the Chinook or Coho, Atlantic Salmon can be found in the Great Lakes, particularly in Lake Ontario. These fish are agile, energetic fighters that offer an exciting angling experience. Atlantic Salmon can weigh anywhere between 5 and 20 pounds and are recognized by their silver sides, large black spots over their body and head, and a forked tail. Successful strategies for catching Atlantic Salmon involve using a variety of lures, such as spoons, spinners, or flies.

Trout Species in the Great Lakes

Steelhead (Rainbow) Trout

The Steelhead, also known as Rainbow Trout when they’re landlocked, are well-known for their aggressive strikes and vigorous fight, often leaping out of the water when hooked. Weighing typically between 8 and 10 pounds, but occasionally surpassing 20 pounds, Steelhead are a favorite among Great Lakes anglers. They’re identifiable by their streamlined shape, light pink stripe along their side, and small black spots over their body and tail. Steelhead can be caught year-round but are particularly abundant during their spring and fall spawning runs.

Brown Trout

Brown Trout are known for their wariness, making them one of the more challenging but rewarding species to catch in the Great Lakes. The fish generally weigh between 2 and 10 pounds, but trophy-sized Browns exceeding 20 pounds are not unheard of. They have a brassy brown color with large black and sometimes red spots on their body. Brown Trout can be found in both shallow and deep waters, but they prefer cooler temperatures, so they often go deeper during summer months. They respond well to a variety of lures and baits, including spoons, spinners, and live bait.

Lake Trout

Lake Trout are the largest native trout in North America and a popular target for Great Lakes anglers. Known for their longevity and ability to live in deep, cold waters, Lake Trout can weigh anywhere from 10 to 20 pounds, with some reaching up to 40 pounds. They are recognizable by their elongated bodies, light spots on a darker background, and a deeply forked tail. Lake Trout are deep-water dwellers, so downriggers are essential when trolling for this species. Lures like spoons and crankbaits are usually the go-to options for catching these fish.

Understanding Trolling

Trolling is a popular method used to catch salmon and trout on the Great Lakes. It involves dragging lures or baited hooks from a moving boat, covering a large area of water to increase the chances of attracting a bite.

The Concept of Trolling

Trolling in the context of fishing refers to the method where lures or baited hooks are dragged through the water from a moving boat. The movement of the boat imparts action to the lures, imitating the movements of live prey, enticing predatory fish species to bite.

Unlike casting or still fishing techniques where your bait or lure is confined to a single spot, trolling allows you to cover a larger area, increasing your chances of locating and catching fish. This is especially useful in large water bodies like the Great Lakes, where fish may be scattered or following migratory patterns.

Benefits of Trolling

Trolling offers several distinct advantages for both novice and experienced anglers:

Versatility: Trolling can be adapted to catch a variety of fish species at different depths. By adjusting the weight, type of lure, and trolling speed, you can customize your approach for targeting specific species.

Increased coverage: Trolling allows you to cover a vast water area quickly and efficiently, increasing your chances of finding fish.

Depth control: Using additional equipment like downriggers, lead core lines, or dive planes, you can control the depth of your lures, allowing you to target fish at different water levels.

Multi-rod fishing: Laws permitting, you can troll with multiple rods simultaneously, further increasing your chances of a catch.

Trolling Basics – Gear and Setup

Successful trolling starts with the right gear. You will need:

• Boat: Any sturdy and reliable boat with an outboard motor will suffice.
• Fishing rods: Opt for medium-heavy to heavy rods. The length should be between 8.5 to 10.5 feet.
• Reels: Large capacity line counter reels are preferred for trolling.
• Line: 20 to 30-pound test monofilament or braided line is typically used for trolling.
• Lures and baits: This will vary based on the species targeted and the time of the year.
• Downriggers: These are crucial for controlling the depth of your lures, especially when targeting deep-dwelling salmon or trout.

A Comprehensive Guide to Trolling Setups

Success in trolling on the Great Lakes depends heavily on your gear and setup. Here’s a more detailed look at each piece of equipment you’ll need to start trolling for salmon and trout effectively

Boat

The foundation of your trolling setup is a reliable boat. Any sturdy boat with enough space for your gear and a smooth-running outboard motor will suffice. A boat equipped with a low horse power trolling motor can be advantageous, offering quiet and slow movement through the water. Additionally, ensure your boat has rod holders for the secure placement of multiple rods, increasing your fishing capacity.

Fishing Rods

Your rod choice depends on the size of the fish you’re targeting. For salmon and trout, opt for medium-heavy to heavy rods. The length should be between 8.5 to 10.5 feet. This length is optimal for handling the weight of the fish and ensuring a good hook set. Longer rods also provide better control over your lure’s path, allowing it to move away from the boat’s disruptive wake.

Reels

Reels play a critical role in trolling. For this technique, large-capacity line counter reels are preferred. The line counter is an invaluable tool because it allows you to track the amount of line you have in the water accurately, which directly relates to the depth of your lure. If a fish bites, you can note the depth and replicate it, increasing your chances of further success.

Line

When choosing the line for trolling, opt for a 20 to 30-pound test monofilament or braided line. These lines offer good strength and are resistant to abrasion, essential factors when dealing with powerful fish like salmon and trout. Braided lines have a smaller diameter, allowing you to fit more line on your reel, while monofilament lines have some stretch, providing a buffer against sudden pulls or jerks.

Lures and Baits

The selection of lures and baits is crucial and depends largely on the species targeted and the time of year. Common lure choices for salmon and trout include spoons, plugs, stickbaits, and spinners. Flasher-fly combos are also popular due to their ability to mimic the vibrations and flash of small fish, a major food source for salmon and trout. Live bait, such as minnows or worms, can also be effective when rigged correctly. Always have a variety of lures and baits on hand, and experiment to find what works best under different conditions.

Downriggers

Downriggers are crucial tools for controlling the depth of your lures, especially when targeting deep-dwelling salmon or trout. A downrigger is a device used to set a lure at the desired depth by using a weight, a cable, and a release mechanism. The line from your fishing rod attaches to the release while the weight sinks to the desired depth, pulling your lure down with it. Once a fish strikes, the line releases from the downrigger, allowing you to fight the fish directly. Downriggers are especially useful in the Great Lakes, where salmon and trout can often be found at depths of over 100 feet.

By ensuring you have the right gear and that it’s properly set up, you’ll put yourself in the best position for a successful day of trolling on the Great Lakes.

Using Electronic Fish Finders

Modern fish finders, or sonar systems, are invaluable tools for trolling on the Great Lakes. They help you locate schools of fish and understand the underwater landscape, allowing you to adjust your trolling strategy accordingly.

Strategies for Trolling Salmon and Trout on the Great Lakes

While trolling strategies can be complex and nuanced, we’ll focus on the basics here. Remember, fishing often involves a lot of trial and error, so patience is key.

Choose the Right Lure or Bait

Choosing the right lure or bait is crucial for success. Salmon and trout are often attracted to spoons, crankbaits, and flasher-fly combos. The color of your lure can also play a significant role, with silver, blue, and green being popular choices. Always have a variety of lures available and don’t be afraid to switch them up if you’re not getting bites.

Set the Right Trolling Speed

The trolling speed will largely depend on the species you are targeting and their behavior at the time. Typically, a speed between 1.5 to 3.5 mph is effective for both salmon and trout.

Adjust Your Trolling Depth

The depth at which you troll is equally important. Use your downriggers and fish finder to adjust the depth of your lures according to where the fish are located. Remember, the optimal depth can change based on time of day, weather, and water temperature.

Seasonal Trolling Tips for the Great Lakes

Trolling techniques can change significantly with the seasons, and understanding these changes can drastically improve your chances of landing a prized catch.

Spring Trolling

Spring is a great time to target trout and salmon, as they often move closer to the shore to feed. Focus on shallower waters, and troll with smaller spoons or stick baits.

Summer Trolling

In the summer, as the water temperature rises, salmon and trout move to deeper, cooler waters. This is when your downriggers and deep-diving lures come in handy. Flasher-fly combos are particularly effective in summer.

Fall Trolling

During the fall, many salmon species begin their spawning runs, moving into river mouths and shallower water. You can have great success trolling near these areas using crankbaits and smaller spoons.

Conclusion

Trolling for salmon and trout on the Great Lakes is a thrilling experience that offers the chance to land a truly impressive catch. With the right gear, a bit of knowledge, and a lot of patience, you’ll be well on your way to a successful day on the water. Remember to always respect the fish and the environment, and happy fishing!

Keywords: Trolling, Salmon, Trout, Great Lakes, Fishing, Gear, Lures, Bait, Fish Finders, Trolling Speed, Trolling Depth, Seasonal Trolling.

Meta Description: Learn the art of trolling for salmon and trout on the Great Lakes with this comprehensive guide, covering everything from gear to trolling techniques and seasonal tips.