L, T - December 19, 2020

TROUT, LAKE

Scientific Name:

Salvelinus namaycush

Salt/Fresh:

Fresh

Also Known As:

Mackinaw; Great Lakes Trout; Great Lakes Char; Salmon Trout; Landlocked Salmon; Gray Trout; Great Grey Trout; Mountain Trout; Laker; Tongue; Taque; Namaycush; Masamacush; Siscowet; Fat; Paperbelly; Bank Trout; Humper; TROUT, LAKE; Lean

Rating:

Countries:

Other Countries

Description:

Lake Trout is a freshwater char living mainly in lakes in northern Northern America. Lake Trout inhabit cold, oxygen-rich waters. They are pelagic during the period of summer stratification in dimictic lakes, often living at depths of 20–60 m (60–200 ft).

The Lake Trout is a slow-growing fish, typical of oligotrophic waters. It is also very late to mature. Populations are extremely susceptible to overfishing. Many native Lake Trout populations have been severely damaged through the combined effects of hatchery stocking (planting) and over harvest. Lake Trout are the largest of the charrs; the record weighed almost 46.3 kilograms (102 lb) (netted) with a length of 50 inches (127 cm), and 15 to 40-pound fish are not uncommon. The average length is 24-36 inches (61-92 cm).

How To Identify:

Lake Trout has two dorsal fins including one adipose fin. It also has light spots on darker gray background and lower fins edged with white. It has a forked tail and 11 rays in the anal fin. They are closely related to the brook trout, but lack the bright coloration and can be distinguished by a deeply forked tail.

How To Catch:

To catch a Lake Trout use a lighter 5 to 8 lb (2.2 to 3.6kg) rod. Also, use an open faced spinning reel with a thin line and either number 6 or 10 hooks. For live bait, Lake Trout like night crawlers and salmon roe. When using live bait, attach extra weight, helping to steady the bait. Small weightless lures and spinners make the best artificial bait. Add shiny metal foil or beads to further attract the trout.

Where Found:

Internationally

They are native only to the northern parts of North America, principally Canada, but also Alaska and, to some extent, the northeastern United States. Lake Trout have been widely introduced into non-native waters in North America and into many other parts of the world, mainly Europe, but also into South America and certain parts of Asia.

TROUT, LAKE

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