Lake Trout

Salvelinus namaycush

Found in Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and a few deep inland lakes like Green Lake. Lake Superior's native lake trout population has been restored and provides excellent fishing near the Apostle Islands and along the Bayfield peninsula.

Size Limit
Varies by water
Daily Bag
3 (inland), varies on Great Lakes
Season
Year-round on most waters
State Record
47 lb
Lake Superior (1946)

Best Months to Fish

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

What to Use

Live Bait & Natural

CiscoSmeltLarge minnows

Lures & Artificials

Trolling spoonsJigging spoonsTube jigsAirplane jigs

Lake Trout Fishing in Wisconsin

Found in Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and a few deep inland lakes like Green Lake. Lake Superior’s native lake trout population has been restored and provides excellent fishing near the Apostle Islands and along the Bayfield peninsula.

Regulation Notes

Great Lakes have specific size and bag limits. Green Lake has separate inland rules.

More Wisconsin Fish Species

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Plan Your Lake Trout Trip

Find lakes, guides, and bait shops for your next lake trout fishing trip in Wisconsin.

Explore Lakes   Find a Guide   Bait & Tackle

Regulations shown are statewide defaults. Some waters have special regulations — always check the current Wisconsin DNR regulations before fishing. A Wisconsin fishing license is required for ages 16+.