Lake Trout Fishing in Indiana
Lake trout are the deep-water specialists of Indiana’s Lake Michigan fishery. Unlike chinook and coho salmon that roam the open water column or steelhead that run tributaries, lake trout are bottom-oriented fish that spend most of their lives in the cold, dark depths of the lake. They are the oldest native salmonid in the Great Lakes, and while their populations were nearly eliminated by the sea lamprey in the mid-20th century, sustained stocking and lamprey control efforts have rebuilt the fishery to the point where lake trout are now a consistent and rewarding target for Indiana’s trolling fleet.
The state record of 37 lbs 8 oz was caught in Lake Michigan in 2016 by charter captain Tyler Kreighbaum, shattering the previous record by roughly 8 pounds. Fish in the 5- to 15-pound range are common catches, and fish over 20 pounds are landed each season.
Where to Fish
Lake trout fishing in Indiana takes place entirely on Lake Michigan. The primary launch points are Michigan City (Washington Park Marina) and Portage (Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk), with additional access available at Burns Harbor. Most productive lake trout water lies 2 to 8 miles offshore over depths of 60 to 150 feet, though the exact distance varies with season and water temperature.
Lake trout are structure-oriented. They relate to rocky reefs, clay humps, drop-offs, and any bottom irregularities that concentrate forage. Quality electronics are essential for locating these features and marking fish. Unlike salmon trolling, where covering distance at speed is the strategy, lake trout fishing often involves slower, more precise passes over known structure.
Seasonal Patterns
Spring (May-June) is one of the best windows for lake trout. As the lake stratifies and a thermocline begins to develop, lake trout push into the 40- to 80-foot zone to feed on alewife and smelt. This is the most accessible period for smaller boats, as fish can be found relatively close to shore over moderate depths. Spring lake trout are aggressive feeders coming off winter, and action can be fast when you locate a concentration of fish on structure.
Summer (July-August) pushes lake trout deeper as surface temperatures climb. Fish retreat below the thermocline into 80 to 150 feet of water or deeper. Downriggers set near the bottom are essential. Trolling speeds slow to 1.5 to 2.0 mph. Many charter captains target lake trout during this period as a reliable alternative when chinook and coho action slows between spring and fall peaks.
Fall (September-October) brings lake trout back into reach as the thermocline breaks down and water temperatures cool. Fish become increasingly active as they prepare for their late-fall spawning period on rocky reefs. This is the second-best window of the year, with fish aggressive and willing to strike.
Winter (November-March) largely shuts down the boat fishery due to weather, though lake trout remain active in the lake year-round.
Techniques
Trolling Spoons
The most common approach for Lake Michigan lake trout. Run medium to large spoons on downriggers set within 5 to 15 feet of the bottom. Flutter spoons and dodger-spoon combinations that produce an erratic, wounded-baitfish action are particularly effective. Silver, green, and glow finishes are staples. Trolling speeds of 1.5 to 2.5 mph are typical, though experimenting with speed changes often triggers strikes.
Dodger-Fly Combos
An 8- to 11-inch dodger paired with a trailing fly or squid is a proven lake trout presentation, especially in deeper water. The dodger provides flash and vibration that draws fish from a distance, while the trailing fly seals the deal. Set these rigs on downriggers tight to the bottom.
Jigging
Vertical jigging over structure is an underutilized technique that can be highly effective when fish are concentrated on reefs or humps. Heavy jigs (1 to 3 ounces) or flutter spoons dropped to the bottom and worked with sharp lifts and controlled falls trigger reaction strikes from lake trout holding on structure. This approach requires precise boat control and good electronics but can outproduce trolling when conditions are right.
Conservation Context
Lake trout are the only salmonid native to Lake Michigan. Their populations collapsed in the 1940s and 1950s due to sea lamprey predation and overfishing. Decades of stocking by federal and state agencies, combined with ongoing sea lamprey control, have restored lake trout to fishable numbers across the lake. Indiana’s 3-fish sub-limit within the 5-salmonid daily bag reflects the ongoing management priority of rebuilding self-sustaining lake trout populations while still providing a recreational fishery. Natural reproduction has been documented in parts of Lake Michigan, a promising sign for the long-term future of this species.
