Scientific Name
Salvelinus namaycush
Image Credit
albertaregulations.ca
Length
30-80 centimetres (12-31 inches)
Weight
1-5 kilograms (2-10 pounds)
Similar Species
Location
Lake Ontario, Lake Huron, Lake Superior and across the deep, cold lakes of the Canadian Shield
Description
- green, grey, brown or almost black back, with lighter sides
- white belly
- light wormlike markings and spots on dark background, none are red
- white leading edge on lower fins, but no black line
- deeply forked tail
Habitat
- lakes at least 15 metres (50 feet) deep
Angling Tips
- found near the surface just after ice goes out in spring, and deeper as the water warms up
- in early spring, some feed aggressively before dark
- in the summer, trout hit best in the morning when surface waters are calm
- use spinners, spoons and plugs with a fly rod, or as summer trolling baits
- use special deep-water tackle in summer – wire line, lead-core line, downriggers, diving planers
- try jigging, or still-fishing with large, dead minnows in deep water in summer
- ice fish with minnows, lake herring or jigs with spoons or bait attached
- take fish under 10 pounds with a medium-action spinning outfit with 8-pound test line
- trophy fish, common in northern waters, need stronger line
Common Bait
- spoons, plugs, jigs
- large live minnows or dead bait