Fishing for Lake Trout
The Shuswap region, a jewel in British Columbia’s interior, is renowned for its sprawling, pristine lakes and world-class fishing opportunities. Among the most prized catches in these cool, clear waters is the formidable Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush). Known for their size, power, and elusive nature, these deep-water predators offer a thrilling challenge for both seasoned anglers and adventurous newcomers. This guide will delve into the art and science of pursuing Lake Trout in the Shuswap, providing you with the knowledge and tactics to increase your chances of connecting with one of these magnificent fish.
Understanding the Shuswap Lake Trout: A Creature of the Deep
Lake Trout are not true trout but are actually a species of char. They thrive in cold, well-oxygenated water, which dictates their location throughout the seasons in the vast and deep Shuswap Lake system. This system, with its four distinct arms—Seymour, Anstey, the main Shuswap Arm, and Salmon Arm—offers a diverse range of habitats. Understanding the Lake Trout’s seasonal movements and feeding habits is the first and most critical step to successful angling.
A key factor in the Shuswap’s ecosystem is the annual salmon migration. The influx of Sockeye, Chinook, Coho, and Pink salmon provides a crucial food source for Lake Trout. In the spring, the out-migration of salmon fry creates a feeding bonanza for trout, while the fall spawning run offers another period of voracious feeding on salmon eggs and flesh. Outside of these events, Lake Trout primarily prey on Kokanee (landlocked Sockeye salmon) and various baitfish.
Gearing Up for the Challenge: Rods, Reels, and Essential Equipment
Targeting Lake Trout, especially the larger specimens, requires robust and reliable gear. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Rods: Medium-heavy to heavy action trolling rods, typically 8 to 10 feet in length, are the standard for most boat-based applications. These rods have the backbone to handle heavy lines, downrigger weights, and the powerful runs of a large Lake Trout. For jigging, a shorter, sensitive graphite rod in the 6’6″ to 7’6″ range with a medium-heavy power will provide the necessary feel and strength.
- Reels: Large-capacity level-wind trolling reels are essential for downrigger and lead-core trolling. They need to hold several hundred yards of line and have a smooth, reliable drag system. For jigging, a quality spinning or baitcasting reel with a good drag system, spooled with braided line, is ideal.
- Line: The choice of line depends on your fishing method. For trolling, many anglers opt for a main line of 30-50 lb test braid, which offers low stretch for solid hooksets and a thin diameter to cut through the water. For jigging, a 20-30 lb test braided line with a fluorocarbon leader is a popular choice for its sensitivity and low visibility.
- Downriggers: These are indispensable tools for consistently reaching the deep haunts of Lake Trout. Downriggers use a heavy weight (a cannonball) to take your lure down to a specific depth, releasing your line when a fish strikes.
- Fishfinder/Sonar: A quality fishfinder is your underwater eyes. It will help you identify key structures like drop-offs, underwater points, and humps where Lake Trout congregate. It will also allow you to spot schools of baitfish, a tell-tale sign that predators are likely nearby.
Cracking the Code: Proven Techniques for Shuswap Lake Trout
The two primary methods for targeting Lake Trout in the Shuswap are trolling and jigging. Each has its time and place, and the most successful anglers are proficient in both.
The Art of the Troll: Covering Water and Finding Active Fish
Trolling is the most common and effective method for covering the vast expanses of Shuswap Lake and locating active Lake Trout. The basic principle is to present a lure at a controlled depth and speed to entice a strike.
- Downrigging: This is the precision trolling method. By using a downrigger, you can place your lure exactly in the strike zone, whether it’s 50, 100, or even 150 feet down. A good starting point for your lure is to run it 20-100 feet behind the downrigger release. Experiment with different “setbacks” to see what the fish prefer on any given day.
- Trolling Speeds: Typical trolling speeds for Lake Trout range from 1.5 to 3.5 miles per hour. Slower speeds are often more effective in colder water (spring and fall), while faster speeds can trigger reaction strikes in warmer summer waters. Don’t be afraid to vary your speed. Making “S” turns is a great way to naturally speed up and slow down your lures, which can often entice a following fish to strike.
- Proven Lures:
- Spoons: Large, heavy spoons that imitate the flash of baitfish are a go-to for Shuswap lakers. Popular choices include the Gibbs-Delta “G-Force” and “Ruby Eye” spoons in silver, gold, or glow-in-the-dark finishes. Other effective spoons include the Williams “Whitefish” and the classic “Cop Car” pattern.
- Plugs: Large, deep-diving plugs like the Tomic or Lyman plugs are incredibly effective, especially when targeting larger fish. These plugs have a wounded baitfish action that big lakers find irresistible. Natural colors that mimic Kokanee or rainbow trout are excellent choices, as are chartreuse and glow patterns.
- Hoochies and Flashers/Dodgers: A saltwater-style setup of a flasher or dodger followed by a hoochie (a squid-like plastic lure) is a deadly combination. The flasher provides attraction and the hoochie imitates a small fish. This is a particularly effective method when Lake Trout are feeding on Kokanee.
Getting Vertical: The Excitement of Jigging
When you’ve located a concentration of fish on your sonar, often on a specific piece of structure, jigging can be a more direct and exciting way to catch them.
- Jigging Lures:
- Heavy Jigs: Lead-head jigs in the 1 to 4-ounce range, dressed with bucktail or soft plastics, are the workhorses of Lake Trout jigging. White, silver, and glow-in-the-dark are all excellent color choices.
- Tube Jigs: Large white or silver tube jigs are a favorite for many seasoned laker anglers. Their spiraling action on the drop can be irresistible.
- Blade Baits: These vibrating metal lures can be very effective, especially in colder water. Their flash and vibration can call in fish from a distance.
- Jigging Technique: The key to successful jigging is to maintain contact with the bottom. Let your jig fall to the desired depth, then engage your reel. Use sharp, upward snaps of the rod to lift the jig off the bottom, followed by a controlled drop. Most strikes will occur as the jig is falling, so be prepared to set the hook at the slightest “tick” or change in line tension.
A Calendar for the Shuswap Angler: Seasonal Strategies
Spring (April – June): As the ice recedes and the water begins to warm, Lake Trout will move into shallower water to feed on the abundant salmon fry. Trolling the top 30-50 feet of the water column can be very productive. Look for areas where creeks and rivers enter the lake, as these will be magnets for baitfish. Shore anglers may also have a window of opportunity at this time by casting heavy spoons or plugs from rocky points that offer deep-water access.
Summer (July – August): As the surface water warms, Lake Trout will retreat to the cool, deep waters of the thermocline. This is when your downriggers and fishfinder become essential. Focus your efforts on deep-water structures like underwater humps, points, and drop-offs. Trolling at depths of 80-150 feet is common during the summer months.
Fall (September – October): The fall salmon run triggers another period of aggressive feeding. Lake Trout will follow the spawning salmon and congregate near river mouths and in the main lake basins to feast on eggs and dying salmon. Trolling lures that imitate the colors of spawning salmon (reds, oranges, and pinks) can be very effective.
Winter (November – March): While not as common for Lake Trout, ice fishing can be an option on some of the smaller, more accessible lakes in the region that hold these fish. However, Shuswap Lake itself does not typically freeze over completely, making boat fishing a year-round possibility for the dedicated and well-equipped angler.
Reading the Water: Finding Lake Trout Hotspots
Shuswap Lake is a vast and complex body of water. Here are some general areas to start your search:
- The Narrows: This area where the four arms of the lake converge is a natural chokepoint and a popular fishing area. The currents and structure in this area attract baitfish and, consequently, Lake Trout.
- Annis Bay and Bastion Bay: Located in the Salmon Arm, these bays feature steep drop-offs and good structure that hold Lake Trout.
- Underwater Plateaus and Humps: Use a good bathymetric map and your fishfinder to locate these underwater structures. They are often magnets for Lake Trout.
- Points and Drop-offs: Any sharp change in depth is a potential holding area for Lake Trout. Troll along these contour lines for consistent action.
Know Before You Go: Regulations and Conservation
Before you head out on the water, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the current British Columbia freshwater fishing regulations. These regulations are in place to protect the valuable fish stocks of the Shuswap region for generations to come.
- Licensing: All anglers 16 years of age and older must have a valid BC freshwater fishing license.
- Lake Trout Regulations (Shuswap Lake):
- Daily Quota: The daily quota for Lake Trout is 1.
- Possession Quota: The possession quota is 2.
- Annual Quota: There is an annual quota of 5 Lake Trout over 60cm.
- Bait Ban: There is a bait ban in effect on Shuswap Lake.
- Barbless Hooks: Single barbless hooks are mandatory.
Always check the most up-to-date regulations before your trip, as they can change.
A Shared Resource: The Importance of Conservation
The incredible fishing opportunities in the Shuswap are a privilege. As anglers, we have a responsibility to be good stewards of this resource. Practice catch and release, especially with larger, older fish that are crucial to the breeding population. Handle all fish with care, minimizing the time they are out of the water. By following the regulations and practicing responsible angling, we can ensure that the thrill of hooking into a Shuswap Lake Trout will be available for many years to come.
So, gear up, study your maps, and get out on the water. The deep-water giants of the Shuswap are waiting, and the challenge and reward of the hunt are an experience you won’t soon forget.