Fall Lake Trout Bite is On

The fall is an incredible time to target lake trout, closing on September 30. Here’s how to get the most out of the remaining lake trout season in Sunset Country!

It’s that time of year again, when temperatures are going down but the fishing is heating up! Do you know why lake trout fishing in Sunset Country is so incredible in the fall? Read this article to learn more about why fishing is so good, where to find them, and what to expect! 

FALL SPAWN 

Unlike a lot of species in Sunset Country, lake trout spawn in the fall rather than spring. If this makes you say, “Okay, so what?”—just think back about how amazing the pre-spawn pike fishing was if you were lucky enough to have ice-off by then 

Here’s an already aggressive species now ravenously filling its belly before it starts staging to spawn this fall. The best part? Your pre-spawn fishing doesn’t have to rely on the ice being off the water. 

Well, maybe that’s not the best part—the best part could be the gorgeous colours lake trout turn right before they spawn or the fact that our waters get colder faster, so there’s a chance to catch them in shallower water right before they spawn.  

Or maybe the best part is just simply the possibility of catching a true monster trout in our Northern waters. After all, they aren’t exactly small here.  

WHERE TO FIND THEM 

Lake trout can be found in every corner of Sunset Country. For the most part, in zones 4 and 5, lake trout closes on September 30. In zone 1, 2 & 3 they are open year-round but harder to access later in the season. Zone 6 has more specific seasons than the others, but is open for September like zones 4 and 5. 

The above lake trout was caught with Brown's Clearwater West Lodge on Clearwater Lake near Atikokan. 

Another plus to fall lake trout fishing is that you're catching the shoulder season at lodges, which gives you more flexibility with booking last minute or only booking a couple of days as opposed to a full week. 

Do you have a long weekend to fill, or by some stroke of a miracle have a spare day off work? That could be mistaken for a sign to head North and go fishing! 

LAKE TROUT HOTSPOTS

As you're probably aware by now, Sunset Country is littered with lake trout. So where do you begin? 

Answer the questions below, then use our Accommodation Finder filters to narrow down your options to the perfect lodge for all of your needs. 

Trip Questions: 

  • How far do you want to travel? Have a look at a map and see what area is ideal for you! 
  • Do you have a lake on your bucket list? (You don't need to know the lake you want to fish in to find fish here, though!) 
  • Do you want an American Plan, or would you like to bring your own food with you and use a Housekeeping Plan? 
  • Pick your adventure: Do you want a fly-in, drive-in, or boat-in lodge? 
  • Feel like camping instead of lodging? There are options for that too, just bring the longjohns! 
  • Do you want to hire a guide? 

WANT TO PLAN FOR NEXT SEASON?

Planning a trip to such a large region can be overwhelming, especially when the species of fish you're after are found across it. In Sunset Country, we make it very simple for you to find the perfect lodge for you. 

Did you know you could order a FREE Travel Guide that comes with a pull-out map? You can order it online, or give us a call at Ontario's Sunset Country toll-free at 1-800-665-7567. 

Feel free to email us here: info@visitsunsetcountry.com or give us a shout at the toll-free number above to ask us any questions you may have. We've visited a lot of these lodges ourselves, and we're happy to answer any and all questions you may have! 

About Alyssa Lloyd

Alyssa Lloyd is a photojournalist based out of Kenora working with Ontario's Sunset Country. The outdoors has been the center of her work and personal life for as long as she can remember. As an angler, Alyssa spends most of her time time chasing multiple species on both conventional and fly gear. 

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