UTERLake trout fishing in Alaska freshwater
In Alaska freshwater, lake trout peak June–July and September and are around year-round, spawning in September, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. June: Ice-out lakers in the interior lakes — shallow and aggressive.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Lake trout in Alaska freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchAround
- AprilAround
- MayAround
- JunePeakIce-out lakers in the interior lakes — shallow and aggressive.
- JulyPeakSockeye peak on the Kenai. Flossing rigs in the travel lanes; dipnetting for residents.
- AugustAround
- SeptemberSpawningFall spawn on the rocky shores.
- OctoberAround
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish lake trout near Kenai River, Russian River, Susitna valley
More running fresh water than the rest of the country put together: salmon rivers from the Kenai to Bristol Bay, rainbow and grayling streams, and thousands of interior lakes with lake trout, pike and burbot under ice half the year.
What to use for lake trout
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 34–60°F water, best at 44–54°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch lake trout in Alaska freshwater?
Peak season is June–July and September, with fish spawning in September (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Lake trout are here year-round. June: Ice-out lakers in the interior lakes — shallow and aggressive.
Where do lake trout hold in Alaska freshwater?
Look on lake — around Kenai River, Russian River, Susitna valley, Bristol Bay rivers, Chena River, Copper River.
What is the best bait for lake trout in Alaska freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners). Minnows (fatheads, shiners): Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for lake trout in Alaska freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) and change — read the current rule at https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fishregulations.main before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=license.main.
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