UTERLake trout fishing in Maine freshwater
In Maine freshwater, lake trout peak January–March and May–June and October and are around year-round, spawning in October, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. January: Moosehead and Sebago togue through the ice.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Lake trout in Maine freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryPeakMoosehead and Sebago togue through the ice.
- FebruaryPeak
- MarchPeak
- AprilAround
- MayPeakIce-out togue trolling the shallow shores.
- JunePeak
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberSpawning
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish lake trout near Sebago Lake, Moosehead Lake, Rangeley Lakes
The brook trout and landlocked salmon state: thousands of cold lakes and ponds, famous rivers like the Kennebec and Grand Lake Stream, togue in the deep lakes, and bass in the southern lakes.
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 Maine freshwater?
Peak season is January–March and May–June and October, with fish spawning in October (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Lake trout are here year-round. January: Moosehead and Sebago togue through the ice.
Where do lake trout hold in Maine freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir — around Sebago Lake, Moosehead Lake, Rangeley Lakes, Grand Lake Stream, Kennebec River, Belgrade Lakes.
What is the best bait for lake trout in Maine 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 Maine freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) and change — read the current rule at https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing-boating/fishing/laws-rules/index.html before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing-boating/fishing/licenses-permits/index.html.
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