Ice-Out Lake Trout: Chasing Giants in the Spring Thaw
A Northern Opportunity for Early Season Anglers
For Midwest anglers, early season fishing presents a familiar challenge. With many game fish seasons still closed, opportunities to chase big predators can feel limited. Sure, there are solid early-season bites for species like walleye and sturgeon in river border waters—but if you’re already packing up for a road trip, you might want to aim higher. Head north, into the wild waters of northwest Ontario, and experience one of spring’s most exhilarating bites: ice-out lake trout.
Often overlooked, lake trout provide one of the earliest and most exciting big fish opportunities available. Whether casting from shore, trolling crankbaits behind planer boards, or working spoons along rocky points and reefs, Canadian anglers know that early spring is the time to connect with these powerful, cold-water predators.
Understanding Lake Trout Behavior in Spring
Lake trout, technically part of the char family, spawn in the fall and spend their winters deep. But in early spring—often just days after ice-out—they move shallow. Drawn by warming water, they migrate into bays, narrows, and current-influenced neckdowns where the aquatic food chain kicks into gear. 
At this time of year, trout are laser-focused on feeding. They’ll devour anything that swims, making them aggressive and easier to locate—at least for a few precious weeks before warming surface temperatures drive them back into the depths.
Launching into Lake of the Woods
On this trip, anglers Jeremy Smith and Mike Hinert set out on Lake of the Woods’ Whitefish Bay, departing from Crawford’s Camp just five days after ice-out. Their game plan: cover water efficiently and focus on warm, life-rich areas using a crankbait trolling strategy.
Armed with lake charts and temperature gauges, the pair zeroed in on zones where spring’s warmth had started to tip the balance—just a few degrees could make all the difference. The first reward? A hard-fighting, shallow-water trout that crushed a long-lined No. 8 Shad Rap in 16 feet of water.
The Thrill of the Fight
Lake trout are notorious for their power, and when they’re shallow, the battle intensifies. Thrashing, rolling, and charging under the boat, they test both gear and angler. As Smith and Hinert demonstrate, success depends on soft rods, light drag, and steady boat control—especially when winds pick up and fish make unpredictable runs.
That early hook-up confirmed their approach: long-lining in warmer narrows with current was the right move. The trout hit the bait with slack in the line, a classic aggressive strike. “He came unhooked in the net,” one of them remarked, marveling at the beautiful fish. “That’s what we came here for.”
Tactics for Finding Ice-Out Lakers
By mid-May, water temperatures in the Canadian Shield lakes typically hover in the low- to mid-40s Fahrenheit—prime for lake trout activity. Unlike many other species, lake trout remain active in these cold conditions. They often roam shallow structure—bays, points, neckdowns, and current areas—seeking both warmth and forage.
Key patterns for success include:
- Targeting slightly warmer water: Just a few degrees of temperature difference can concentrate baitfish and predators alike.
- Focusing on neckdown areas: These constricted zones between islands or shorelines funnel current and attract life.
- Looking for food: When sonar lights up with bait, it’s a good bet lake trout are close by.
- Trolling efficiently: Covering water with long-lined crankbaits—like the Shad Rap—is highly effective.
In one particularly productive zone, Smith and Hinert trolled through a neckdown with water temperatures seven degrees warmer than the surrounding lake. That area held the most bait, and not surprisingly, produced the best fish.
Location, Location, Location
Like real estate, fishing is all about location. Spring trout favor shallow-to-mid-depth basins (10–30 feet) near deep water, especially where current helps concentrate forage. As water warms, predator-prey relationships tighten. The warmest water attracts the most life—and the biggest trout.
Even planer boards made an appearance on this trip, a testament to how far the early-season trout game has evolved. Trolling behind boards, even in Canadian wilderness lakes, is becoming a smart way to cover shallow flats without spooking fish.
The Magic of Spring in the North
With snow melting and lakes opening up, anglers in the know make their way to remote waters like Whitefish Bay to enjoy solitude, natural beauty, and the possibility of tangling with a 20-pound-plus predator just feet from the surface. The ice-out period might be short, but it’s explosive in both action and potential.
As Smith noted, “Temperature drives almost everything underwater.” When the food web starts pulsing in the spring, trout are not far behind.
The Gear and Tactics Behind the Spring Lake Trout Bite
While targeting ice-out lake trout might sound like an elite pursuit, the reality is that you don’t need overly specialized gear to get in on the action. In fact, much of the same tackle used for walleye fishing can be repurposed with great success.
Jeremy and Mike both emphasized that standard spinning or baitcasting setups work well. A 7- to 7’6″ rod with braided line is ideal for longline trolling. Jeremy used a St. Croix Icon Series trolling rod paired with a Daiwa Sealine 27, spooled with 15-pound Sufix 832 braid and a fluorocarbon leader. The key advantage of this setup is the line counter, which provides precise control over lure depth—a critical factor when targeting trout suspended over structure.
Mike, meanwhile, prefers to eyeball his line length, relying more on instinct and experience. Both approaches work, but the combination of a long, soft rod and smooth drag is non-negotiable when fighting these powerful, cold-water fish.
Why the Daiwa Lexa Line Counter is a Game-Changer
For those wanting versatility, the Daiwa Lexa line counter reel deserves a place in your arsenal. It combines the precision of line counting with the ergonomic comfort of a low-profile baitcaster. Beyond trolling, it allows anglers to cast medium to large lures, making it perfect for targeting pike and muskie too. This crossover capability saves time and enhances on-the-water efficiency.
The Importance of Drag and Hooking Technique
One major lesson learned from this trip is how essential drag setting is, especially when trolling with barbless hooks (required in Ontario). Unlike fishing with traditional treble-hooked setups, spring lakers demand a much looser drag than you might think. The motion of the boat, the power of the fish, and the lack of stretch in braided line create a perfect storm for pulling hooks if your drag is too tight.
With no-stretch braid and cold, rolling trout on the other end, letting them fight against a forgiving drag is what keeps them pinned until you can scoop them into the net.
Crankbaits for Early Season Lakers
While lake trout are known to be aggressive, they can also be surprisingly picky when it comes to presentation. Jeremy and Mike found that matching the right crankbait—in size, shape, color, and action—was key to consistent success.
Here are the top-performing lures they packed for the trip:
- Rapala Shad Dancer: Small in size but big in action, it’s a bait that throws plenty of thump with a wide tail kick—perfect for cold water.
- Rapala Scatter Rap Series: Thanks to its unique “knuckleball” action, the lure zig-zags left to right automatically, mimicking a fleeing baitfish. Ideal for covering water while trolling.
- Deep Husky Jerks, Deep Shads, Minnows, Tail Dancers: These allow anglers to hit different depths while offering varied profiles.
- Rapala Shad Rap (sizes 7, 8, 9): The MVP of the trip. This lure caught trout, pike, walleye, and bass. Its subtle, silent action proved deadly in cold, clear water.
Tip: Double Up on Presentation Variety
When fishing with a partner, use the opportunity to experiment in tandem. One angler should run a bold, bright lure with wide wobble, while the other opts for a more natural, subtle bait. After a few fish, you’ll likely spot a pattern—and then it’s time to double down on what’s working.
Ontario’s Magic: Trophy Fish in Wild Waters
It’s hard not to be romantic about the fishing experience in northwest Ontario. With its rugged beauty and pristine water, it offers a type of tranquility and excitement that few other places can match. The trout are thick, the fights are wild, and the possibilities are endless.
“I enjoy it every time I come up,” Jeremy reflected. “Fishing in Northwest Ontario is like heaven on earth. There are always cool spots to fish, and you always have a shot at something gigantic.”
Whether deep or shallow, lake trout are tough as nails. But in spring, when they’re shallow and feeding aggressively, they offer some of the most thrilling fishing of the year.
Final Thoughts Before the Next Adventure
From soft-tipped rods and fine-tuned drag systems to smart crankbait choices and water temperature monitoring, success with ice-out lake trout is a blend of strategy and simplicity. And it all unfolds in one of the most beautiful, fish–rich environments on the continent.
