LOCALadk Magazine
Issue link: https://localadkmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1443429
Winter Jigging for Lake Trout, by Evan Bottcher I love ice fishing. e solitude and wide-open spaces that a frozen Adirondack lake provides is something I look forward to all year long. During the winter months there are many lakes and ponds to choose from. When I have a day off from guiding, the decisive factor of where I fish is simple: lake trout. ere is something about jigging for lake trout that never gets old. Connecting the dots to get a nice laker through the ice can drive an angler mad. ey are aggressive and strong and grow to massive sizes. ey can be found all over the water column, and sometimes even when you find them, they don't seem to commit. With any style of fishing, success depends on knowing where and when your target species is feeding; therefore, you must find the forage base that lake trout are aer. In our area we have a lot of lakes with decent populations of smelt, who like to cruise in open water in the middle of the water column. A Garmin Echomap 63cv fish finder or Vexilar is crucial if you want to know where the fish are, where your baits are, and how the lake trout are responding to your presentation. Drill a handful of holes around steep depth changes and hop around until you start marking fish on your fish finder. Repeat the process until you find consistent marks on your screen. To begin, I rig some 32-36-inch medium-heavy rods with 10-lb. test, 3.5-inch tube jigs in pearl white or chartreuse with ΒΌ-ounce to 3/8-ounce jig heads. Finish it off by tipping the hook with a chunk of live bait and you're ready to go. I also have a variety of vertical jigging spoons and rattling Rapalas to draw the fish in as another option. Lake trout are notorious for following lures, so when you see a fish approach, start your retrieve up the water column to draw the fish toward your bait. Once on fish, whether you have hooked up or you see them streaking on your electronics, trends will develop what triggers strikes. e only way to hook up is to get out there and do it! Lake trout jigging can be a light carry, easy run and gun when you have just a few hours to fish or want to sample a new water. ere are literally millions of lake trout spread throughout the Adirondacks. In addition to all the stocking listings on the DEC website, waters also hold native populations. Wherever you are in the Park, you're not very far from lake trout jigging opportunities. More ADK Lake Trout Tactics Jigging, with Evan Bottcher A fun and uncomplicated way to target lake trout is by jigging. It's easy to learn and difficult to master, but anyone can get started for less than $100 with a correct jigging rod and a handful of jigs. Evan Bottcher of e Hungry Trout Fly Shop loves jigging for lakers and will get you started on the how-to aspect. Evan offers guided family trips with heated shelters and all equipment provided during his two-hour "Learn to Ice Fish Experience." is is a great way to learn the basics and pick up on some great local knowledge. For trip information, visit www.adirondackicefishing.com. LOCALadk 40