Lake Trout

About Lake Trout

Lake Trout, commonly called "Mackinaw" or just "Macs", aren't actually true trout at all. They're a member of the char family, the same group that includes Brook Trout, and they're built for deep, cold water. Macs have a grey-green body covered in light, irregular spots, a deeply forked tail, and a reputation for growing to enormous size. Lake Trout can live 40 years or more, and that longevity is exactly why they're capable of reaching the size they do. This is a species that rewards a fishery's patience as much as an angler's.

History in Utah Waters

Lake Trout aren't native to Utah, but they've become one of the state's premier trophy species wherever they've been introduced. Flaming Gorge carries the deepest history in Utah. Interestingly, Lake Trout found their way into the reservoir largely on their own once it filled, moving in from existing populations in the watershed rather than through a single dramatic stocking event. Bear Lake and Fish Lake both developed their own strong Mackinaw fisheries as well, and all three waters remain the state's primary Lake Trout destinations today.

Utah Lake Trout Production Plan

Lake trout are one of the trout species produced by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Utah's 2026 long-term fish-production plan is designed to guide fish production and stocking for the next 30 years. Lake trout remain among the species included in Utah's fish-production program.

The purpose of Utah's hatchery and stocking system is not simply to produce large numbers of fish. DWR considers factors such as:

• Angler demand
• Available habitat
• Natural reproduction
• Fishery management objectives
• Hatchery capacity
• Conservation needs
• The long-term health of individual fisheries

For anglers, this means stocking information should be viewed as part of the overall management strategy for each individual water.

Where to Find Them

• Flaming Gorge Reservoir — Flaming Gorge is Utah's premier lake trout fishery and is one of the best places in the state to pursue trophy mackinaw. The reservoir contains a large population of lake trout, including fish exceeding 40 pounds. Utah's current catch-and-keep record is 53 pounds 15 ounces, caught at Flaming Gorge Reservoir in 2020.
• Bear Lake —  While average catch sizes range from 20 to 24 inches (roughly 3 to 11 pounds), trophy mackinaw in the lake can grow past 30 pounds thanks to the deep, cold water and abundant forage.
• Fish Lake — Fish Lake is another important Utah lake trout fishery. It is particularly well known for large lake trout and has produced numerous trophy fish. Mackinaw here regularly top 20 pounds, and locals throw back 10-pounders as "pups"

How to Fish

My experience learning to catch lake trout has been a ride. 20 years ago I launched a small aluminum boat from mustang ridge and let out all the lead line on my reel. I was rigged up with pop gear and a spoon an was trying for anything large and in charge. I hooked up with what I immediately though was snag before breaking off but then I noticed that I was in over 100 feet of water. I was instantly addicted. 

Over the next decade I tried several techniques including trolling the bottom with down riggers. Ive used all manner of lures, spoons and flatfish. Ive targeted humps, drop-offs, points and flats. I even broke down and hired a guide on year. After 20 years, this is what I've learned. 

Electronics & Location Lake Trout

Non negotiable, you need a good fish finder. Finding fish is everything when fishing Lake trout. You will need something with good bottom separation. Most of the time Lake Trout will be laying right on the bottom.

Jigging

I spent some time trying to figure out vertical jigging. We did well and the light tack made fishing a blast. The secret here is boat control! You need to stay as strait up and down as possible. Spot lock has really helped in this department. We had success using large tube jigs, and I mean huge ones. You need 2 to 3 ounces to get them to the bottom. The technique for jigging is a little different. You need a controlled decent because they like to hit on the drop. The only way to tell if you have a bite many time is when your line goes slack early, as if you hit a false bottom. When you notice this you set the hook.  

Trolling

Trolling is the technique I still prefer. I use a combination of down down riggers and bottom bouncers. You heard me right, bottom bouncers. First the set-up, you will need the biggest pop gear you can get your hands on. The ones they sell in local tackle shops that are so big they look like a joke, though are the ones you need. The lure is really about preference but I like using squids or large tubes. Keep you lures close to the pop gear and keep your speed 1.25 to 1.5 mph. I won't say a lot about the bottom bouncers except think walleye but much bigger. Instead of 1 to 2 ounces we are talking 1 to 2 lbs, and with that all the tackle gets much bigger.   

Ice Fishing

Winter opens up access to deep water that's hard to fish effectively in open water. Heavy jigging spoons tipped with bait, fished vertically near bottom in 40 to 100+ feet of water, are the standard approach. Finding the right spot is the most important part. 

Fishing Regulations

Lake Trout limits and slot regulations vary by water and are often more restrictive than general trout limits, given how long these fish take to reach trophy size. Always check the current Utah Fishing Guidebook for the specific water before you go.

Planning a Lake Trout Trip

Lake Trout is a true test of your talent, technique and patience,  more than almost any other species in Utah. Because Lake Trout waters like Flaming Gorge and Fish Lake also hold Kokanee, Rainbow Trout, and other species, it's worth planning for a multi-day trip rather than a single outing. It takes a lot more work than other species but the reward is usually a fantastic photo and a life long memory.