Lake Trout On The Fly

The name Lake Trout lends a slight misnomer to the actual species of this incredible fish that is actually not a trout at all, but a char. The Lake Trout resides in some of the most spectacular places on earth and the trip that spurred this article is no exception.

The Newhalen River, near Iliamna Alaska, is where this trip took place and the intention was to land some nice early season Rainbows. Although Rainbows were indeed landed the Lake trout took center stage as they fed in frenzies on the tiny smolt that were venturing out into the currents for the first time.

The first feeding frenzy we spotted drew much attention as we expected huge Rainbows were cruising the shallows. Not one person expected what happened next. Wham! The Marabou Muddler was engulfed as it was stripped quickly through the rising pod of what turned out to be Lake Trout.

Lake Trout, for the most part, tend to elude most fly-fishing lore and go unnoticed. The depth at which they dwell and the difficulty in locating a group of fish to target within the parameters of the fly angler all contribute to its lack of attention, however; there is an exception and that is early spring just after break-up when Lake trout, usually in the 20 to 30 inch range, journey from the big lakes and cruise the shallows of the rivers that enter and exit them. So while Rainbows, Dollies, Coho and Kings steal the lime light, the Lake Trout still continue, unmolested, gorging on the many salmon fry that struggle in the currents as they begin to learn the perils of life as a salmon.

It is during this time that fly anglers can easily locate and entice Lakers into taking their fly, even on top. The Lakers can be located by the many swirls and splashes as they travel in schools. They remind me of my younger days when we used to go to the lake before school in hopes of catching rockfish "in the jumps" and hopefully catch one without being too late for class.

Once the frenzy is located the angler must quickly introduce their fly into the frenzy and utilize a fast strip-stop retrieve to get the Lakers attention. The takes are no joke and I have found the quicker you retrieve the more attention you get. One may want to hesitate for just a second after a few feet of retrieve before resuming the fast strip technique.

Any fly pattern that imitates a small fish should do the trick but I can only speak for the Maribou Muddler as I found no reason to change while the Lakers continued to slam them with reckless abandon. There is one note of interest you might want to know. Just because of the hard takes don't think the Lakers are a pushover. For some reason the Lakers are hard to hook. It seems they strike haphazardly at the fly but I think nerves played a huge part of the misses I encountered.

If you have ever had the opportunity to fish Northerns or Musky on top water you are familiar with the torpedo wake as the fish ambushes your fly or lure from behind. With Lake Trout you get the same visible approach which can unnerve an angler as they try to predict when the strike will occur as the Laker dips under the fly before coming from under for the take. Often times I would set the hook too soon, missing the fish entirely and sending him searching for a new prey as I duck to miss my fly.

The Lake Trout may not get too much attention but that is quite all right with me. I will be glad to have these dwellers of the deep to myself and will also enjoy the Rainbows, Dollies and Grayling in between. If you are like myself and prefer less crowded angling you should try early spring in Alaska and remember the Lake Trout. The forgotten Lake Trout just might be an added species found in your journals of your trip of a lifetime whether you expect it or not.

Visit Rambling Angler Outfitters for more information. Also order you custom fly rod for your trip of a lifetime. We at Rambling Angler Outfitters can also put together a fly box specifically for your trip. Give us a try. Thanks.

http://www.ramblingangler.com

---

Fishing Equipment Tips

Cheap SinkersSpark plugs make excellent disposable sinkers. Need some cheap (free) fishing weights? Go to any gas station and ask for them. Then, loop a rubber band... Read More

How to Fish Spring Trout Streams

Fishing spring creeks isn't easy. Don't expect large quantities of catches, but do expect a challenging experience which has a certain mystique about it. Catching just a... Read More

Do You Know How to Fillet a Fish?

Finally you've caught the perfect fish. Now, do you know how to fillet your fish? You can't be happier. You have finally caught the perfect fish. Do... Read More

Grandpas Pond

We can learn alot from kids.Last Friday, which incidently was St. Jean Baptiste Day in Quebec, was also the day we decided to have Grandpa's Pond day... Read More

There Is Bass In The Grass

Did you ever plan that fishing trip to the big lake, then when you got there you realized you had no idea where to start fishing? Too... Read More

The Things You Wont Look Out For (But Should) When Night Fishing

5 Things To Be Careful of When Night FishingNight fishing can be some of the most exciting, rewarding and fulfilling fishing you ever do in your life.... Read More

Fishing For Bass In Deep Water

When fishing for bass in deep water try a spinnerbait that you have confidence in and have used to catch fish before. If the fish are inactive... Read More

Fishing the Points

Sometimes bass fishing in a big lake can be overwhelming. Do you fish deep? Fish the banks? Are they out in open water? What? This will... Read More

How To Find Fish

PondsAnywhere there is a pond; it could be a hidden hotspot for fish. The bottom line is, no matter how small the pond may be, it is... Read More

10 Fishing Gems

Fishing Gem #1 ? When Is Best?If you are in a boat and plan to anchor and bottom fish, get out there before the sun goes down... Read More

Make Small Fortune In The Fishing Industry

Make Small Fortune In Fishing Industry.......now there is a headline you don't see very often. In fact, I have never seen it.Unless you start out with a... Read More

Importance of Artificial Light While Swordfishing

The use of light, either chemical or battery powered plays an important role in catching swordfish. There is no question that the use of artificial light increases... Read More

Find and Catch More Fish, Quickly and Easily, with the FISHIN BUDDY 2255

"Wherever you like to fish-lakes, reservoirs, rivers or streams, you'll never have a fishing buddy who can spot fish as easy and as fast as a Bottom... Read More

Cincinnati Catfishing Bait

Some of the baits I have used for used for CATFISHing here on the Ohio River are, chicken liver, minnows, shrimp, Spam, French Fries and more.Fresh chicken... Read More

Fishing The Henrys Fork - Box Canyon

It is easy to get intimidated by world class rivers.I guess the Henry's Fork was a little intimidating to me.With the old rule of thumb being that... Read More

Spinnerbait Fishing Tactics for Spotted Bay Bass

Like most fishermen my age I originally learned about spinnerbait fishing for largemouth bass with my Dad. My class room was the back of an aluminum rental... Read More

The Alaskan Experience

"FISH ON!!"I yelled, as my seven weight fly rod bent over and the line played it's magical tune of "zinging in the rain". It was hard to... Read More

On The Road...With Jack Karpawack

Jack Karpawack here.I've taken to the road...Life can be simple,and life can be hard on the road, but mainly it just makes your butt hurt having to... Read More

Ever Said: We Should Have Caught Bass By Now?

Have you ever been on a lake and thought to yourself or said to your fishing partner, "We should have caught some fish by now"? Well, maybe... Read More

Orlando Florida Fishing - Redfish Capital of the World

When visitors think of Orlando and Central Florida, they imagine the exciting attractions, breath-taking roller coasters, and swimming with the dolphins. What many people don't know is... Read More

Choosing The Fishing Trip Destination Thats Right For Your Group

Try doing a web search on the words "fishing lodge" and you will come up with hundreds of thousands of matches. Visit any major sports show and... Read More

Brook Trout, One of Canadas Most Loved Trout

Brook trout are one of the most popular game fish in Canada. These fish can be found in the northern most parts of North America. What is... Read More

Successful Fishing: The Mysterious e Factor.....

Successful Fishing: The mysterious "e" Factor.There has always been a strange, and to this day, unsolved mysterious theory in the fishing world.My wife knows of this theory... Read More

Fly Fishing the Tide Rips for Coho Salmon off the Northwest Tip of Washington State

Tide rips are one of the most common areas to fly fish for salmon at Neah Bay. I'm addicted to fly fishing tide rips for coho salmon... Read More

Lake Trout On The Fly

The name Lake Trout lends a slight misnomer to the actual species of this incredible fish that is actually not a trout at all, but a char.... Read More

Night Fishing Preparation

I have to admit this subject bores me to tears. Amazingly, the simple fact is that every time I interviewed a fisherman about night fishing tips he... Read More