The best time to target Lake Trout in shallow water is immediately after ice-out, typically from late May through mid-June depending on the latitude of your fly-in outpost. During this window, the water temperature is uniform and cold, allowing these 'lakers' to roam the shallows and rocky points in search of baitfish. This is a dream scenario for anglers because you can catch them using standard spinning gear or fly tackle rather than going deep with heavy jigs or trolling sinkers. 

We recommend casting large spoons like the Williams Wabler or the Eppinger Dardevle. These lures provide the flash and vibration needed to trigger aggressive strikes from trophy trout. If you are fly fishing, a 9-weight rod with an intermediate sinking line and large white or silver streamers will do the trick. As the summer progresses and the surface water warms, the trout will retreat to the deep basins, requiring vertical jigging techniques with heavy Bondy Baits or white tube jigs. However, that early spring window offers the most heart-pounding action for those visiting remote lodges in Ontario or Saskatchewan.