The Best Spring Tips on How to Troll Fish In Lakes

Woman poses with huge walleye caught while spring trolling, showing she knows how to troll fish in lakes.
Aisling Kelly from Boston proudly shows that she knows how to troll fish in lakes, with this 12 lb., 13 oz. walleye, caught on a Husky Jerk lure.

How to Troll Fish in Lakes – Quality over Quantity

Spring trolling for trophy walleye and northern pike in the eastern end of Lake Ontario’s “Golden Crescent” has evolved significantly in recent years, particularly due to clearer water conditions. While the overall numbers of walleye in large schools have decreased, many are now found in smaller, more dispersed groups. Despite this shift, there remains plenty of action for dedicated anglers.

This region offers an exceptional opportunity for anglers of all skill levels to demonstrate their trolling expertise and successfully catch trophy-sized walleye and northern pike without needing to invest heavily in new equipment. It’s a common misconception that fishing here is all about quantity; while some days may yield numerous catches, this area is primarily recognized as a trophy fishery, celebrated for its larger specimens.

Catch and Release

One crucial aspect to remember is the responsibility of all anglers to take only what they need. Catch-and-release practices are vital for sustaining this fishery. It’s essential to exercise good judgment regarding your catch, whether you’re out enjoying spring trolling. Some groups choose to release all their fish, while others may keep one or two for a meal, mount a trophy, or keep whatever they catch, given the investment in their fishing trip.

Ultimately, it balances out over the course of the season. It’s encouraging to see a growing number of anglers practicing catch-and-release in this area, contributing to the health and longevity of this exceptional fishery for future spring outings.

Spring Depths

During spring, most of our fishing takes place in depths ranging from 10 to 35 feet, although we sometimes venture into the 35 to 60-foot range. Successful trolling during this period requires attention to detail and patience as you identify the right combination of gear and techniques. To effectively reach deeper fish, anglers can utilize dipsy divers, mini-divers, lead core lines, or deep-diving body baits.

However, complex setups—such as wire rods, lead drops, downriggers, or dodger/flasher rigs—are often unnecessary. Many anglers find success with simpler setups, using body baits on in-line planers or large planer boards, complemented by a few well-placed floaters and divers. This approach allows for effective spring trolling for walleye and pike without overwhelming the angler with complicated equipment.

Double-Boarded Planers

Planers are an essential component of any trolling setup. Throughout the season, I prefer using large double-boarded planers from Prince Mastercraft. These planers feature fluorescent orange-striped sides and flags, making them highly visible even in rough water conditions. Depending on the level of boat traffic, I typically run them between 75 and 150 feet from the boat. I like to deploy three to four lines off each side, utilizing offshore releases positioned anywhere from 150 to 250 feet back on the farthest line. For the other rods, I shorten the lead by 10 to 12 feet for each successive line.

Best Trolling Fishing Rods for the Job

My preferred trolling rods are 7½-foot graphite models (I use Daiwa), paired with Daiwa LC 27 line counter reels. These reels are spooled with 12-15 pound Trilene or Cortland line, complemented by 8-12 pound fluorocarbon leaders. I am a firm believer in using downriggers regardless of water depth. Depending on the number of anglers on the boat—since each person is allowed two trolling rods—I will often run all four downriggers with different baits. Typically, we deploy 8-12 rods in the water while spring trolling. It’s crucial to continuously adjust and fine-tune your trolling setup as conditions and fish locations change.

Shallow Waters Need Different Trolling Fishing Gear

If you start your spring trolling in shallow water, you might want to adjust to shorter leads somewhere between 80-150 feet behind the boat. Also, consider switching to lures that track tightly, can be trolled faster, and don’t dive as much as others, so that you can cover more ground with less chance of tangling.  It’s always important to keep track of hits in any slight turn or large turn as you can determine if the fish prefers a faster or slower speed.

Deep Water Tactics

When starting your spring trolling in shallower waters, consider adjusting your leads to between 80 and 150 feet behind the boat. It’s also wise to switch to lures that track tightly, can be trolled at faster speeds, and have minimal diving action, allowing you to cover more ground with a reduced risk of tangling. Pay close attention to any hits during both slight and sharp turns; these moments can provide valuable insights into whether the fish prefer a faster or slower trolling speed.

Lures Matter

Angler poses with large walleye caught in the Chaumont Bay while spring trolling.
A magnum Southwick lure took this 12 lb. walleye in Chaumont Bay for John Fults while spring trolling aboard Moby Dick Charters.

What trolling fishing lures are you using? This is perhaps the most frequently asked question among anglers. In my experience, the most important factor is using lures that you’re confident in and that have proven successful for you. While spring trolling with friends, I’ve noticed that even when we’re fishing the same area at the same speed, one person might catch fish consistently with a specific lure while I have no luck with the same bait—and vice versa. Generally, if fish are biting steadily on a lure from one boat, it’s wise to have a couple of those lures in your spread.

Lure Color

Color selection is a crucial aspect of trolling, and the ideal color can change every few hours. Walleye, in particular, exhibit specific color preferences that are influenced by water clarity and light conditions. In stained water or overcast conditions, bright or fluorescent colors such as chartreuse, orange, red, and green tend to work well. Conversely, in clear water or under bright sunlight, shiny metallic colors like gold, silver, copper, and black often yield better results.

Tried and True Favorites

When it comes to my favorite lures for spring trolling, I always find myself reaching for the classic Thundersticks. In my opinion, they perform exceptionally well right out of the box, requiring little to no tuning. When water temperatures are below 58 degrees, I prefer stick baits with small diving bills and elongated bodies, such as Rapalas, Thundersticks, Bombers, Smithwicks, Husky Jerks, and Reef Runners.

As temperatures rise above 58 degrees and you’re fishing in deeper waters, crankbaits with moderate action and larger diving capabilities become more effective, producing increased flash and vibration. Storm Deep Jr. Thundersticks, Deep Diving Little Ripper Reef Runners, Husky Jerks, and Rapala Shad Raps are all excellent choices for this scenario.

Lure Testing

It’s essential to ensure that your trolling fishing lures are running true. A simple way to do this is by letting out some line off the side of the boat and observing the action. Don’t hesitate to give the lure some sharp jerks to see how it reacts, especially if you anticipate encountering rougher water. This practice is key to successfully trolling for fish in lakes.

Spring Trolling 

Is trolling the only effective method? Not necessarily, but most charter guides agree it’s the most productive approach for targeting larger fish and increasing your catch rate. Understanding how to troll effectively in lakes during spring conditions allows you to cover more territory quickly. While trolling is favored, techniques like worm harnesses and jigs also yield impressive results and come in a variety of colors and sizes.

Best Trolling Spots

The Golden Crescent offers countless excellent fishing locations during May and June, making it hard to list them all. However, the Black River and Bay area stands out as one of the most popular spots. Its combination of points, edges, drop-offs, and a deeper 50-60 foot belly in the middle provides the ideal structure, bait, and water flow for productive walleye fishing.

Other consistently productive areas include Everleigh Point, Bull Rock, Sherwin’s Bay, Pillar Point, Guffin’s Bay, Adam’s Cove, Chaumont Bay, Three Mile Bay, Middle Shoal, Point Peninsula, Hidden Harbor, Fox Island, Grenadier Island, and the Stony-Calf-Galloo Islands.

Additional spring trolling hotspots include Henderson Harbor, Bass and Gull Islands, High Rocks, Stony Point, Ray’s and Sawyer’s Bay, Stony Creek, and Drowned Island, among others too numerous to mention. For up-to-date information on what’s biting, visit local shops and marinas like B&J Bait in Dexter, owned by Judy and Claude Kirch, or Henchen’s Marina in Henderson Harbor, run by John Killius.

Trolling for trout from a kayak on an Adirondack pond offer some really great results for adventurous anglers.

Explore the Area 

One of the best ways to familiarize yourself with the local fishing scene and effective techniques is to book a trip with a local charter fishing guide. Investing in a guided experience pays off in the long run, not just through the fish you catch but also in the valuable knowledge you gain. Most guides are generous with tips on where to fish, what lures to use, and how to effectively employ various techniques. After spending a day with a charter fishing guide, you’ll be equipped with the skills and confidence needed to troll fish in lakes on your own.

Location is Key

The Golden Crescent and its tributaries offer an abundance of choices when it comes to baits, rigs, water depths, structures, and target species. Setting up for productive walleye and northern pike fishing can be straightforward, requiring only patience and a willingness to experiment. However, there are some essential principles to keep in mind, particularly for walleye fishing.

Location is critical for success. You need to be where the fish are, especially since walleye tend to school tightly. This means identifying key spots where they congregate, which can make all the difference in your catch rate.

Bait Selection

To maximize your chances of success, it’s crucial to choose baits that are within the active range of the fish. Present them with lures that not only appeal to their feeding preferences but also offer maximum visibility. Color selection plays a significant role here; brighter hues often attract attention in murky water, while natural tones may be more effective in clear conditions.

Additionally, pay attention to your trolling speed, as it can significantly influence your catch rate. Observing fish behavior during your turns can provide valuable insight into their preferences—if they seem to bite more when you’re going faster or slower, adjust your speed accordingly. This adaptability is key to successful fishing.

Happy Trolling

man poses with large walleye caught on Lake Ontario while spring trolling.
Ron Bowering caught this 10 lb. walleye while spring trolling aboard Moby Dick Charters near Henderson Harbor – they definitely know how to troll fish in lakes with impressive catch .

 

Keeping these tips on how to troll fish in lakes in mind, and with a solid effort, hopefully they will help your fishing success; especially if you’re just starting out.  Remember to have fun trying, and to take a kid fishing!

Original Article By Captain Bob Dick

About the Author

Captain Bob Dick owns and operates Moby Dick Charters out of Henderson Harbor on Lake Ontario.  Captain Bob specializes in sport fishing for trophy walleye, browns, lake trout, king salmon, northern pike and smallmouth bass. He has lived and fished the eastern end of Lake Ontario and tributaries his entire life and is a member of the NYS Outdoor Writers’ Association.

This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.

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