  a great opportunity for trophy-sized fish By DAN SMITH Fort Peck laker fisherman Salvelinus Namaycush, grey trout, forked tail trout, Mackinaw or laker. They're all names for lake trout, the largest species of trout in the United States - and one of Fort Peck Lake's best-kept secrets. Lake trout require cold, deep, clear water in the summer, needing depths of 50 to 120 feet. However, in spring, late fall and winter, they are often found in water 20 feet deep or less.
Lake trout spawn in the fall near shorelines and points near islands exposed to prevailing winds. They require broken rock and rubble bottoms. Obvious target areas on Fort Peck are Haxby Point, York Island, Bear Creek, as well as areas on the northwest end of the Big Dry Arm. Crooked Creek and Gilbert Creek, adjacent to the Pines Recreation Area, are also good bets. All of these locations are within easy reach of the boat ramps in the Fort Peck Dam area. The time of year will dictate the best water depths to fish, but the lake trout will constantly be found feeding near the bottom. In spring and late fall, deep diving crankbaits or large Flatfish able to go 20 to 30 feet deep are good lure choices. A 2 to 4 ounce bottom bouncer can also take a spoon or large fly into the strike zone. Use a monofilament line of approximately 12-pound-test to minimize your tackle loss. As temperatures climb and days become become longer, the lake trout move to deep, darker, cooler water. Downrigger fishing is your best choice for the depths required. Remember, you have to get to the bottom with your baits. Two major variables are depth and boat speed. While chinook salmon, also a deep-water inhabitant of Fort Peck, are suspended feeders and tend to chase a faster lure, lake trout feed close to the bottom and are attracted to a much slower presentation. A lure tipped with a nightcrawler or piece of fish, regularly bumping the bottom, has a good chance of drawing the attention of a big laker. Lake trout are often caught through the ice in the previously mentioned areas in winter by anglers targeting walleyes. Anglers specifically targeting lake trout use larger lead-headed hair jigs and larger pieces of smelt. A very memorable experience develops in a hurry if you are able to hook a 20-pound laker on a three-and-a-half-foot ice fishing rod. In short, remember the lake trout. If you are looking for a big fish to target or just a great distraction from the many other species you fish for on Fort Peck, give the lakers a try. The table value of lakers are comparable to other trout, so keep what you will eat within your legal limit and release the rest to grow into new state records. Dan Smith loves to downrig the depths of Fort Peck for big lakers and chinook salmon. Consider him at least a semi-pro, if not a downright professional at it. |
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