Other names: Mackinaw, Namaycush, Lake char, Touladi, Grey trout
The lake trout, Salvelinus namaycush, is a cold-water fish native to North America's deep lakes. Known for its large size and longevity, this species is highly valued by anglers. Lake trout prefer the cold, oxygen-rich waters found at great depths, making them a challenging catch. Their diet mainly consists of smaller fish, and they play a crucial role in the ecosystems of the lakes they inhabit.
Other names
Mackinaw, Namaycush, Lake char, Touladi, Grey trout
Length
~75" (max 150)
Weight
~7" (max 46)
Water
Fresh
Water Temp
7-12° F
Depth
20-60 ft
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Lake trout thrive in deep, cold lakes with high oxygen levels, often found near the bottom
They prefer rocky or sandy substrates where they can hunt smaller fish and other aquatic organisms
These fish are most active in cooler waters and tend to stay in deeper areas during warmer months
Their diet is diverse, including fish, crustaceans, and insects, which makes them adaptable predators
Spawning occurs in the fall when lake trout move to shallow, rocky areas
Males and females release eggs and sperm over the rocks, where fertilization occurs externally
After spawning, adults return to deeper waters, leaving the eggs to develop on their own
Lake trout have a slow growth rate, and juveniles remain in shallow, protected areas until they mature