Lake Trout Fishing in Montana

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Introduction

Few freshwater fish capture the imagination of anglers quite like the Lake Trout. Known locally as “lakers,” these deep-water predators are the heavyweights of Montana’s cold-water reservoirs, capable of powerful runs and long, hard-fought battles.

At Get The Net Oufitters, we specialize in guided lake trout fishing trips on Fort Peck Reservoir, one of Montana’s most renowned trophy fisheries. Fort Peck Reservoir offers vast, deep, and nutrient-rich waters where lake trout thrive, delivering consistent action and true trophy potential year after year.

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the thrill of lake trout jigging on Fort Peck Reservoir, this is your trip. Jigging offers an exciting, hands-on way to target these powerful fish, known for their powerful tail kicks, impressive headshakes, and impressive size. It’s one of the biggest attractions at Get The Net Outfitters and a must-try experience for any serious angler visiting Montana.

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The Fish: Power, Patience, and Reward

Lake trout belong to the char family, close relatives of brook trout and Arctic char and they’re built for the deep. Their large fins, mottled backs, and torpedo shape allow them to cruise efficiently through cold, oxygen-rich water where few other fish venture.

In Montana, these fish can exceed 40 inches in length and weigh over 30 pounds, with occasional giants pushing even higher. They’re long-lived and deliberate feeders, often keying in on schools of kokanee salmon, cisco, or whitefish, depending on the body of water. Hooking one is a test of both patience and persistence — but once the rod bends and the fish dives to the bottom, every minute is worth it.

Where We Fish for Lake Trout

Fort Peck Reservoir

Stretching more than 130 miles, Fort Peck Reservoir is the largest body of water in Montana and one of the best lake trout fisheries in the continental U.S. Its deep basins, steep ledges, and clear water create ideal conditions for healthy, hard-fighting lake trout.

Early and late in the season, lake trout can be found cruising shallower flats and points. During summer and early fall, they move much deeper, often 110 feet or more, hunting baitfish along submerged structure. Fort Peck offers a true big-fish experience, where catching double-digit lakers is always a real possibility and every hookup delivers a powerful fight.

Seasons & Timing

Spring (April – June)

Spring offers some of the most exciting lake trout fishing of the year. As water temperatures warm and baitfish move shallow, lake trout rise into accessible depths. This is prime time for finding big schools of lake trout and jigging them up, with consistent action and the chance to land some of the season’s best fish.

Summer (July – August)

When surface temperatures climb, lake trout retreat to cooler, deeper water, often more than 100 feet down. While summer fishing can be technical and rewarding, we generally give the lake trout a break during this period due to their high mortality rate in warm conditions. Instead, we focus on salmon fishing throughout July and August, though it’s not uncommon to hook into a few lake trout while targeting salmon.

Fall (October – November)

As temperatures drop, lake trout move shallower again, often in preparation for the spawn. Aggressive pre-spawn fish crush jigs and spoons in 40–60 feet of water. This is a favorite time for experienced anglers chasing larger lakers.

Winter (December – March)

Ice fishing for lake trout is a Montana tradition. Using Garmin Livescope sonar, ATVs/UTVs, and heated shelters, we track and target fish suspended near deep breaks and humps. Watching a laker rise on the screen and crush your jig beneath the ice is an experience unlike any other.

Techniques & Tactics

We use a variety of approaches depending on the season and conditions. Every trip is adjusted to match the lake’s mood and the fish’s behavior.

Jigging: Vertical jigging with soft plastic paddletails on ¾ oz and 1 oz jig heads is one of the most effective ways to target lake trout once they’re located on sonar. This hands-on technique delivers powerful strikes and makes for an exciting fishing experience.
Trolling: In open water, trolling allows us to cover large areas and present lures at precise depths using downriggers and planer boards.
Casting: When fish are shallow, long casts with swimbaits or jerkbaits trigger violent strikes from cruising trout.
Ice Fishing: Jigging paddle tails or flutter spoons through the ice while tracking fish movements on Livescope keeps the day fast-paced and interactive.

Each technique requires finesse and attention to detail — from lure speed and color to presentation depth. That’s where our experience makes the difference.

The Lake Trout Experience

Hooking a big laker is pure adrenaline. You’ll feel the weight first as a heavy thump followed by a deep, head-shaking pull. As the fight unfolds, expect long, powerful runs and steady resistance all the way to the net.

Unlike other trout species that leap or dart erratically, lake trout fight with raw torque. Every foot of line gained is earned. And when that fish finally surfaces silver, olive, and marble-patterned it’s a moment that sticks with you forever.

We provide high-quality gear, electronics, and boats built for comfort and control. Whether you’re an experienced angler looking to land your personal best or a newcomer ready for your first trophy fish, we handle everything so you can focus on the fight.

Trip Details

Primary Lakes: Fort Peck Reservoir
Trip Length: Full-day and multi-day trips available
Group Size: Up to 4 anglers per boat (larger groups by request)
Equipment: All rods, reels, tackle, and bait provided
Season: Year-round open water and ice fishing

Multi-day packages are available for anglers who want to maximize their time on the water and explore multiple sections of the lake.

Why Anglers Choose Get The Net OUTFITTERS

Fishing for lake trout requires knowledge of structure, bait movement, and seasonal patterns, and our guides live for it. With decades of combined experience on Fort Peck, we know how to adapt to conditions and put clients on fish.

Every detail of your trip is designed for success and comfort. We operate fully equipped boats featuring top-tier electronics, heated cabins in winter, and all the necessary tackle to tackle deep-water giants. Whether you’re chasing numbers or size, our approach is strategic, patient, and practical.

We don’t just guide, we teach. You’ll leave with a better understanding of how to read water, use sonar, and work the techniques that consistently catch fish.

Book Your Lake Trout Adventure

Lake trout fishing in Montana is an experience that blends power, patience, and unforgettable scenery. From the first light breaking over Fort Peck to its vast green depths, every trip is a reminder of why anglers travel from across the country to fish here.

If you’re ready to feel that unmistakable pull and test your strength against one of Montana’s most impressive game fish, book your trip with Get The Net Outfitters today.

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