Here at Arctic Lodges on Reindeer Lake, August is one of our favourite times to chase lake trout. The days are warm, the lake is alive, and the fishing? Let’s just say it gets serious.
Lake trout, known affectionately as lakers, are one of the most sought-after fish in these waters. They’re deep, elusive, and powerful, with a quiet kind of intensity that makes every catch feel earned. They might not leap out of the water like Northern Pike, but when you finally connect with one, you’ll feel it all the way down to your boots.
If you’re planning a trip or just dreaming about getting out on the water, here’s what makes these deep-water giants so special—and how you can land one this summer.
What Makes Lake Trout So Unique
Lakers are part of the char family, not technically trout, but they’re definitely in a league of their own. These fish are old souls. Some live over 40 years, and many of the big ones we catch have been lurking in the depths longer than most of us have been fishing.
Why lake trout are worth the chase:
- They get big. Trophy lakers in Reindeer Lake often reach 20 to 40+ lbs
- They live deep. Especially in summer, you’ve got to go find them (and it’s worth the effort)
- They fight slow and steady. It’s not a flashy fight, but it’s a strong, stubborn one
- They look incredible. Sleek, silvery, and covered in unique markings
- They reward patience. You won’t catch one every cast, but when you do, it’s unforgettable
In August, lakers are usually down deep, staying cool while the surface temps rise. But that doesn’t mean they’re out of reach.
Where Lake Trout Hang Out in Late Summer
By the time August rolls around, lake trout are chasing cooler water. At Reindeer Lake, that often means they’re holding in deeper zones—sometimes 60, 80, or even 100+ feet down.
Where you’ll find them this time of year:
- Deep basins and channels with structure
Rocky ledges and underwater drop-offs that give them good ambush spots - Thermoclines — temperature layers in the lake where the water is cold but still oxygen-rich
- Deeper pockets near main lake points, especially in the morning when they’re more active
The lake is massive, filled with thousands of islands and endless underwater structure. Our guides spend all summer on the water, so they know exactly where these fish like to hang, even as the temps shift throughout the day.
How to Catch Lake Trout in August
Catching lake trout in late summer is a different game than spring or fall. You’re often fishing deep, but with the right setup, it can be incredibly productive—and a ton of fun.
Techniques we use regularly in August:
- Trolling: One of the most effective summer strategies. Use downriggers or lead-core line to run big spoons, crankbaits, or flasher rigs deep where the trout are holding.
- Vertical jigging: Once you’ve marked them on the fish finder, drop a heavy jig or soft plastic straight down and work it slowly.
- Drifting: If conditions allow, drifting over deeper holes with jigs or swimbaits can produce some big bites.
- Targeting early mornings or cooler, overcast days: That’s often when trout come up just a little shallower to feed.
Gear to bring or borrow from us:
- Medium-heavy rods with a solid backbone
Braided mainline for sensitivity, paired with a fluorocarbon leader - 3- to 6-inch tube jigs, swimbaits, spoons, and flutter lures in colors like white, silver, chartreuse, or fire tiger
- Electronics (fish finder) for locating depth and thermoclines
And yes, fly fishing is possible, but better earlier in the season when trout are shallow. Still, if you’re up for the challenge and have sinking line, it’s not out of the question.
What It Feels Like to Hook a Lake Trout
A lake trout fight doesn’t start with a crash—it starts with weight. You’ll feel that thump, that resistance, and then… the slow, steady pull of a fish that’s not in a rush to come up.
Expect this:
- A deep, stubborn tug that builds as the fish realizes it’s hooked
Powerful dives back toward bottom - Long, grinding battles that challenge your gear and your arms
- That magic moment when the fish breaks the surface, and you finally see what you’ve been fighting
You won’t forget that feeling. It’s the kind of fish story that sticks with you, not because it was flashy, but because you earned it.
Why We Practice Catch and Release for Lake Trout
At Arctic Lodges, we’re proud to run a catch-and-release program for all our trophy fish, including lake trout. These are long-lived, slow-growing fish. Releasing them means someone else can have the same experience you did… and maybe that trout gets just a little bigger for the next round.
Why it matters:
- Lake trout can live decades. It takes years to reach trophy size
- Healthy ecosystems mean more consistent fishing year after year
- Every released fish is a future memory waiting to happen
Watching a huge trout swim off strong? That might be the best part of the whole trip.
Are You Ready to Chase One?
August is an amazing time to be up here at Reindeer Lake. The days are long, the weather is perfect, and the lake trout are deep, but catchable—with a little skill and a little patience.
Whether you’re a veteran angler looking to cross a 40-pounder off your list, or just hoping to catch your first laker, our guides will make sure your time on the water is something to remember.
Come fish with us at Arctic Lodges and see for yourself why this lake has a reputation for producing some of the best freshwater fishing in the world.