To catch more lake trout this spring, adopt a comprehensive game plan. Here’s how

#2  BE METHODICAL

When fishing for springtime lakers, I often try to hit as many spots as possible by running-and-gunning—fishing fast to cover more water. This is a proven tactic that increases the odds of finding your quarry. But what if you know fish are on a spot, but your fishing technique doesn’t entice a bite? That’s when a deliberate process of elimination can put more fish in your boat. I now use several different techniques on each spot, changing between casting and jigging to effectively cover all portions of the water column. The goal is to find the particular action, motion or bait that triggers a feeding response.

Depending on the time of the season and time of day, lakers can be found in all sections of the water column around shallow structures. When fishing such structure, I try to envision the water column from top to bottom, and make sure I’m bringing my bait through each section of it. My goal is to present the lure in a way that the fish will see it, hopefully initiating a predatory response. Due to their insatiable appetite and transient nature, lakers love the thrill of the chase and will regularly follow your bait from more than 30 feet away.