May 16, 2026

Ice-out is over in Minnesota but still underway in northwestern Ontario, and for many anglers, that means it is time to catch lake trout. These deep-water denizens will start to move a bit shallower as the sun’s rays hit the open water and spring is a prime time to target them.
Hundreds of inland lakes hold lake trout in northwestern Ontario and some of those lakes grow them big. Here are five key presentations for spring lakers. These techniques will work for northern Minnesota lakes yet this spring, too.

Among my many and various flaws, I will count among the worst my acute impatience with the “shoulder” seasons of the year. Fall, when the boats are put away and the ice is still too thin to safely get out on. Spring before the walleyes start snapping. I chafe at the limited opportunities. I get grumpy.
Spring though, offers some relief (for me, and the people forced to be around me) in the form of stream trout. Folks don’t think of stream trout when it comes to Minnesota, but maybe they should.