I've been really hoping to do an overnight trip to Wachusett Reservoir to hook into my first Lake Trout. The only thing I need to figure out is what baits to use. Through MAFF I learned about using yellow perch on an egg sinker rig. My idea was to either catch a bunch of yellow perch and throw them in a bait bucket or just use shiners. My other rod would be mainly spoons. Does this plan sound good and does anyone have suggestions for baits I may have more success on?
Big perch for big lakers. Or big fallfish for big lakers. But if your goal is just to catch a laker, you're probably better off with shiners.
It's hard to get a good supply of 3 inch yellow perch (although this is the prime bait), and bigger perch will lead to bigger trout, but far less trout. I'd go with shiners or creek chubs (if you can trap/catch them) from 3-4 inches.
It's hard to get a good supply of 3 inch yellow perch (although this is the prime bait), and bigger perch will lead to bigger trout, but far less trout. I'd go with shiners or creek chubs (if you can trap/catch them) from 3-4 inches.
Best time to go is early spring or late fall. It is possible to catch in the summer( I caught my biggest mid july) but less likely n deep water a must. Most deep spots will be a good walk. Small sun fish also a great bait. Pike shiners if u use shiners. If u r doing an over night I would til spring. If u r going to drop that kind of money. My biggest was caught on a 6in fall fish.
I like gate 8. Can't tell u exact spot hard to describe. Also gate 35 also known as the rook. About a 40 min walk to the rook up a hill. Not for the weak. But some of the deepest water from shore. And some say best fishing on the res. If u r fishing live bait def need a plan. It is a long walk with bait bucket.
none throw live bait far. I think 30 yards out is the maximum. Don't even waste your time throwing live bait in the summer try to catch lake trout, simply because they are not in the water column your live bait is. They stay in the water column about 55 degree. That means 50 feet plus in depth in thermocline. I do see people catch lake trout in the summer. Use metal spoon like kastmaster, deadly dick, not flutter spoon like krocodile.