Large, deep-water char with silver-gray bodies and light spots. Powerful fighters and long-lived apex predators in cold, deep mountain lakes.
Where to Catch: Deep, clear lakes with rocky structure, drop-offs, and shoals; moves shallower during spring and fall.
Best Time to Fish: Ice-off to early summer in shallow zones; late summer and winter over deep humps, ridges, and points.
| Season | Activity |
|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Excellent right after ice-off; fish cruise shallow flats and shoals chasing baitfish. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Fair to Good; fish move deep (50–100+ ft); use downriggers or heavy jigs. |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Good pre-spawn; fish move shallow again to gravelly shorelines and points. |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Very good ice fishing over deep structure; use large tube jigs or spoons tipped with bait. |
Peak Season: May–early June and September–October.
Tackle & Tips
Lures: 3–6″ white tube jigs, heavy spoons, deep-diving crankbaits.
Bait: Minnows or cut bait where legal.
Leaders: 10–15 lb fluorocarbon for clear lakes; heavier if targeting trophy fish.
Gear: Medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting outfits for trolling/jigging; 8–10 wt fly rods for streamer work in shallow water.
