Trolling in Quebec: walleye, lake trout and salmon

Why it matters : Cover ground and let the fish tell you where they are — then dial in speed and depth.

Key points

1. 1.You pull lures behind the boat to search large areas quickly until you contact active fish.
2. 2.Two variables decide everything: trolling speed and the depth your lure runs at.
3. 3.Once a fish hits, note your exact speed, depth and lure — then repeat that pass.
4. 4.A sonar (fish finder) is essential to read depth, bottom structure and where fish are holding.

Why it matters : The right tools put your lure exactly where the fish are and keep your lines from tangling.

Key points

1. 1.Downrigger: a heavy weight on a cable carries your lure to a precise depth — the standard way to reach deep fish like lake trout in summer.
2. 2.Planer boards: they push your lines out to the sides, away from the boat, to cover more water and spread multiple rods without tangles.
3. 3.Leadcore (lead core) line: a weighted line that sinks a known amount per colour, a simple way to fish mid-depths without a downrigger.
4. 4.Trolling weights and snap weights: clip-on lead to add depth to a flat line.
5. 5.Sonar: read the exact depth, the bottom and the thermocline so you can place lures in the strike zone.

Why it matters : Match the species and, in summer, the thermocline — the temperature band that concentrates fish.

Key points

1. 1.Slower speeds (1.5–2.5 mph / 2.5–4 km/h) suit walleye and worm harnesses; faster speeds suit salmon and spoons.
2. 2.In summer, fish hold near the thermocline — read it on your sonar and run lures at that depth.
3. 3.Use a downrigger or leadcore to reach deep cold-water fish; flat lines or planer boards for shallow fish.
4. 4.Adjust speed in small steps and watch what triggers strikes — let the fish set the pace.

Why it matters : Different shapes give different action and call to different species.

Key points

1. 1.Spoons: flash and wobble, excellent for lake trout, salmon and pike.
2. 2.Plugs / crankbaits: dive to a set depth and have a tight wobble — versatile for walleye, pike and salmon.
3. 3.Worm harness (spinner + live worm): the classic walleye troll, fished slowly behind a bottom bouncer or weight.
4. 4.Match lure size and colour to the forage and water clarity, and vary until you find the pattern.

Why it matters : Each species sits at a typical depth and speed — start there.

Key points

1. 1.Lake trout (touladi / grey trout): cold water, deep in summer below the thermocline — a downrigger favourite.
2. 2.Walleye (doré): low light and structure edges, trolled slowly with worm harnesses or crankbaits.
3. 3.Salmon and landlocked salmon (ouananiche): open water, faster spoons and plugs near the surface in spring.
4. 4.Pike: weed edges and drop-offs with larger spoons and plugs.
5. 5.Bass: rocky points and flats, crankbaits at moderate speed.

Why it matters : Small adjustments turn a slow day into a good one.

Key points

1. 1.Troll in S-curves and zigzags: the outside lures speed up and the inside ones slow and drop, often triggering followers.
2. 2.Make deliberate turns to change lure speed and depth — many strikes come right in the turn.
3. 3.Space your lines and stagger depths and lengths to cover the water column and avoid tangles.
4. 4.Use line counters or count leadcore colours so you can repeat a productive setup exactly.

Why it matters : Trolling means hours under way — set the boat up safely first.

Key points

1. 1.Carry an approved personal flotation device for everyone aboard and wear it.
2. 2.Keep a steady lookout and respect other boaters, swimmers and no-wake zones.
3. 3.Check the weather before heading out and watch for changing wind on open water.
4. 4.Mind your speed and props near lines, nets and people in the boat.