Trolling is the most efficient method for covering water and consistently producing trout in lakes and reservoirs. Where wading and casting are limited by access, trolling allows you to systematically work depth ranges, temperature breaks, and fish-holding structure across large bodies of water.
Finding Trout Depth
Trout follow the thermocline — the boundary between warm surface water and cold deep water. In summer, surface water can exceed 70°F while trout hold at 50–60 feet in 55°F water. A fish finder is essential — look for fish arcs on the display, note the depth, and present your lure at that exact depth.
Depth Control Methods
Downriggers — most precise method. A cannonball lowered to a specific depth on cable; the fishing line clips to the cannonball and releases when a fish strikes.
➜ Cannon Uni-Troll Manual Downrigger — Buy on Amazon
Lead core line — sinks approximately 5 feet per 10-yard color segment. Less expensive than downriggers.
➜ Cortland 45lb Lead Core Trolling Line — Buy on Amazon
Snap weights — clipped to the line at set intervals for simple depth control without special equipment.
➜ Off Shore Tackle Snap Weights — Buy on Amazon
Best Trolling Lures
Spoons — most universally effective trout trolling lure. Side-to-side wobble imitates a wounded baitfish.
➜ Sutton Silver Spoon — Buy on Amazon
Rapala Jointed J11 — effective trolling plug for rainbow and brown trout. More action at slower speeds than straight-body plugs.
➜ Rapala Jointed J11 — Buy on Amazon
Dodger and fly combo — a wide attractor that creates flash; a small fly or worm trails behind it. Highly effective on reservoir rainbows.
➜ Sep’s Pro Dodger Assortment — Buy on Amazon
Trolling Speed
Most trout trolling is done at 1.5–3 mph. Rainbows and browns often prefer faster speeds (2–3 mph); lake trout prefer slower (1.5–2 mph). A GPS or speedometer is helpful — estimating speed by feel is inaccurate.
Trolling Gear
Rod: 7–8.5 foot medium or medium-heavy trolling rod with moderate action
➜ Ugly Stik Tiger Lite Trolling Rod — Buy on Amazon
Reel: Level wind or line counter reel for repeating productive presentations
➜ Penn Level Wind Reel — Buy on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should I troll for rainbow trout in summer?
In most lakes during summer, rainbow trout are found at 30–60 feet following the thermocline. Use a fish finder to locate fish and troll your lures at or just above that depth.