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The Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) is a species of freshwater char native to northern portions of North America, including Great Lakes, New England, and Alaska. They are also native to the St. Mary and Missouri River drainages in Montana.
Lake trout are also known as mackinaw.
They are the largest char species. The world-record lake trout, caught in Canada’s Northwest Territories, weighed 72 pounds (32.65 kg).
Lake trout have been introduced across much of the West. In waters where they threaten native species, such as bull trout and cutthroat trout, they are considered invasive.
Lake Trout. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service photo.
Angler Challenges
The lake trout is included Western Native Trout Challenge but only catches in Alaska qualify.
See rules for this challenge and state regulations for restrictions.
Additional Reading
Montana Field Guide: Lake Trout — Salvelinus namaycush by Montana Natural Heritage Program and Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks
Trout and Salmon of North America by Robert Behnke
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