How to troll for Muskie

When it comes to learning how to troll for muskie, you must consider the boat will be moving faster than you might expect. For sure, that can give you a notion of how fast these fish swim.

As a matter of fact, you may be surprised how much tension there is on the line during trolling for muskie. And believe it or not, but it’ll be more tension than the one you would feel reeling in a big walleye.

Now, there are some aspects to have in mind in order to understand at the fullest how to troll for muskie. That’s why, here at Totem Resorts, we’re giving you a little guide so you can learn how to troll these fast guys in Lake of the Woods.

The good thing about trolling

Trolling, as opposed to casting, enables you to offer lures at constant depths and speeds over large areas of water.

Since muskies tend to cover a lot of ground, even more in large lakes, trolling allows you to find active fish instead of waiting for them to approach you.

Thus, trolling is for sure a good way of getting some nice results when fishing for muskie.

The gear and setup are essential

Muskie trolling demands stout equipment. Therefore, you must look for rods with strong backbones and reels with high line capacity.

In addition to that, try to use 80-100 lb test for durability and minimal stretch. Like that, you’ll be able to count with better hooksets.

Moreover, steel or fluorocarbon leaders (130+ lb test) can grant you some protection against the muskie’s sharp teeth. And this can be quite useful.

Speed, depth, structure

Muskies have a reputation for being temperamental. Hence, they will need to crawl at a modest 2 mph one day then chase a lure at 5 mph the next.

So, try to maintain your lures in the strike zone, which is typically close to drop-offs, weed edges, or underwater structures. To achieve this, you must change your speed from time to time and use sonar to check the depth.

Without a doubt, depth is rather important. Therefore, you can improve your presentation by using tools like lead-core line, planer boards, and downriggers.

Best time and location for trolling muskie

When muskies go to deeper water and bulk up before winter, the peak trolling season often occurs in late summer to early fall.

Now, for the location, the best places are sizable lakes, reservoirs, and river networks that are home to muskies.

As a plus, you should know the most productive times tend to be in the early morning and late at night.

Enhancing your trolling skills!

Now, to enhance your skills when it comes to trolling for muskie, you must always sharpen your hooks. And that’s because muskies have bony mouths.

Besides that, try to troll multiple lines legally if allowed. However, space them at different depths and use different lures to test patterns. As a plus, when you get a strike, don’t rush it. Instead, set the hook hard, and be ready for a battle!

Still, by trolling, our guides can help place your lure where a muskie may strike, covering more water than hundreds of casts.

But just remember trolling can provide an attractive alternative to casting and under some conditions may be preferable. So, master how to troll for muskie, stay vigilant and be ready for a muskie to take the bait!