When summer heats up and surface temperatures soar, trout head for the cooler, oxygen-rich depths of lakes and reservoirs. For anglers, this seasonal migration means adjusting tactics, and one of the most time-tested and effective methods is lead lining. Lead core line trolling allows you to present your lures or bait in the strike zone—often 20 to 50 feet or more below the surface—where trout stay during the dog days of summer.
What is Lead Core Line?
Lead core line consists of a nylon or Dacron sheath wrapped around a thin lead wire. The weight of the lead allows the line to sink progressively deeper as more color-coded segments are let out. Most lead core line is marked in 10-yard color segments, giving anglers an easy visual reference to determine their depth.
-
1 color (10 yards) = roughly 5 feet of depth at trolling speed (around 1.8–2.5 mph), though this can vary with lure size, trolling speed, and water resistance.
Why Lead Lining Works in Summer
Trout, especially species like lake trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout, become lethargic in warm surface water. Their metabolism slows, and they seek out the thermocline—a middle layer of cooler, stable water. Lead lining allows you to reach this thermocline without needing downriggers, making it an affordable and simple alternative for deep trolling.
Gear You Need
-
Lead Core Reel Setup: Use a large-capacity trolling reel with a sturdy rod (typically medium-heavy with a slow to moderate action).
-
Backing Line: Start with 100–150 yards of monofilament or braid as backing.
-
Lead Core Line: Spool on 5–10 colors depending on target depth and reel size.
-
Leader: Attach a 10–20 foot fluorocarbon or monofilament leader to reduce visibility and increase lure action.
-
Lures: Use spoons (like Mooselook Wobblers, Suttons, or Needlefish), small crankbaits, or streamer flies.
Trolling Techniques
-
Mark the Thermocline: Use a fish finder to locate the thermocline or mark fish suspending at specific depths.
-
Match Depth with Color: Let out enough colors of lead line to hit the target depth.
-
Adjust Speed: A slower troll (1.8–2.2 mph) often works best in warm water when trout are sluggish.
-
S-Turns: Use gentle S-curves while trolling to vary the speed and direction of your lure naturally.
-
Change Lures Often: If you're marking fish but not getting strikes, try changing the size, color, or action of your lure.
Best Times and Locations
-
Early morning or late evening: Trout feed more actively during cooler parts of the day.
-
Deep points, drop-offs, and channels: Focus your efforts in areas where deep water is easily accessible to trout.
-
Suspended fish: Trout often suspend in open water during summer. Don’t be afraid to troll the middle of the lake.
Lead lining is a classic, effective method for catching trout when they head for the depths in summer. It’s simple, affordable, and doesn’t require the complexity of a downrigger setup. With the right presentation and depth control, you’ll be able to put your lure right in the strike zone and enjoy consistent action—even in the warmest months of the year. Lead core trolling should be part of every serious summer trout angler’s playbook.