Lake Trout

Salvelinus namaycush

Common Names: laker, gray trout, togue, namycush

A deeply forked tail and spotted or mottled dark back and sides simplify the identification of this species. Pigmentation variations  that reflect the clarity of the water, light penetration, and substrate colors are not unusual. Lakers live to a relatively old age of 20-30 years and, they normally do not reach sexual maturity until they are 6-8 years of age. To help ensure natural recruitment a slot size limit has been implemented to protect these year classes. Currently, all fish from 25" to 30" must be released.

Note:  The N.Y.S. Dept. of Environmental Conservation is currently evaluating  changes to future (2006) regulations that will permit the inclusion of one "slot fish" within the daily creel limit.