live in simcoe, want to fish for trout, brook, rainbow and brown, and lake trout

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

**Seasonal snapshot (early winter):** Simcoe's waters are cooling fast. With overcast skies and water temps dipping, trout slow their metabolism but bite more consistently in low-light windows. Expect better action at dawn/dusk and under the ice if conditions permit. Temperature today around 31.6 (units in dataset) suggests chilly, water is likely in the 0–4 C range in deeper spots. Keep safety in mind for any ice.

**Gear cheat sheet:**
- Ultralight to light rod (4–6 lb test) for brook, rainbow and brown; 2–4 lb for more finesse. 
- Lake trout jigging setup: medium-light to medium rod with 6–12 lb line, jigging spoons 1/4–1/2 oz and tube jigs. 
- Terminal tackle: small jig heads (1/16–1/8 oz) for trout in shallow bays; heavier jig heads for depth. Wax worms, minnows, and soft plastics for lures; glow colors and chartreuse work well in dim light. 
- Ice safety gear if you go ice fishing: ice picks, flotation, spud bar, buddy system.

**Species-by-species tactics (Simcoe area):**
- Brook Trout: focus on creeks and cold pockets near the lake. Use small jigs (1/16–1/8 oz) with wax worm or live minnow; colors like blue, green, and white glow in low light. Fish near structure and under bridges. 
- Rainbow Trout: look for deeper bays and near structure where they hold in winter. Try small spoons and minnow imitations; drift or slow retrieve under an under-ice hole. 
- Brown Trout: often winter feeding on terrestrials and smaller bait; use drab to natural colors on subtle retrieves; look for deeper pockets near inflows. 
- Lake Trout: target deeper water with jigging spoons or tube jigs; downsize to glow jigs in deeper water; consider a jigging cadence of vertical drops with subtle tip taps.

**Tactics and timing tips:**
- Early winter bite windows: mornings and late afternoons, plus any overcast days. 
- Use sonar to locate depth contours and weedlines on the lake; depth ranges of interest: brook/rainbow near 3–25 ft; lake trout often 50+ ft when iced over. 
- Move strategically; stay mobile if the bite stalls and check ice thickness if going on water.

**Resources to get you started:**
- YouTube:
  - [Ice Fishing Lake Trout on Lake Simcoe! (Solo Trip)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3niGYdWsgg8)
  - [How to Jig Lake Trout Through the Ice - Ice Fishing Lake George](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-fk7EZYcCU)
  - [Ice fishing lake trout on BABINE LAKE (first lake trout on the tube jig)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRJCUvet6-4)
  - [Big Brook Trout Ice Fishing | Under Water Footage 2018](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsKequbPU8Y)
  - [GoPro underwater video of Cisco Herring ice fishing on Lake Simcoe](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWSZmf-RIgc)
  - [Ice Fishing for Rainbow Trout | Lyon's Lake Manitoba](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbtaYCUp0Z0)

- Amazon gear picks:
  - [FONMANG 126Pcs Fishing Lures - 2025 New Tackle Box](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DTH8MXB4?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [TRUSCEND Easy Catch Swimmax - Lifelike swimbait](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GP1DL4K?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [Fishing Lures Multi Jointed Fish Fishing Kits](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J4CR24K?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

If you want, I can tailor a 1-day, 2-day, or week plan around your exact spots on Lake Simcoe and nearby streams. Tight lines and stay warm out there! 🧊🎣

live in simcoe, want to fish for trout, brook, rainbow and brown, and lake trout

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🎣 Simcoe, Ontario, Canada

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