Fishing: Tackle

When you come to Milton Lake for the big ones, having the right tackle will make the fishing more fun, and more successful. We provide our guests with complimentary rods and reels, including St. Croix baitcasting and spinning rods with Shimano reels, and Sage fly rods and reels.

Here are our tackle recommendations for the species you will be catching:

Arctic grayling:

They are quick to take a fly, and likely to jump when hooked. Use wet or dry flies, nymphs, or small spinning lures and natural bait.

Lake trout:

Lake trout like to fight a determined battle underwater, so you won't see them leaping. But you will know it when you have one on the line. Try trolling with spoons or minnow-shaped crank baits on wire-line rigs or downriggers. You can also bottomfish for them with large jigs.

Northern pike:

Known locally as jackfish, they are relatively easy to catch because they are natural predators and will go for the bait. The best lures are big spoons, spinners and jerkbaits, but they will attack any artificial bait that looks big enough for a meal. Use a wire leader so the line will not be sheared off by the pike's sharp teeth. When hooked, pike may leap or thrash on the surface, then make powerful runs.

Milton Lake Lodge will provide you with complimentary fishing gear for your stay at the lodge. This includes only the finest rods, reels and waders.

We exclusively use Sage rods, reels and line for fly fishing (photo at right). We have Simms waders and boots for those wanting to wade. We use only St. Croix bait casting and spinning rods coupled with high-end Shimano reels for hard tackle fishing (photo above).