Marlin Coulombe of Sacramento, CA caught the largest lake trout (mackinaw) of 2007 on August 2. The Fiat-sized beast measured 51 inches long, had a 33-inch girth and weighed a whopping 69.4 pounds. The fish was taken from Great Bear Lake in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
The fish ate a special 16-inch AC Plug built by Allen Cole that Coulombe had his taxidermist custom paint to look like a grayling…the laker’s favorite food. The fish was hooked while trolling with guide Robin Stewart of Trophy Lodge in 40 to 50 feet of water.
The best part of the story, however, is…
This huge momma was released to fight again!
The fish grow very slow that far north in the short summers, so a laker that size can be as old as your grandfather. To maintain the quality trophy fishery, all the big trout need to be released.
And just how good is the fishery at Great Bear? The very next day, Coulombe caught and released a “shaker” 55 pounder. During his one-week stay, Coulombe said that there were 19 guests at the lodge and it took a 42 pounder just to get into the top 12 largest fish of the week!
Most of the fish were caught on trolled T-60 Flatfish and big spoons. Of the Flatfish, Coulombe says…
“If they made a T-70, we’d use it!”
In addition to the monster lakers, there are also some very large grayling and huge northern pike as well. During his trip, Coulombe also caught the largest northern of his life, a 24 pounder.
For more info on fishing Great Slave, you can go to: www.sportstravelassociates.com
vince cicalese jr. says
Wow! fat and sassy perfect catch and release.
goldbuster says
I used to fish for those in O'Dell Lake in Oregon. State record is about 38lb. Unfortunately I wasn't so lucky.
trout lover says
thats a huge fish man good job!
frank leroy says
fucking nice fish bud!
trout trolling says
that is a small trout man LOL, just kidding. Wow that is a big boy to say the least.
40-50 feet of water huh, man I wish they came that big in our lakes down here WOW.
Imaging trying to troll for that trout WOWEE!