Hi Sue, this is a bit late but yes I own a down-rigger but have never used it much. I was raised to use wireline for lake trout and found it difficult to get away from. The largest I have ever caught was 22 Lbs. many years ago. I don't hear of any that size in the Kingston area anymore. Most of our deep, cold lake trout lakes are ringed with cottages and permanent homes and many run night-lines baited with herring anytime they wish. This invariably catches larger trout. This is illegal, of course, but MNR just dosen't have the staff to do anything about it.

As I get older & more feeble I may strap the down-rigger onto the boat & give it a try. In conjunction with a fish-finder they should be a dynamite fish catcher.

My Fav' part of fishing lake trout was in the eating  We had a couple of ways to prepare it & there was no better fare to be had.

 

I would be wary of fishing Gitchigumi as it takes 'superior' skills & boats & know-how that we just don't require on the back lakes. Folks find this to be true of Lake 'Minimata' out in front of Kingston, as well. When that wind comes up suddenly and the big waves start to roll it's best to have an experienced person with you.

Good Luck,  Ed -