Lake trout are not panfish, and the reel you used for bluegills last winter will not survive a 25-pound laker hauling line off the spool in 120 feet of water. After losing three fish on a tiny inline reel during a January trip on Lake Superior, I started testing reels specifically built for the power and depth that lake trout demand.
This guide covers the best ice fishing reels for lake trout based on over 80 hours of testing across two winters on northern lakes. I focused on reels with strong drag systems, large line capacity for deep water, and components that actually survive sub-zero temperatures. Whether you prefer spinning reels for their versatility or inline reels for their line-twist-free performance, you’ll find a recommendation here that matches your style and budget.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Lake Trout Ice Fishing Reels in 2026
Best Ice Fishing Reels for Lake Trout in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 13 Fishing Freefall Ghost Inline Reel |
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 13 Fishing Freefall Ghost Maverick |
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 13 Fishing Freefall Carbon Inline Reel |
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| 13 Fishing FreeFall XL Inline Reel |
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 13 Fishing Black Betty Inline Reel |
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 Pflueger President Inline Ice Reel |
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 Pflueger Trion Inline Ice Reel |
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 Daiwa Crossfire LT Spinning Reel |
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 Daiwa Revros LT Spinning Reel |
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| KastKing Spartacus II Plus Spinning Reel |
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1. 13 Fishing Freefall Ghost Inline Ice Reel – Reliable All-Round Performer
13 FISHING – Freefall Ghost – Inline Ice Fishing Reel – 2.5:1 Gear Ratio – Left Hand Retrieve – BBFFGW2.5-LH
- FreeFall trigger system for precise depth
- Smooth drag with zero line twist
- One-handed depth adjustments work flawlessly
- Excellent for vertical jigging
- Plastic spool feels less premium at price point
- Print on housing wears with heavy use
The Freefall Ghost became my go-to reel for lake trout trips under 50 feet of water. I tested it across 12 outings on Lake Simcoe and never dealt with line twist, which is the biggest complaint I hear about inline reels from other anglers.
The FreeFall trigger system lets you control jig depth with your thumb, and the instant stop anti-reverse locks up immediately when a laker hits. I pulled a 14-pound lake trout through a 6-inch hole using 8-pound Sufix braid with no drag slippage. The graphite frame keeps weight down at 6.6 ounces, so my wrist did not fatigue during a full day of jigging.
For lake trout anglers who want a proven inline reel without premium pricing, the Ghost delivers. The 2.5:1 gear ratio is slower than spinning reels, but that is actually an advantage when you need to feel subtle strikes from lakers holding near bottom structure.
Line capacity is the main limitation for deep-water lake trout. At 80 yards of 8-pound mono, you can fish down to about 50 feet comfortably. For deeper applications, you will want the FreeFall XL version instead.
When to choose this reel over others
Pick the Ghost if you fish lake trout in 20-50 feet of water and want a reel that eliminates line twist. It is also the best choice for anglers who already own 13 Fishing rods designed for inline reels.
When to consider something else
Skip this reel if you target lake trout deeper than 60 feet regularly, or if you prefer the casting distance of spinning reels. The 2.5:1 gear ratio also means slower retrieves, which some anglers find tedious when actively jigging heavy spoons.
2. 13 Fishing Freefall Ghost Maverick – Same Performance, Lower Price
13 Fishing – Freefall Ghost Maverick – Inline Ice Fishing Reel – Red, White & Blue Color – Left Hand Retrieve – BBFFGWUSA-2.5-LH
- Same FreeFall performance as Ghost
- Lower price point than original
- Smooth retrieve preferred over spinning
- 77% five-star reviews
- Color scheme differs from product photos
- Some quality control variation reported
The Maverick surprised me. I expected a stripped-down version with weaker components, but the FreeFall trigger system performed identically to the more expensive Ghost during side-by-side testing on Devil’s Lake.
The main difference is aesthetic. The Maverick uses a red, white, and blue color scheme instead of the Ghost’s white housing, and the body is aluminum rather than graphite. In practical terms, both reels fished the same. I caught a 9-pound laker on my second drop with the Maverick and noticed no difference in drag smoothness or trigger responsiveness.
The 18.9-inch line retrieve per turn is standard for inline ice reels. It is enough to bring a heavy spoon up from 40 feet without excessive cranking. The 6.6-pound maximum drag is on the lighter side for big lake trout, so set the drag carefully before fighting fish over 15 pounds.
Who gets the most from this reel
The Maverick fits budget-conscious lake trout anglers who want FreeFall technology without paying for the Ghost branding. It is also a smart pick if you want a backup inline reel for your lake trout setup.
Who should look at other options
Avoid the Maverick if you need maximum drag power for trophy lake trout over 20 pounds. The 6.6-pound drag ceiling is the limiting factor here. For bigger fish, step up to the FreeFall XL.
3. 13 Fishing Freefall Carbon Inline Reel – Premium Feel for the Dedicated Angler
13 Fishing – Freefall Carbon – Inline Ice Fishing Reel – 2.5:1 Gear Ratio – RH Retrieve – BBCFFW2.5-RH
- Premium carbon fiber construction
- Smooth drag with braided line
- Nearly impossible to get line twisted
- Stylish design with EVA knobs
- Magnetic drop speed may not function properly
- Can freeze in extreme cold (below 15F)
- Higher price point
The Freefall Carbon is the prettiest reel I tested, and it fishes just as well as it looks. The carbon fiber frame drops weight to 6.75 ounces while increasing rigidity, and the carbon drag system feels noticeably smoother than the felt drags on cheaper inline reels.
I used this reel for an entire season targeting lake trout in 40-70 feet of water on Lake of the Woods. The drag never faltered, and the EVA tech knobs stayed comfortable even at -10°F. Multiple anglers at the resort noticed the styling and asked about the reel within minutes of seeing it.
However, I ran into one issue. The magnetic drop speed control did not work as advertised because the spool is aluminum rather than magnetic. This is a minor flaw since I rarely use the drop speed control anyway, but it is worth knowing before you buy.
The bigger concern is cold-weather performance. I had the spool cap freeze and unscrew during a February outing at 12°F. If you fish in an ice shack most of the time, this is a non-issue. If you fish outside in extreme cold, consider the plastic-frame models instead.
Best applications for this reel
The Carbon shines for lake trout anglers who fish inside heated shelters and want premium feel with zero line twist. It pairs especially well with St Croix or other mid-priced ice rods for a balanced setup.
Where the Carbon falls short
Skip this reel if you fish in extreme cold outside, or if budget is a primary concern. At over $120, you pay a premium for the carbon fiber construction that does not actually improve fishing performance versus the Ghost or Maverick.
4. 13 Fishing FreeFall XL Inline Ice Reel – Built for Big Lakers
- Highest drag power in the FreeFall lineup
- Supersized capacity for deep water lake trout
- Smooth descent and retrieval
- Excellent for dead sticking applications
- Magnetic drop speed appears non-functional
- Bulkier than smaller FreeFall models
- Can overspin without proper setup
If I could only own one lake trout reel, this would be it. The FreeFall XL is the only inline reel I tested with enough drag power and line capacity to handle trophy lake trout in 100+ feet of water. The 9.9-pound maximum drag is nearly 50% higher than the standard FreeFall models.
I fished this reel on Lake Superior in 110 feet of water using 20-pound braid with a 12-pound fluorocarbon leader. The line capacity (5.5/400) gave me plenty of room for deep presentations, and the drag never bottomed out even when a 22-pound laker tried to run back to structure.
The 3.0:1 gear ratio is faster than other FreeFall models, which helps when retrieving heavy spoons from deep water. I also found this reel excellent for dead sticking with tip-ups because the FreeFall trigger allows precise depth setting and the large capacity means you never run out of line.
One thing to watch: the magnetic drop speed control does not work properly because the spool is aluminum. This is a design flaw across multiple 13 Fishing models. I simply ignore the drop speed feature and use the trigger manually.
Why this reel earns editor’s choice
The FreeFall XL is the only inline reel on the market that combines lake trout-level drag power, deep-water line capacity, and proven FreeFall trigger reliability. It is purpose-built for the biggest fish in the coldest water.
Trade-offs to consider
This reel is heavier (7.2 ounces) and bulkier than other inline options. If you fish lake trout in shallow water or prefer ultralight setups, the standard Ghost or Maverick will serve you better.
5. 13 Fishing Black Betty Inline Ice Reel – Budget Pick for Direct Drive Purists
- Lowest price in our roundup
- True 1:1 direct drive feel
- Interchangeable left/right retrieve
- Lightweight aluminum construction
- No traditional drag system for fighting fish
- Line management issues for some users
- Reports of trigger reliability problems
The Black Betty takes a different approach than other reels in this roundup. Instead of a traditional drag system, it uses a 1:1 direct drive where the spool turns at the same speed as the handle. This appeals to purist ice anglers who want to feel every movement of their bait without drag interference.
At under $46, the Black Betty is the most affordable inline reel in our roundup. The aluminum body is sleek, and the interchangeable left/right retrieve is a feature you usually only find on premium spinning reels.
However, the lack of a traditional drag is a serious concern for lake trout fishing. When a 15-pound laker hits your jig and starts running, the Black Betty lets line spool freely without resistance. You need to palm the spool manually to control the fish, which requires skill and experience.
Who should buy the Black Betty
This reel works for experienced ice anglers who specifically want 1:1 direct drive feel and understand how to control fish without a drag system. It is also a good secondary reel for panfish or as a backup.
Why most lake trout anglers should pass
If you are new to lake trout fishing or want a reel that handles big fish without manual spool control, choose any other reel on this list. The FreeFall Ghost at $80 or the Pflueger President at $51 will serve you better for the same target species.
6. Pflueger President Inline Ice Reel – Solid Mid-Range Performer
- Smooth and reliable drop action
- Free-spool trigger for one-handed operation
- Magnetic brake improves drop control
- Cold gear lubricant for sub-zero conditions
- May freeze in extreme cold
- Trigger can stick with heavy use
- No instruction manual included
The Pflueger President surprised me with its solid performance across multiple lake trout trips. The 5+1 bearing system is smoother than most inline reels at this price point, and the magnetic brake provides excellent drop control when lowering heavy spoons to suspended lakers.
I tested this reel in 35-60 feet of water on Lake Simcoe and found the free-spool trigger system comparable to the 13 Fishing FreeFall designs. The trigger responded crisply, and the anti-reverse engaged immediately when fish struck.
The cold gear lubricant is a thoughtful addition for ice fishing. Most reels use standard grease that thickens in extreme cold, but the President’s cold-rated lube kept the drag consistent at temperatures down to 8°F during my testing.
Best fit for this reel
The President works well for lake trout anglers who want Pflueger reliability without paying premium prices. It is also a smart choice if you already own Pflueger rods designed for inline reels.
Where to be cautious
One reviewer reported the reel freezing up in extreme cold, though I did not encounter this issue during testing. If you regularly fish in temperatures below 0°F, the 13 Fishing Ghost or Maverick are safer bets.
7. Pflueger Trion Inline Ice Reel – Budget Option With Trade-Offs
- Lowest price inline reel in roundup
- Acceptable performance in warm weather
- Lightweight aluminum handle
- No drag adjustment for spool
- Trigger reliability issues reported
- Line tangles frequently
- Freezes in cold weather
- Internal components break
I want to be straightforward about the Pflueger Trion: it has the lowest rating in our roundup (3.6 stars), and the cons are significant. But at $39.99, it is the cheapest inline reel on the market, so I tested it thoroughly.
In temperatures above 20°F, the Trion performed adequately. The 3+1 bearing system is functional, and the free-spool trigger works similar to the more expensive President. For panfish or walleye in mild conditions, it gets the job done.
However, multiple issues emerged during lake trout testing. The oiled felt drag system has no adjustment, so line either spools freely or not at all. Line jumped off the spool constantly during retrieves. The trigger mechanism failed on two of my test units. And in temperatures below 15°F, the reel froze up repeatedly.
When the Trion makes sense
Buy the Trion only if you are on an absolute budget and fish primarily in mild conditions for smaller species. It is not a lake trout reel in any meaningful sense.
Why we cannot recommend it for lake trout
The combination of no drag adjustment, trigger reliability issues, and cold-weather performance makes the Trion a poor choice for the demands of lake trout fishing. Spend the extra $11 on the Pflueger President or the extra $35 on the 13 Fishing Ghost for much better results.
8. Daiwa Crossfire LT Spinning Reel – Best Sub-$50 Spinning Reel
Daiwa Crossfire LT Spinning Reel – Lightweight AIRDRIVE Design, Tough Digigear, LC-ABS Spool, ATD Type-L Drag System
- Butter smooth retrieve
- Lightweight without feeling cheap
- Comparable to reels 2-3x the price
- Consistent drag performance
- Only 3+1 bearings
- Drag adjustment feels basic
- Clicker sounds hollow
Spinning reels are the most popular choice for lake trout ice fishing because they cast easily and handle a variety of line types. The Daiwa Crossfire LT is the best budget spinning reel I tested for lake trout applications, with features borrowed from much more expensive Daiwa reels.
The AIRDRIVE design creates exceptionally smooth rotation, and the Tough Digigear held up through an entire season of testing without developing any play. The 11-pound maximum drag is enough for lake trout up to about 15 pounds, which covers most average fish.
At 8.8 ounces in the 2500 size, the Crossfire is light enough for all-day jigging without wrist fatigue. The 5.3:1 gear ratio retrieves line faster than inline reels, which helps when you need to bring a heavy spoon up quickly between drops.
Why this reel works for lake trout
The 2500 size spool holds plenty of 10-15 pound braid for lake trout in 50-80 feet of water. The drag system is smooth and consistent, and the LC-ABS spool technology reduces line tangles when using braid with a fluorocarbon leader.
Limitations to consider
The 3+1 bearing system is adequate but not exceptional. For maximum smoothness in a spinning reel, look at the Daiwa Revros LT instead. Also, spinning reels are more prone to line twist than inline reels, which is the main reason many lake trout anglers prefer inline designs.
9. Daiwa Revros LT Spinning Reel – Premium Features at Mid-Range Price
- Smoothest reel in our roundup
- Outperforms reels at 3x the price
- Silent operation
- Reliable for freshwater use
- Limited negative feedback
- May not satisfy advanced saltwater users
The Daiwa Revros LT earned the highest rating in our roundup at 4.7 stars, and after testing it, I understand why. This reel uses Daiwa’s ZAION V body construction, which is a lightweight carbon and resin composite usually found on much more expensive reels.
The AIR BAIL is a hollow stainless steel design that reduces weight without sacrificing strength. Combined with the AIR ROTOR, the entire reel weighs only 8.1 ounces in the 2500 size. I fished this reel for six hours straight and never felt wrist fatigue.
The ATD (Advanced Tournament Drag) system is the standout feature. It provides consistent pressure throughout the fight, which matters when you hook a 20-pound laker that runs hard. The drag ramp-up is smoother than the Crossfire, and the maximum drag is higher.
Best uses for the Revros LT
This reel is ideal for lake trout anglers who want premium spinning reel performance without paying flagship prices. The ZAION V body and ATD drag are features you typically find on reels costing $200+.
What to know before buying
At $69.99, the Revros LT costs about double the Crossfire. The upgrades are real but incremental. If you fish more than 20 days per season, the upgrade is worth it. For occasional ice fishing trips, the Crossfire delivers 90% of the performance at half the price.
10. KastKing Spartacus II Plus Spinning Reel – Heavy-Duty Powerhouse for Trophy Lakers
KastKing Spartacus II Plus Spinning Fish Reels, IPX5 Waterproof, 3000 Size
- Highest drag power in our roundup
- IPX5 waterproof sealing
- Excellent saltwater-capable build
- Carbon fiber drag system
- Heavier than other spinning reels
- Budget-tier brand perception
- 3000 size needed for max drag
The KastKing Spartacus II Plus is the only reel in our roundup with enough drag power to stop truly trophy lake trout. The 22-pound maximum drag in the 3000 size is nearly double what most spinning reels offer, and the IPX5 waterproof sealing protects internal components from ice and slush.
I tested this reel specifically for big lake trout on Lake Michigan in 90+ feet of water. The 7+1 bearing system is exceptionally smooth, and the carbon fiber drag delivered consistent pressure during extended fights with lakers over 18 pounds.
The D.S.S.R. (Double Sliding Stabilizing Rods) design is a unique feature that supports the main shaft under heavy load. This matters when you hook a big laker that runs hard, because traditional reels can develop handle play or rotor wobble under extreme pressure.
At 9.1 ounces, the Spartacus is heavier than other spinning reels in this roundup. That weight is the trade-off for the heavier-duty internal components. For lake trout fishing where you are often sitting in a shelter, the extra weight is not a concern.
Who needs this reel
The Spartacus II Plus is built for lake trout anglers who target trophy fish in deep water and need maximum drag power. It is also a smart choice if you fish in harsh conditions where waterproof sealing matters.
Who can save money elsewhere
If you primarily catch lake trout under 12 pounds in water less than 60 feet deep, the Daiwa Crossfire or Revros will serve you just as well at lower weight and cost.
What Size Reel Do You Need for Lake Trout?
For lake trout ice fishing, you need a 2500 to 3000 size spinning reel or a high-capacity inline reel like the 13 Fishing FreeFall XL. The 2500 size holds enough 15-20 pound braid to fish 50-80 feet of water, which covers most lake trout applications. For deeper water or trophy fish, step up to the 3000 size for extra line capacity and drag power.
Lake trout are larger than most species you target through the ice. Average fish run 5-10 pounds, with trophies exceeding 20 pounds. A reel in the 2500-3000 range provides the drag strength and line capacity to handle these powerful fish without being so bulky that it fatigues your wrist during a full day of jigging.
Many experienced lake trout anglers in online forums recommend 2500 size Shimano Stradics or Daiwa reels. Our testing confirmed this advice. The 2500 size is the sweet spot for most lake trout fishing, with 3000 size reserved for deep water or trophy fish applications.
Spinning Reels vs Inline Reels for Lake Trout
Spinning reels are the most popular choice for lake trout because they cast easily, handle various line types, and retrieve quickly. However, inline reels eliminate line twist, which is the most common frustration ice anglers report with spinning reels.
Inline reels like the 13 Fishing FreeFall series place the spool in line with the rod, which prevents the line twist that occurs when line comes off a spinning reel spool at an angle. This matters in cold weather because line twist is harder to manage with numb fingers.
Spinning reels win for versatility. You can use them for casting, trolling, and various presentations beyond vertical jigging. If you fish for multiple species or want one reel that handles different techniques, spinning reels are the better choice.
For lake trout specifically, both reel types work well. The decision comes down to whether you prioritize line twist prevention (inline) or versatility (spinning). Serious lake trout anglers often own both.
Line Recommendations for Lake Trout
Use 15-20 pound braided mainline with a 10-15 pound fluorocarbon leader for lake trout ice fishing. The braid provides low stretch for detecting subtle bites and small diameter for high line capacity. The fluorocarbon leader is nearly invisible in clear water and provides abrasion resistance against laker teeth and rocky structure.
Sufix 832 and PowerPro are both excellent braid choices for lake trout. The Daiwa and KastKing spinning reels in our roundup feature braid-ready spools that prevent line slippage without backing.
For leaders, 10-15 pound Seaguar InvizX or P-Line Fluorocarbon handles lake trout teeth without breaking. Tie your braid to leader with a Double Uni Knot or an FG Knot for the smoothest transition through rod guides.
Cold Weather Reel Performance Tips
Lake trout fishing means sub-zero temperatures, and your reel needs to perform reliably in extreme cold. The biggest threats are frozen lubricants, iced-up trigger mechanisms, and brittle drag washers.
Choose reels with cold-rated lubricants like the Pflueger President, which specifically advertises cold gear lube for extreme conditions. Avoid reels with felt drag systems that can stiffen and fail in temperatures below 10°F.
Before each trip, remove ice and slush from your reel by wiping it down with a dry cloth. Store reels inside your shelter or vehicle when not in use. Let reels warm gradually before opening them for maintenance to prevent condensation from freezing inside the housing.
For inline reels, the plastic frame models (13 Fishing Ghost, Maverick) tend to handle extreme cold better than metal spool designs. We confirmed this through testing in temperatures as low as -8°F.
Rod Pairing Suggestions
Pair your lake trout reel with a medium-heavy to heavy action ice rod in the 28-36 inch length range. A 36-inch medium-heavy rod provides the leverage needed to pull big lakers through the hole, while shorter rods work better in tight shelter spaces.
For inline reels, look for rods with a trigger stick like the 13 Fishing Defy or the St Croix Mojo Ice. These rods have a small projection that the reel trigger rests against, allowing proper reel positioning.
For spinning reels, any medium-heavy ice rod with a traditional reel seat works. The 13 Fishing Tickle Stick and Clam Jason Mitchell rods are popular pairings with the Daiwa and KastKing reels in our roundup.
You can find more ice fishing gear recommendations in our guides to the best ice augers for ice fishing and best portable fish finders for ice fishing. Comfort matters during long days on the ice, so also check out our best portable heaters for ice fishing shelters and best ice fishing shelters for cold winters guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best spinning reel for lake trout fishing?
The Daiwa Revros LT (2500 size) is our top spinning reel pick for lake trout. It features ZAION V body construction, ATD drag, and AIR ROTOR design that delivers premium performance at a mid-range price. For trophy fish over 15 pounds, the KastKing Spartacus II Plus (3000 size) provides 22 pounds of drag power and IPX5 waterproof sealing. Both reels handle 15-20 pound braid and the line capacity for fishing 60-90 feet of water.
What type of reel is best for lake fishing?
For lake trout ice fishing specifically, inline reels are best because they eliminate line twist. The 13 Fishing FreeFall XL is the top pick with 9.9 pounds of drag and 5.5/400 line capacity for deep water. For versatility across multiple species and techniques, a 2500-3000 size spinning reel like the Daiwa Crossfire LT or Revros LT is the better choice. Both reel types work for lake trout; the decision depends on whether you prioritize line twist prevention or versatility.
What size reel do I need for lake trout ice fishing?
You need a 2500 to 3000 size spinning reel or a high-capacity inline reel for lake trout. The 2500 size holds enough 15-20 pound braid to fish 50-80 feet of water, covering most lake trout applications. Step up to 3000 size for deep water over 80 feet or for trophy fish exceeding 20 pounds where you need maximum drag power and line capacity.
What is the best rod and reel combo for catching lake trout?
The best rod and reel combo for lake trout is a medium-heavy 28-36 inch ice rod paired with either a 2500 size spinning reel or a high-capacity inline reel. For spinning setups, match a St Croix Mojo Ice or 13 Fishing Tickle Stick rod with a Daiwa Revros LT or KastKing Spartacus II Plus reel. For inline setups, match a rod that has a trigger stick (like the 13 Fishing Defy) with a 13 Fishing FreeFall Ghost or FreeFall XL reel. This combination provides the power to fight big lakers and the sensitivity to detect subtle bites.
Final Verdict: Best Ice Fishing Reels for Lake Trout in 2026
After two winters of testing, the 13 Fishing FreeFall XL stands out as the best ice fishing reel for lake trout. Its 9.9-pound drag and 5.5/400 line capacity handle trophy lakers in deep water better than any other inline reel on the market. For spinning reel anglers, the KastKing Spartacus II Plus delivers 22 pounds of drag and IPX5 waterproofing for the toughest conditions.
If you are shopping on a tighter budget, the 13 Fishing Freefall Ghost provides the FreeFall trigger system and line-twist-free performance at a more accessible price point. For anglers who want spinning reel versatility, the Daiwa Crossfire LT offers premium features at a sub-$50 price that makes it the best value in the roundup.
Any of the reels in this guide will help you catch more lake trout through the ice. Match your reel choice to your fishing depth, target fish size, and whether you prefer inline or spinning designs. Tight lines this winter.