Trolling

What is trolling in fishing?

Fishing by pulling a lure or bait through the water behind a slowly moving boat, so it covers far more water than casting can.

Speed: Slow, under 5 mph; The National Park Service's guidance
Flatline: Lure runs near the surface behind the boat
Downrigger: A weight on a cable that takes the lure deep
Common targets: Walleye, lake trout, salmon, crappie

How does trolling work?

Let a lure out behind the boat, set the rod in a holder or hold it, and move slowly. The boat's speed makes the lure swim, and how far back it runs and how heavy it is decide its depth. The National Park Service describes two basic setups: a flatline, with the lure near the surface, and a downrigger, which uses a heavy weight on a cable to take the lure down 20 feet or more.

Why troll instead of cast?

Trolling covers long stretches of water at a steady depth, which is what you want when fish are spread out over open water or suspended off the bottom. Walleye anglers troll crankbaits and bait rigs with planer boards and bottom bouncers, and crappie anglers troll to find a school before slowing down to fish it.

Is trolling allowed everywhere?

Not always. Some waters restrict motors or the number of lines you can run, and a few ban lead lures. The Park Service tells anglers to check each park's rules before trolling, and the same goes for any lake with its own regulations.

In practice

Trolling needs a boat. From the bank, the nearest thing is a slow, steady crankbait retrieve along a drop-off, which works the same depth band a troll would.

Common questions

What is the difference between trolling and a trolling motor?

A trolling motor is a small, quiet electric motor used to position a boat, and anglers use it for much more than trolling. Trolling is the technique of pulling a lure behind a moving boat, under any kind of power.

What speed should you troll at?

Slow. The National Park Service keeps it under 5 mph, and most freshwater trolling is well below that. Watch the lure beside the boat and adjust until it swims properly.

Where this is defined

Trolling (U.S. National Park Service), U.S. National Park Service

Where this comes up

The guides that use trolling and show it on real gear.

Last reviewed September 13, 2026. Trolling is one of 222 terms in the fishing glossary.