Winter lake trout behave differently because cold water
shifts how their bodies use energy.
Lower temperatures slow fish metabolism in cold water, so
large trout no longer need deep water to rest.
Cold, oxygen-rich water keeps them active near the surface.
Stocked trout follow this pattern strongly because they were
raised in similar conditions.
This is why the biggest trout often show up shallow during
the cold months.
See video here:
[Fish Metabolism In Cold Water: ]
