5 Essential Tips for Catching Lake-Run Trout with Payton Hanssen

With: paytonh31

We caught up with Payton on a slow morning while the river was still waking up—steam rising, birds tuning up, and coffee in hand. She’s the kind of angler who doesn’t just fish—she feels the water, sees the bigger picture, and brings a conservationist’s heart to everything she does. From her first shaky casts in a backyard pond to landing partnerships with Redington and RIO, Payton’s journey is all about grit, growth, and genuine love for the outdoors. Pull up a chair and settle in—this one’s got heart, hustle, and a few hard-earned lessons from the water.

Payton, you clearly have a deep passion for the outdoors, from fly fishing to hunting. How did you first get into fly fishing, and what has kept you hooked over the years?

I’ve always had a deep love for the outdoors. Growing up, you could usually find me off exploring, getting into some kind of trouble outside. But funny enough, I didn’t pick up a fly rod until college. I was raised bass fishing with my dad and brothers on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River—that was our thing.

When I got to college, I was studying conservation and found myself surrounded by some pretty outdoorsy folks, a few of whom were really into fly fishing. Their passion rubbed off on me, and I ended up buying a cheap fly rod combo. I started practicing in the pond behind my parents’ house, catching bluegills, pumpkinseeds, and the occasional largemouth on dry flies. My casting was rough—really rough—but it was the perfect place to learn the basics. I’d prop up YouTube videos on my phone and just try to copy what I saw.

A few months later, a friend invited me on a fly fishing trip for brown trout. I’ll be honest—I was awful. It was nothing like tossing hoppers in the backyard. The trout were picky, the presentation had to be just right, and most of my casts ended up in the trees. But my friend was patient, and somehow, by the end of the day, I landed a small brown trout. That fish lit a fire in me—something clicked, and I’ve been completely obsessed ever since.

That was back in 2018, and since then, fly fishing has become a full-blown addiction. What keeps me coming back is that it never gets old. Every day on the water is different—the fish, the fishery, the conditions. It’s always changing, always challenging, and that’s what I love most about it.

As a pro fish nerd, you’re clearly an expert in your field. Can you tell us about the journey that led you to work with brands like Redington and Rio Products?

Honestly, it’s been a pretty natural journey that’s come from just sharing what I genuinely love. I’ve always been a bit of a fish nerd and the two passions—conservation and fly fishing—just work together well. Spending time on the water gives me this deeper appreciation for the ecosystems I’m trying to protect in my career, and vice versa. It’s all connected.

When I started sharing my fly fishing journey online, I really just wanted to be authentic about it. I wasn’t trying to be some expert—I just shared what I was learning, what I was failing at, and what I was excited about. I think it’s important to show the bad days just as much as the good ones, because that’s part of what makes fly fishing so special. You’re always learning, always adjusting, and that’s something people relate to.

Working with brands like Redington and RIO Products has been an awesome honor, and I think those relationships came from staying true to myself. I never set out to be an "influencer"—I just genuinely love this sport and this lifestyle, and I think brands see value in people who are out there doing it for the right reasons. It’s cool to collaborate with companies who are also passionate about fly fishing and who care about the future of our fisheries.

Payton, you've worked with a lot of different gear throughout your career. What’s one piece of equipment that you swear by, and why?

I’m not a huge gearhead—I’m pretty rough on my equipment, so if something can survive me, that’s usually a good sign it’s worth having. Over the years, I’ve tried a lot of different gear, but I always find myself coming back to Redington. I’ve been a fan of their rods and reels for a long time, and their new EDC rods have really become my go-tos. I keep a 5-weight and an 8-weight in the truck, and between those two, I’ve got most of my freshwater bases covered.

But if I had to pick one piece of gear that’s truly stood the test of time, it’s my Fishpond Thunderhead pack. I bought it back in 2019—it was my first “big” gear purchase—and it’s still going strong today. That pack has been all over the country with me, from chasing trout in the Adirondacks to hauling gear through airports and long hikes into backcountry creeks. It’s been beat up, soaked, dropped, and dragged, and it just keeps going. It has even hauled my dog around in it! Definitely one of the best investments I’ve made.

You’ve shared some great tips on fishing for lake run trout. Could you walk us through your top five tips for chasing these elusive fish?

1. Don’t Skip the Water Near the Lake
A lot of anglers race upriver, but the lower stretches close to the lake can hold fresh fish that haven’t seen as much pressure. I’ve had some of my best days in water most people walk right past. Don’t overlook it.

2. Watch the Weather and Flows

Lake-run trout are heavily influenced by changing water conditions. A good rain or a bump in flow can trigger fresh pushes of fish, especially in the fall. I always keep an eye on the forecast and USGS gauges—knowing when water levels are rising or dropping can help you time your trips when fish are on the move and more willing to bite.

3. Presentation Over Pattern
Everyone wants the magic fly, but honestly, I’ve found that getting a good drift is way more important than what’s on the end of your line. These fish aren’t dumb—they’ve seen everything—so a natural presentation with good line control is key.

4. Adapt to the Conditions
Lake-run fish don’t behave the same every day. Some days they’ll hit eggs, other days they want a small stonefly or even a streamer swung through slower water. Be willing to change your approach based on water temp, clarity, and flows.

5. Stay Patient and Keep Learning
You’re going to lose fish. You’re going to have days where nothing works. But every time you’re out there, you’re learning something. Lake-run trout fishing isn’t about instant success—it’s about persistence, reading water better, refining your technique, and earning those eats.

You have a unique blend of fishing and hunting experience. How do you balance these two passions, and do they complement each other in any way?

Balancing fishing and hunting honestly feels pretty natural to me, but I won’t lie—if I had unlimited time off, they’d complement each other perfectly. In reality, it’s a juggling act between the two passions and my career in conservation. I try to find a rhythm that works, shifting focus with the seasons. Spring through early fall is mostly dedicated to fishing—chasing trout, smallmouth, and exploring new water—then once cooler weather hits, I transition into hunting mode with whitetails and waterfowl in the fall, and the occasional fall steelhead trip when I can squeeze it in! 

What I love is that both keep me super connected to the rhythms of the seasons. Fly fishing teaches patience, observation, and reading subtle details in the environment—all of which carry over really well into hunting. And vice versa—hunting sharpens your awareness and teaches you to slow down, move quietly, and really pay attention to the landscape. I think both sports make you a better outdoors person overall.

For me, it’s not about being the best angler or hunter—it’s about always learning, respecting the resource, and soaking up as much time outside as I can. Whether I’m knee-deep in a river or tucked into a tree stand at sunrise, I feel that same sense of connection. That’s what keeps me coming back.