Best Musky Baits for Trolling the Thousand Islands
Big baits, big muskies! The team at B&N Custom Baits knows exactly what it takes to troll up giants in the Thousand Islands.
There’s something almost mystical about trolling the deep waters of the Thousand Islands. The thrill of the chase, the way the current moves through the rocky structure, the endless depths hiding the ghosts of the river—giant muskies lurking in the shadows, waiting for the perfect opportunity to ambush a meal. Chasing these freshwater legends is not for the faint of heart, and if you’re going to take on this challenge, you need the right tools for the job.
The following baits have built their reputations on producing giants in the St. Lawrence. Pick the right one, set your lines, and get ready for a battle with the fish of ten thousand casts—except when trolling, sometimes it only takes one. These baits are not just tools, they are your confident companions in the hunt for the elusive muskies.
1. Supernatural Baits
Supernatural Baits aren’t just lures—they’re handcrafted wooden warriors built for big muskies. These baits have a reputation for tracking straight at a variety of speeds while still delivering the erratic, unpredictable action that triggers giant fish. When a musky follows but doesn’t commit, these lures seem to have a mind of their own, darting just enough to push the fish over the edge.
Top Models:
Headlock – The ultimate confidence bait. Its wide, wandering action at trolling speeds makes it a deadly weapon for covering water and enticing giants to eat.
Mattlock – This lure is a musky magnet. Designed with a pivoting lip, it creates a hunting motion that triggers reaction strikes from wary fish.
Best Colors for the Thousand Islands:
Perch – A natural match for the river’s abundant forage.
Firetiger – A bright, aggressive pattern that shines in stained water.
Walleye – A top producer in the St. Lawrence, imitating one of the primary baitfish.
Black/Orange – Works wonders on overcast days or in the early morning hours.
Gold/Black – A classic color combination that’s a proven big fish producer.
2. B&N Baits
If you’re looking for a bait that can take a beating and keep running true, B&N Baits are a solid choice. These crankbaits have the aggressive action needed to get muskies to commit, and they run great at high trolling speeds—a necessity when covering big water.
Top Models:
Deep Shad—This bait is ideal for getting deep and staying there. It is perfect for reaching fish that are holding just off structure or suspended in the water column.
Shallow Shad – Perfect for working over rocky shelves and weed edges where muskies wait to ambush prey.
Best Colors for the Thousand Islands:
Natural Shad – Mimics the local baitfish perfectly.
Chartreuse/Black – High contrast makes it an excellent choice for murky conditions.
White Belly Perch – The best of both worlds—natural hues with a bit of extra brightness.
Hot Tiger – A confidence color that excels when fish need a little extra motivation to strike.
3. Believer Lures (Drifter Tackle)
The Believer is a legend in the musky world. Its signature wobbling action makes it deadly whether trolled slow or fast, and its ability to run at multiple depths is invaluable when patterning fish.
Top Models:
Jointed Believer – Adds extra vibration and movement to attract fish from a distance.
Straight Believer – A steady, consistent runner that shines when muskies are dialed in on a specific depth.
Best Colors for the Thousand Islands:
Black/Orange – A deadly color in stained or deep water.
Cisco – A spot-on imitation of one of the river’s primary baitfish.
Firetiger – A fantastic all-around color for variable water conditions.
White Belly Perch – A must-have for clear water scenarios.
Gold Shiner – Perfect for sunny conditions when muskies are holding deep.
Trolling Tips for the Thousand Islands
Dial in Your Speed: In the St. Lawrence, muskies often respond best to trolling speeds between 3.5 and 5 mph but don’t be afraid to experiment. Sometimes, a subtle speed change can trigger a reaction strike.
Use Planer Boards: Spreading your lures with planer boards allows you to cover more water and prevents baits from running in each other’s turbulence. The more natural the presentation, the better.
Work the Structure: Muskies in the Thousand Islands relate to deep edges, current breaks, and submerged structure. Trolling along drop-offs, rocky points, and island edges will put you in the strike zone.
Vary Your Depths: Muskies don’t always sit at the same level. To determine where they're feeding, experiment with running some baits high in the water column while sending others deep using a lead core line or downriggers.
Remember, prime time matters. Low-light periods, like dawn and dusk, are prime feeding times. Overcast days with a slight chop can also be dynamite. Knowing these prime times and the right techniques is like having a secret key to the musky kingdom, making you a knowledgeable angler.
Trigger Strikes with Turns: A simple S-curve while trolling can be deadly. When the outside bait speeds up, and the inside bait slows down, it often elicits a reaction strike from following fish.
Final Thoughts
Trolling the Thousand Islands is as much about persistence as it is precision. The river’s vastness can be intimidating, but with the right baits and a solid game plan, you’ll be well on your way to tangling with a true giant. Supernatural Baits, B&N Baits, and Believer Lures have all earned their spots in musky fishing history, and in St. Lawrence, they continue to prove why.
So spool up the heavy line, set your spread, and let the river work its magic. Because when a musky finally crushes your bait, and your rod loads up with the weight of a fish that could be older than you, that’s when you’ll understand why musky anglers live for this moment. Out here, in the deep waters of the Thousand Islands, legends aren’t just told—they’re caught.