Lake trout caught in Lake Superior's Minnesota waters with set gillnets or trap nets is a "Best Choice." The population is still recovering from historical declines, but overfishing is not occurring. In addition, there are no bycatch concerns.

Lake trout caught in Lake Superior's Wisconsin waters with set gillnets or trap nets is on the "Avoid" list. The population is still recovering, and overfishing may be occurring. In addition, the catch of other species that are in decline or recovery is a serious concern.

All other Seafood Watch-assessed sources of lake trout caught in the Great Lakes are "Good Alternatives." The Lake Huron population is depleted, but rehabilitation efforts are underway. The Lake Michigan population is historically depleted and still heavily maintained through stocking; however, the fisheries are not impeding lake trout’s recovery. In Lake Superior, there's concern about overfishing in Canadian waters due to unlicensed fishing in part of the lake. All fisheries also catch other species that are in recovery and some catch species that are in decline.