Looking for an excuse to pack your fly rod and head to the mountains? Brook Trout fishing is the only one you need. These fish are famous for their spirited fights and aggressive takes on flies and lures. And, while “Brookies” aren’t typically the biggest fish in the stream, they make up for it with their surprising fighting power. Not to mention, they’re one of the best-tasting freshwater fish out there!
Yet another reason anglers love fishing for Brook Trout is the tranquil streams and forested lakes they call home. Chasing them down will take you deep into our country’s backwaters – making the pursuit as rewarding as the catch itself.
How to Identify Brook Trout
Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) are actually part of the Char family, even though they’re commonly referred to as Trout. They’re also known as Brook Charr, Mud Trout, Squaretails, and even Speckled Trout.
Native to eastern North America, Brook Trout hail from freshwaters in the Appalachian Mountains and the Great Lakes region. They were eventually introduced to other parts of the US and Canada, as well as Europe and Asia. Today, Brookies are so popular that multiple states (nine, to be exact) have claimed them as their state fish!
Brookies average just 6–12 inches long and often weigh less than a pound in smaller streams. In lakes or stocked areas, they can grow much larger, sometimes reaching 16–20 inches and 2–5 pounds. A trophy Brook Trout is generally considered anything around 3 pounds, while the current IGFA All-Tackle record for Brook Trout stands at an astonishing 14 pounds, 8 ounces. The record has stood since 1915 and is still going strong over a century later!
Aside from being much smaller than other Trout in North America, Brookies are also more colorful. In fact, their striking pattern and vivid colors are what they’re known for. Their backs are typically olive green with a light marbled or worm-like pattern (called vermiculation). This also covers their dorsal and tail fins.
Meanwhile, their sides have red and yellow spots. Look closely, and you’ll notice that some of those spots have a faint blue halo around them, which makes these fish especially stunning. When spawning, the contrast in their colors only intensifies as their bellies turn a bright orange hue.
You can quickly tell Brook Trout apart from similar fish like Brown Trout or Rainbow Trout based on the white edging along their lower fins. The real challenge, however, is distinguishing Brookies from other Char species such as Lake Trout, Arctic Char, and Dolly Varden. Here are a few quick tips:
- Lake Trout are generally larger and live in deeper, colder lakes. Their colors are far less vivid than those on a Brookie. Even though Lake Trout are also covered in light spots, these are just one color. Their underlying color is uniform as well, ranging from beige to dark green.
- Arctic Char and Dolly Varden are almost identical to each other. And to make matters worse, they look a great deal like Brook Trout! Your best clue will be their markings… The spots on Arctic Char and Dolly Varden are pale and there’s no worm-like pattern on their backs. The dorsal and tail fins on both these fish have no markings, whereas these fins on Brook Trout have the same vermiculation that covers their backs.
No matter what fish you might be holding, always look for that “blue halo” around the red spots – that’s a classic trait of Brook Trout. To learn more about how these fish stack up against other Trout species, see our complete guide to Trout fishing.
Best Brook Trout Fishing Spots
The best Brook Trout fishing is almost always off the beaten path. But sometimes this can be as simple as fishing a small, cold stream along the highway that other anglers overlook. Most times, though, you’ll want to lace up those hiking boots and grab your tackle box before checking out some of the spots mentioned in these regions:
New England
As the only native Trout species in much of the Northeast, Brookies are deeply tied to New England. You can chase wild and stocked Brook Trout from quiet backwood ponds to remote mountain streams. Even some coastal waters hold sea-run Brook Trout, which the locals call “Salters.”
A couple of noteworthy locations are the White Mountains in New Hampshire and Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont. Both are beautiful and prime fishing territory for small-stream fly anglers.
But Maine is the region’s crowning jewel. In fact, it’s home to more native Brook Trout waters than any other US state, making it a mecca for coldwater anglers. It’s also one of the few places in the US where you can realistically target wild Brookies over 3 pounds. The Rangeley Lakes area is the epicenter of Maine’s Brook Trout fishing, with famous waters like Mooselookmeguntic Lake, Kennebago Lake, the Rangeley River, and Rapid River to choose from.
The best time to target Brook Trout in New England is from late April through June, and again in September and October. Always check state regulations ahead of time. Sometimes, specific waters have their own regulations, including bait restrictions and obligatory catch and release.
New York State
Gurgling forest creeks may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of New York, but the Empire State reigns supreme when it comes to freshwater fishing. The Adirondack Mountains are the state’s premier destination for wild Brook Trout, with hundreds of small, coldwater lakes and streams that support native populations. Many of these waters require a hike to reach, but the payoff is low fishing pressure.
In addition to wild populations, New York stocks Brook Trout in urban lakes, ponds, and creeks across the state. Stocked fisheries like Catskill Park and Allegany State Park often have easier access and are great for newer anglers or families.
The best time to fish for Brook Trout in New York is from late April through June and again from mid-September into October. Regulations vary, but many wild Brook Trout streams are subject to catch-and-release, and require that you only fish using artificials. Always check New York’s freshwater fishing regulations before heading out.
Great Lakes
The Great Lakes region offers some of the most diverse and productive Brook Trout fishing in North America. Here, you can target stream-dwelling Brookies as well as lake-run “coasters.” These larger, migratory Brook Trout native to the shores of Lakes Superior and Huron can reach sizes that rival trophy fish out West.
Michigan is the heart of coaster Brook Trout fishing, especially in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Isle Royale National Park, and the Two Hearted River.
In Wisconsin, spring-fed creeks like Pine Creek and Bois Brule River host wild Brook Trout in healthy numbers, thanks to strong conservation efforts. Meanwhile, you’ll enjoy fishing in pristine conditions throughout Minnesota‘s Driftless Area and the far northeastern region along Lake Superior.
Fishing for Brookies around the Great Lakes is best in the spring (May to early June) and again in the fall (September–October). Coasters typically enter tributaries in the fall to spawn. Size limits and gear restrictions vary widely from state to state, as well as between specific waters within each state, so be sure to do some local research ahead of time.
Southern Streams
The southern Appalachian Mountains are home to some of the US’s last remaining native Brook Trout populations. These fish, sometimes called “Southern strain” Brook Trout, are typically smaller than their northern cousins but just as vibrant.
Tennessee and North Carolina share some of the best Southern Brook Trout waters within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Streams like Deep Creek, Road Prong, Abrams Creek, and Forney Creek offer miles of clear, tumbling water filled with wild Brookies.
Meanwhile, Brook Trout have been successfully introduced to several tailwaters in Kentucky. The most well-known Brook Trout fishery in the state is the Cumberland River below Lake Cumberland, which supports a mix of Rainbow, Brown, and stocked Brook Trout. You can also find Brookies in smaller creeks like Rock Creek, Poor Fork, and select waters in the Daniel Boone National Forest.
The best time to fish for Brook Trout in the South is typically late spring through early summer, and again in September through November as temperatures cool. As always, be sure to check local regulations for size limits, season dates, and special management zones.
West Coast High Waters
Brook Trout have been successfully introduced to thousands of alpine lakes and cold mountain streams throughout the West Coast, as well. California has some truly underrated Brook Trout fishing, especially in the Eastern Sierra Nevada. Cold waters in areas such as Rock Creek, Convict Lake, and the Desolation Wilderness near Lake Tahoe are full of small but feisty Brookies.
In Oregon, Brook Trout are widely distributed in high lakes throughout the Cascade Range. Brookies in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness, Three Sisters Wilderness, and Wallowa Mountains average 8–12 inches. What’s more, some of these fisheries have catch-and-keep regulations for Brook Trout in order to reduce their impact on native Cutthroat and Bull Trout.
Washington also offers solid Brook Trout opportunities, particularly in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Pasayten Wilderness, and North Cascades.
The best time to fish for Brook Trout on the West Coast is typically late June through September, depending on elevation and snowmelt. Gear up for light-tackle spinning or fly fishing, and be prepared for a bit of effort – many of these fisheries are remote. On the plus side, fishing pressure is minimal, and the views are unbeatable.
How to Fish for Brook Trout
Like other Trout and Char species, you can catch Brookies using a variety of techniques. Given how small yet tenacious they are, anglers love to target them on fly gear and light tackle. What they lack in brute strength, they make up for with acrobatic leaps to try and throw your hook, so brace yourself for a fight!
Fly fishing is the classic approach to Brook Trout, especially in streams and rivers. The fish are aggressive and tend to strike dry flies with enthusiasm. Popular patterns include Elk Hair Caddis, Adams, and Royal Wulffs. In early spring or late fall, nymphs like Pheasant Tails and Hare’s Ears work well.
Spinning gear is great for lakes or deeper pools. Small inline spinners like Rooster Tails and Mepps Aglia in gold or silver are excellent at triggering strikes. Fish upstream or across currents, and retrieve with short bursts. Brook Trout have excellent eyesight, meaning they can be spooked by heavy gear or unnatural presentations. So, keep your line light and your movements subtle.
The most important factor when looking for Brookies is finding water cold enough. They rarely prefer water above 68 degrees. Once you find a cold, shallow stream, they’re likely to be swimming throughout. If you’re aiming for a big fish, don’t make frequent casts – instead, focus on casting around boulders and other structure where mature fish hide and wait to ambush their prey. Brook Trout especially love woody streams, where they can take cover behind fallen logs.
When targeting Brookies in lakes, where they grow larger, you’ll want to look for them around drop-offs or where cold streams enter. Here, they often hold in pocket water, undercut banks, or deep pools.
Brook Trout Fishing Gear & Bait
Another marvelous thing about these fish is how simple your setup can be! It makes the species accessible to all skill levels, provided you approach them with enough stealth. Here are some pointers to get you started on fly or spinning gear.
Fly Fishing
Fly anglers should pack a 2–4 wt, medium to fast action rod for river fishing. A long rod will allow you to use varied casts like underhand pitches and roll casts, but you may want to opt for a shorter rod when fishing a densely wooded area. In lakes, a 5–6 wt rod will be more suitable.
We recommend a floating line with a 7–12 ft tapered leader ending in 4X–6X tippet.
Popular fly patterns for Brook Trout include:
- Adams
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Pheasant Tail
- Woolly Bugger
- Muddler Minnow
You can also fish streamers like buggers and small Zonkers, as well as nymphs.
Spinning Gear
If you plan to use spinning gear, bring a 5–6 ½’ rod. However, a longer rod will allow you to cast farther when lake fishing. Given the keen eyesight that Brook Trout are known for, you’ll want to use 2–6 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line.
These fish have small, soft mouths, so use 8–12 size hooks and small lures. A split-shot rig or slip float rig also works well in slower waters.
If you’re fishing with artificials, spinners and spoons are good choices. The best live bait for Brook Trout includes worms and small minnows, especially in stocked or heavily fished waters. In fact, some anglers claim that nothing catches more Brook Trout than a juicy worm on a hook. Just be aware of local regulations, since some areas only allow artificial lures.
If you plan on river fishing for Brookies, be sure to wear some solid hiking boots and bring a pair of waders for any streams that are too large to hop over.
When to Fish for Brook Trout
Brook Trout are most active in the cooler months, and many fisheries reflect that in their regulations. In most places, the season is open year-round, but harvest limits and gear restrictions vary, especially in waters managed for wild populations.
Generally, Brook Trout are most active in the early spring and late fall when temperatures are mild. Summer fishing is possible, but the fish retreat to colder waters and may be less active mid-day. High-elevation streams can remain cool enough for summer fishing, while lowland creeks often get too warm.
Brook Trout: Backcountry Bliss
Their beauty, fight, and flavor make Brook Trout a favorite among freshwater anglers. Fishing for them won’t lead you to the biggest catch of your life, but many compare it to a spiritual experience. It promises the solitude of a hidden mountain stream, the thrill of a dry fly strike, and the chance to connect with the last of North America’s untouched wilderness.
So, come unplug for the day and unwind in this backcountry bliss that Brookies call home!
Are you a keen Brook Trout angler? What are your favorite techniques and hotspots? We’d love to what from you in the comments below!
The post How to Go Fishing for Brook Trout: The Complete Guide appeared first on FishingBooker Blog.
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