Brook Trout fishing

Salvelinus fontinalis

About Brook Trout

Native char of cold headwater streams and ponds in the Appalachians and northern US. Needs clean, cool water. Small water is the point, a stream you can step across can hold plenty of them, and a short rod matters more than a long cast. Approach from downstream, stay low and put the fly or the spinner at the head of the pool before the fish know you are there. They colour up beautifully before the autumn spawn, which is also when the biggest ones show themselves.

Typical size: Usually 20-35 cm, big ones over 40 cm. Record (approx.): ≈ 6 kg.

Season, time and habitat

Best season

May-Jun, Sep-Oct

Best time

Dawn, dusk

Habitat

River, Lake

Season by month

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Darker cell = more active that month. Based on the species' usual yearly rhythm.

Lures and baits that work

Fly Present the fly on a fly line, dry on top or wet below. Mend the line, stay in contact and strike on the light take. Check price on Amazon

Spinner Reel just fast enough to keep the blade spinning from the off. Work it along weed edges, rocks and current seams, shallow or deep. Check price on Amazon

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Common questions

When is the best time to catch Brook Trout?

Brook Trout fishing is usually best around May-Jun, Sep-Oct. The best windows in the day are usually dawn, dusk.

What lures and baits work for Brook Trout?

Effective methods for Brook Trout include Fly and Spinner.

Where can you catch Brook Trout?

Brook Trout is most often found in river, lake. Napp shows the nearest waters and the live odds on the bite right now.