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Brown Trout

Brown Trout

Brown Trout are non-native fish in California, originally from Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, first introduced to the state in 1894/95. These hardy predators are more aggressive and piscivorous than other trout species, making them prized gamefish.

Scientific Name: Salmo trutta

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by their heavy bodies with large mouths extending beyond the eye, well-developed teeth, and distinctive coloration featuring dark olive-brown backs, yellow-brown sides, and both black spots (often with pale halos) and red spots on their lower sides - the only California trout with both colors.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Inhabit diverse waters from spring-fed creeks to large lakes and reservoirs, preferring medium to large, slightly alkaline, clear streams with swift ripples and deep pools.

Key Locations

  • Northern California's alpine lakes, including Lake Tahoe, Caples Lake, Donner Lake, and Silver Lake, as well as rivers like the McCloud, Carson, American, Truckee, and Trinity.
  • Productive waters include Hat Creek (wild trout section), Pit River, McCloud River tailwater, Carson River forks, Truckee River system, Trinity River, and alpine lakes throughout the Sierra Nevada.
  • Crowley Lake and upper Owens River.

Specific Spots

  • Deep pools, undercut banks, behind boulders, and areas with dense cover.
  • In streams, target eddies where foam gathers, deep pools, and areas near structure.

Brown Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Brown Trout in California?

Minnow-style lures like Countdown Rapalas and Husky Jerks in brown trout or rainbow trout colors. Larger lures targeting their piscivorous nature are often more effective than traditional small trout offerings.

What flies work for Brown Trout in California?

Woolly buggers, streamers, Jay's Patuxent Special (sizes 6-8), prince nymphs, pheasant tail nymphs, elk hair caddis, and parachute adams. During late summer, terrestrial patterns work well during massive hatching events.

When is the best time to fish for Brown Trout in California?

Excellent year-round except during their November-December spawning period when fishing should be avoided. Spring (March-May) and fall are prime seasons, with fall being particularly productive as trophy browns from lakes like Crowley Lake enter rivers like the upper Owens River from mid-September through November.

How do you catch Brown Trout in California?

Fish deep pools, undercut banks, behind boulders, and areas with dense cover. In streams, target eddies where foam gathers, deep pools, and areas near structure. Large streamers and mouse patterns fished at night are notorious for catching giant browns.

What do Brown Trout eat?

Their diet changes dramatically with age: smaller fish focus on drift organisms and terrestrial insects, while larger browns (over 40cm) feed almost exclusively on other fish, including smaller trout. All sizes consume terrestrial insects during late summer hatching events. Browns are cannibalistic.

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