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Brown Trout

Brown Trout

Brown trout are a non-native species first introduced to Colorado in the 1890s and are now abundant throughout the state, from high mountain streams to broad rivers flowing onto the plains.

Brown trout are more predatory and piscivorous than other trout species, making them excellent targets for streamer fishing.

Scientific Name: Salmo trutta

Physical Characteristics:
  • These golden-brown to olive fish are distinguished by large dark spots on their sides, dorsal fin, and sometimes upper tail lobe, with distinctive red spots surrounded by light halos along their sides.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer well-oxygenated water with overhead cover like undercut banks and tree limbs, often holding in deeper pools during winter and spreading into riffles during warmer months.

Key Locations

  • Colorado's brown trout populations are found in major rivers including the Colorado River (40 miles of Gold Medal water), Arkansas River (102 miles of Gold Medal water), South Platte River, Gunnison River, Fryingpan River, Blue River, and Roaring Fork River, plus numerous lakes and reservoirs like Dillon Reservoir, Spinney Mountain Reservoir, and Blue Mesa Reservoir.
  • Key locations include Gold Medal waters on the Colorado River between Windy Gap and Troublesome Creek, Arkansas River from Lake Fork to Royal Gorge, South Platte's Dr.eam Stream between Spinney Mountain and Eleven Mile Reservoirs, Fryingpan River below Ruedi Dam, and Gunnison River through Black Canyon.

Specific Spots

  • Target structure like boulders, undercut banks, log jams, and drop-offs.

Brown Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

For conventional tackle, use Rooster Tails, Rapala Countdown minnows, Panther Martin spinners, spoons like Little Cleo and Kastmaster, and jerkbaits like Rebel Tracdown.

What flies work for Brown Trout in Colorado?

Effective flies include Woolly Buggers (black with brass eyes), streamers like Pick Yer Pocket and Rabbit Strip Leeches, nymphs such as Bead Head Caddis in olive/tan/grey, dry flies like Parachute Adams, Royal Trude, and X-Caddis, plus mouse patterns for night fishing.

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

Spring fishing (March-May) is excellent as trout become more active with rising temperatures, particularly effective with blue-winged olive and caddis hatches, fishing mid-morning through early afternoon when water temperatures peak.

How do you catch Brown Trout in Colorado?

Key locations include Gold Medal waters with presentation being critical - precise dead drifts for nymphing and proper streamer retrieval speeds matching current conditions.

What do Brown Trout eat?

They feed primarily on aquatic insects (mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, midges), crustaceans (scuds, sowbugs, crayfish), small baitfish including other trout, fish e.g.gs, worms, and even small mammals like mice. Larger browns are known to be aggressive predators that will pursue sculpins, minnows, and other trout.

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