Brown Trout
Brown Trout are an introduced species in Connecticut, native to Europe and Asia but now widely distributed throughout the state.
They are stocked as adults in many lakes and most fishable streams, with naturally reproduced wild brown trout present in many Connecticut streams.
Brown trout are extremely piscivorous (fish eaters) and fairly temperature tolerant, making them excellent holdover fish that can survive several years after stocking.
Scientific Name: Salmo trutta
- Adults commonly range 8-20 inches, with the Connecticut state record being 16.9 pounds and 30 inches.
- Brown trout are distinguished by dark spots on a light background, red spots on their sides often surrounded by blue halos, and a large mouth extending well beyond the eye.
Fishing in Connecticut
Connecticut River
Farmington River
North Atlantic Ocean
Housatonic River
Naugatuck River
The Thimbles
Willimantic River
Westfield River
Paper Rock Shoal
Saugatuck River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- They prefer coldwater streams with gravel to cobble bottoms and adequate cover like boulders, dead trees, and undercut banks.
- Some brown trout become sea-run, descending into Long Island Sound estuaries where they grow rapidly before returning to freshwater.
Key Locations
- Farmington River (famous for its 'Survivor Strain' browns), Salmon River, Housatonic River, and Trout Management Lakes like East Twin Lake, West Hill Pond, Candlewood Lake, and Lake Wononskopomuc.
Specific Spots
- Focus on spring-fed areas, deep holes near structure, and tributary mouths.
- Target deep pools, eddies where foam gathers, undercut banks, and areas with dramatic turns creating slack water.
Brown Trout FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Brown Trout in Connecticut?
Mealworms on size 12 scud hooks, Rooster Tails (especially firetiger, rainbow, and brown/pink patterns), small Rapala Countdown minnows (size 1), Panther Martin spinners, spoons, and small minnow baits.
What flies work for Brown Trout in Connecticut?
Blue-winged Olives (#14-28), midges (#24-28), Hendricksons (#12-16), Sulphurs (#14-18), Pheasant Tails (#14-18), Copper Johns (#14-18), Zebra Midges (#18-22), and flies behind downriggers or lead core line.
When is the best time to fish for Brown Trout in Connecticut?
Prime brown trout fishing in Connecticut occurs from late April through August in rivers, with excellent action resuming in fall after water temperatures cool. In Trout Management Lakes, fishing is productive year-round with peak activity mid-May through June when water temperatures are ideal.
How do you catch Brown Trout in Connecticut?
Mealworms on size 12 scud hooks are deadly, fished weightless or with BB-sized split shot. Trolling works well at 1-2 mph. Euro-nymphing is highly effective. Night fishing produces large trout as they move shallow to feed.
What do Brown Trout eat?
Their diet includes fish (they're highly predatory on other trout and baitfish), insects, crustaceans, and small mammals. In Connecticut's Trout Management Lakes, they feed heavily on landlocked alewife.
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