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Brook Trout

Brook Trout

Brook trout in Indiana are considered rare compared to other trout species in the state. They are native to the Great Lakes region and are most commonly found in the northern areas near Lake Michigan, where they are known as 'coasters.'

Scientific Name: Salvelinus fontinalis

Also known as coasters

Physical Characteristics:
  • Brook trout are actually members of the char family rather than true trout, characterized by light spots on dark backgrounds with distinctive olive to black coloring, orange-red bellies (especially in males), and pink or red spots with blue halos along their sides.
  • In Indiana, stream brook trout typically average 7-9 inches and 2-3 pounds, while coaster brook trout in the Great Lakes can reach impressive sizes of 25 inches and 10 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They're found primarily in spring-fed streams, cold headwater areas, and the Great Lakes region where water temperatures remain suitable year-round.

Key Locations

  • Most commonly found in the northern areas near Lake Michigan.

Specific Spots

  • In streams, focus on deep pools, areas with submerged wood structures, beaver dams, and eddies along banks where they find relief from current and cooler water.

Brook Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Brook Trout in Indiana?

Effective lures include size #0-1 Mepps spinners, Blue Fox Vibrax spinners, Panther Martin spinners, small spoons (Little Cleo 1/8-1/4 oz, Williams Wobblers, Mooselook Wobblers), and small minnow-style lures like Jackson Meteora 45 and Rapala CD-01.

What flies work for Brook Trout in Indiana?

Productive patterns include Stimulators (yellow/olive, sizes 10-14), Royal PMX (sizes 10-14), Elk Hair Caddis, and for nymphs, Purple Tunghead Hot Spot Pheasant Tail Jigs (sizes 14-16), Beadhead Prince Nymphs (sizes 14-16), and Hard Body Ant patterns (black/red-black, sizes 12-16).

When is the best time to fish for Brook Trout in Indiana?

Brook trout fishing in Indiana is most productive in spring (late March through May) and fall when water temperatures are in their preferred 50-65°F range.

How do you catch Brook Trout in Indiana?

A dropper rig with a dry fly and nymph 8-16 inches below works well in early season. Always wet hands before handling these delicate fish and consider using barbless hooks to minimize harm during catch and release.

What do Brook Trout eat?

Brook trout are opportunistic feeders consuming aquatic insects, terrestrial insects (grasshoppers, ants, crickets), snails, crayfish, and small fish.

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