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Brown Trout

Brown Trout

Brown Trout in Indiana are a non-native species originally introduced from Europe in 1883, with the first introductions coming from German and Scottish strains.

Today's Indiana brown trout are a genetic mix of these various European origins, creating what's known as 'American generic Brown Trout.'

Scientific Name: Salmo trutta

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by their golden-brown to olive-green coloration with black spots on the upper body surrounded by pale halos and red spots on the lower body.
  • They have white mouths, teeth and gums, with square-edged tail fins lacking spots on the upper or lower lobes.
  • Adult brown trout in Indiana streams typically range 15-22 inches and 1-5 pounds, though lake-dwelling fish can grow much larger due to abundant forage and less energy expenditure fighting current.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found in both lakes and streams primarily in the northern region near the Great Lakes, with some populations in select southern waters.

Key Locations

  • Brookville Lake tailwater, Pigeon River system in LaGrange County, Little Elkhart River, Oliver Lake, Flatrock River, and various stocked lakes.

Specific Spots

  • Target structure like undercut banks, fallen trees, boulder fields, and deep pools with current breaks.
  • Favor deep pools, undercut banks, fallen timber, and areas with overhead cover.

Brown Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Rapala floating minnows, Countdown Rapalas, spinner baits like Rooster Tails and Panther Martins in black or silver work well, especially during spring when water clarity is poor. Hair jigs imitating sculpins are effective in rocky bottom areas with current.

What flies work for Brown Trout in Indiana?

Elk Hair Caddis (sizes 12-16), Blue Winged Olives (sizes 18-22) particularly during winter hatches, Pheasant Tail Nymphs (sizes 16-22), Hare's Ear Nymphs, Prince Nymphs, Woolly Buggers in black or white (sizes 4-10), and Muddler Minnows for larger fish.

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

Most productive from late April through December, with the season officially opening the last Saturday in April and running through December 31st. Summer fishing is productive with terrestrial patterns. Winter fishing requires slower presentations.

How do you catch Brown Trout in Indiana?

Winter fishing requires slower presentations with minnow lures cast upstream at 45-degree angles. Hair jigs work well along rocky bottoms near the thermocline. Night fishing with mouse patterns can be effective for large browns. Streamer fishing with articulated patterns targets trophy browns.

What do Brown Trout eat?

Highly predatory, especially as they mature beyond 12-14 inches, transitioning from primarily insectivorous diets to piscivorous feeding habits.

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