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Brown Trout

Brown Trout

Brown trout in Kansas are non-native salmonids originally from Europe that have been successfully established through an extensive stocking program.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks stocks over 150,000 trout annually at more than 30 waterways during the cooler months when water temperatures can support them.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Larger brown trout become increasingly piscivorous.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • More than 30 waterways statewide.
  • Brown trout in Kansas are primarily rainbow trout with occasional brown trout stockings at select locations like the Mined Land Wildlife Area Unit #30.

Key Locations

  • Kanopolis Seep Stream (a unique year-round fishery fed by cold lake water), Webster Stilling Basin, Willow Lake at Tuttle Creek, Pratt Centennial Pond, and the Mined Land Wildlife Area Unit #30 'Trout Pit' with its 60-foot depths and crystal-clear water.
  • Lake Shawnee.

Specific Spots

  • They prefer structure like fallen trees, undercut banks, and rocky areas.
  • Focus on deeper areas, around structure like fallen trees and bridge pilings, and in areas with current flow.

Brown Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Small spinners like Panther Martins and Rooster Tails (particularly white 1/8 oz), spoons like Thomas spoons and Kastmasters, and minnow lures like Rapala floating and countdown models. PowerBait (yellow, pink, rainbow colors), salmon e.g.gs, nightcrawlers, and corn. Jigging spoons and small crankbaits.

What flies work for Brown Trout in Kansas?

Woolly buggers, pheasant tail nymphs, zebra midges, elk hair caddis, parachute Adams, prince nymphs, and blue-winged olives in sizes 18-22. Streamer patterns like sculpzillas, sparkle minnows, balanced leeches, and mini dungeons work well for larger trout.

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

Kansas brown trout fishing season runs from November 1st through April 15th, with the best fishing occurring during stable cold periods when water temperatures stay between 50-65°F. These fish thrive in Kansas waters when temperatures drop between 43-53°F, typically from November through April 15th.

How do you catch Brown Trout in Kansas?

Focus on deeper areas, around structure like fallen trees and bridge pilings, and in areas with current flow. At Kanopolis Seep Stream, use midges and small nymphs in the flowing water sections.

What do Brown Trout eat?

Kansas brown trout are opportunistic predators with a varied diet including insects like mayflies, caddisflies, and midges, as well as crustaceans like scuds and crayfish, small fish including sculpins and minnows, and even terrestrials like grasshoppers, ants, and beetles.

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