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Brown Trout

Brown Trout

Brown Trout are not native to Minnesota, having been introduced from Europe in 1883 and established in Minnesota streams by 1923. They are now considered naturalized due to their ability to reproduce successfully in Minnesota waters.

Brown Trout can tolerate warmer and more turbid water than Brook Trout, allowing them to inhabit downstream portions of coldwater streams while Brook Trout occupy headwaters.

Scientific Name: Salmo trutta

Physical Characteristics:
  • They commonly reach 10-15 inches and 3.5-5.5 pounds in Minnesota streams, with the state record being 16 pounds 12 ounces.
  • Lake Superior populations often grow larger than stream fish.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit downstream portions of coldwater streams while Brook Trout occupy headwaters.
  • Lake Superior populations often grow larger than stream fish.

Key Locations

  • Major populations exist in southeastern Minnesota streams like the Whitewater River, Root River, and Vermillion River near Minneapolis, as well as in Lake Superior tributaries like the Temperance and Knife Rivers.

Specific Spots

  • They prefer deep, dark spots with dense cover and sharp current breaks, including undercut banks, deep pool heads, eddies, and areas behind boulders.
  • Target undercut banks, deep pool heads, current breaks behind structure, eddies, 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 Minnesota?

Small spinners like Mepps #2, spoons in silver and gold, small jigs, and crankbaits like Rapalas for larger predatory Browns. Gold-colored lures are traditionally preferred for Browns specifically.

What flies work for Brown Trout in Minnesota?

Blue-Winged Olives (BWO) and midges during winter, Elk Hair Caddis for late spring through fall, Chernobyl Ants and hopper patterns during summer terrestrial season, Pheasant Tail Nymphs (the most productive pattern), Hare's Ear Nymphs, Prince Nymphs, Woolly Buggers, Muddler Minnows, and Dr.unk and Disorderly...

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

Brown Trout seasons in Minnesota vary by location: Southeast Minnesota streams are open April 12-September 14 with catch-and-release from September 15-October 15, while other statewide streams run April 12-September 30. Lake Superior allows year-round Brown Trout fishing.

How do you catch Brown Trout in Minnesota?

Fish upstream presentations for dry flies and nymphs, swing streamers across and downstream. Successful techniques include dead-drifting nymphs with strike indicators, presenting dry flies during BWO and caddis hatches, and retrieving streamers with quick strips to imitate wounded baitfish.

What do Brown Trout eat?

Brown Trout are voracious predators with diverse diets including aquatic insects (mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, midges), terrestrial insects, zooplankton, worms, crayfish, small clams, snails, and various small fish including sculpins, minnows, and even other trout.

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