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Brook Trout

Brook Trout

Brook trout are Nebraska's least abundant and smallest trout species. Technically a char rather than a true trout, brookies were introduced from the East Coast and are the least adaptable of Nebraska's trout.

Scientific Name: Salvelinus fontinalis

Also known as brookies, squaretail

Physical Characteristics:
  • These are the most colorful trout, easily identified by beautiful red spots with blue aureoles on their sides, dark wavy lines called vermiculations and forest-green swirls on their back and dorsal fin, and pink or reddish lower fins delicately edged with white.
  • The tail fin is very slightly forked, sometimes appearing almost square.
  • They typically grow to a maximum of about 10 inches in Nebraska streams with naturally reproducing populations.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Brook trout are found almost exclusively in small, meandering Pine Ridge streams in northwestern Nebraska, particularly in Sioux and Dawes counties, where they maintain naturally reproducing populations.

Key Locations

  • Monroe Creek northwest of Harrison, Soldier Creek (middle and south forks) near Fort Robinson State Park, Squaw Creek east of Crawford, West and East Ash Creeks, Dead Horse Creek, Chadron Creek, Big Bordeaux Creek, Beaver Creek, and Larabee Creek.
  • Gilbert-Baker WMA on Monroe Creek, portions of Soldier Creek at Fort Robinson State Park, and sections through U.S.FS land.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on fishing around structure like undercut banks, fallen logs, deep pools, and areas with current breaks.

Brook Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Tiny lures including #0 Mepps or Blue Fox spinners. Small inline spinners like Rooster Tails in gold or silver work well. Natural baits include worms, small minnows, and Berkley Trout Bait (floating version).

What flies work for Brook Trout in Nebraska?

Small nymphs like Prince Nymph, Pheasant Tail, and Hare's Ear in sizes 14-16, dry flies such as Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, and small Stimulators, and streamers like small Woolly Buggers.

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

The best time to fish for brook trout in Nebraska is during spring (late April through June) and fall (September through October), with spring and fall offering optimal conditions. They spawn from mid-September to late-October and this period should be avoided for fishing to protect reproducing fish.

How do you catch Brook Trout in Nebraska?

Focus on fishing around structure like undercut banks, fallen logs, deep pools, and areas with current breaks. Practice catch-and-release with barbless hooks to protect these fragile populations.

What do Brook Trout eat?

Brook trout are opportunistic feeders eating various insects (both adult and nymph forms), terrestrial insects like ants and beetles, small crayfish, worms, leeches, and small fish when available.

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