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Brown Trout

Brown Trout

Brown Trout were introduced to New Hampshire in 1885 from German stock (Loch Leven or Von Behr strains) and are now widely distributed throughout the state.

These non-native trout are close relatives of Atlantic salmon and are more tolerant of warmer and nutrient-rich streams than brook or rainbow trout, allowing them to thrive in low to moderate gradient streams and lakes with high numbers of forage fish.

Scientific Name: Salmo trutta

Physical Characteristics:
  • The New Hampshire state record brown trout weighed 16 pounds 6 ounces and measured 32.5 inches, caught from the Connecticut River in Pittsburg in 1975.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They thrive in low to moderate gradient streams and lakes with high numbers of forage fish.

Key Locations

  • Prime locations include the Connecticut River's trophy stretch from Pittsburg to West Stewartstown, the Saco River through Conway valley (excellent for drift boat fishing during high water or wade fishing during stable flows), the Androscoggin River with its fly-fishing-only sections, and the Pemigewasset River from Lincoln downstream.
  • They inhabit diverse New Hampshire waters including the Connecticut River system, Saco River, Androscoggin River, Pemigewasset River, and lakes such as Crystal Lake (Eaton), Mascoma Lake, Webster Lake, Mirror Lake (Woodstock), and Tarleton Lake.

Specific Spots

  • Target undercut banks, areas below riffles where fast water feeds into pools, and structures like logs and overhangs.

Brown Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Brown Trout in New Hampshire?

Productive patterns include Pheasant Tail Nymphs (sizes 16-22), Elk Hair Caddis (sizes 12-16), Blue Winged Olives (sizes 18-22), Copper Johns (size 14), Wooly Buggers in black or olive for streamer fishing, and various nymph patterns with beadheads for deeper presentations.

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

New Hampshire's brown trout fishing season runs January 1 through October 15 on rivers and streams, with trout ponds opening the fourth Saturday in April. The most productive periods are spring (April-June) and fall (September-October), avoiding their spawning period from October-December.

How do you catch Brown Trout in New Hampshire?

Successful techniques include nymphing with indicator rigs, swinging wet flies through runs, and presenting dry flies with drag-free drifts during hatches.

What do Brown Trout eat?

Their diet consists primarily of macroinvertebrates when small, but fish become increasingly important as they grow larger than 12 inches, making them more piscivorous than other trout species.

Where do Brown Trout live in New Hampshire?

They thrive in low to moderate gradient streams and lakes with high numbers of forage fish.

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