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Brook Trout

Brook Trout

Brook trout are not native to North Dakota, as they are naturally found in Eastern North America from Labrador south to Georgia and west to Minnesota.

However, they have been introduced to North Dakota waters through stocking programs that began as early as 1954. The species is technically a char, not a true trout.

Scientific Name: Salvelinus fontinalis

Physical Characteristics:

Distinguished by their dark bodies with light spots, cream-colored vermiculation (worm-like patterns) on their backs, and distinctive red spots surrounded by blue halos along their sides. Their lower fins have characteristic white edging.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

In North Dakota, brook trout are found primarily in small, cold-water lakes and streams. Look for brook trout in spring-fed streams and small prairie lakes, particularly those with gravel bottoms and good oxygen levels.

Key Locations

Small, cold-water lakes and streams, with some populations maintained through annual stocking of catchable-sized fish into 45-55 lakes.

Specific Spots

In flowing water, focus on areas with rapids, current breaks, undercut banks, deep pools, and areas where bubbles indicate oxygenated water. For lakes, fish depths of 10-35 feet close to shore, targeting drop-offs and structure.

Brook Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Small spinners like #0-1 Mepps, Panther Martins, or Blue Foxes. Live bait options include worms, grasshoppers, and mayflies, with Berkley Trout Bait (floating formula) being particularly effective.

What flies work for Brook Trout in North Dakota?

Small dry flies like Elk Hair Caddis, Adams, and Stimulators for surface feeding, plus nymphs such as Hare's Ear and Pheasant Tail for subsurface presentations. When lake fishing, use streamers like Woolly Buggers and small Zonkers to imitate baitfish.

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

Best seasons for brook trout fishing in North Dakota are late spring through early summer and early fall, when water temperatures are optimal. Fall spawning period (mid-September through early November) is unsuitable for fishing as fish should be left undisturbed.

How do you catch Brook Trout in North Dakota?

Use the three-way swivel technique for trolling with 1-2 oz weights and light lures, moving just fast enough for lures to work properly. In spring, brook trout are found near the surface, but as water warms they move deeper, requiring sinking lines and deeper presentations.

What do Brook Trout eat?

Opportunistic feeders, consuming aquatic insects (nymphs), terrestrial insects like ants and beetles, small crayfish, and smaller fish. Young brook trout feed primarily on small insects, while larger fish eat aquatic invertebrates, worms, and minnows.

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