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Brown Trout

Brown Trout

Brown trout in Oklahoma are an introduced species originally from Europe, far less abundant than rainbow trout. They're notably surface feeders, making them popular with fly fishermen, and are bulldog fighters when hooked, occasionally leaping from the water.

Also known as German brown trout

Physical Characteristics:
  • They can be identified by their orange and red spots on the sides, few or no black spots on their tail, and creamy belly.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In typical trout streams, browns occupy slower-moving water while rainbows prefer faster currents.

Key Locations

  • In Oklahoma, they're stocked periodically in only two locations: the Mountain Fork River below Broken Bow Lake and the Illinois River below Lake Tenkiller.
  • At the Lower Mountain Fork, the Evening Hole (a 1.12-mile catch-and-release section) offers excellent fly fishing opportunities.
  • Fish the areas below Broken Bow Dam, within Beavers Bend State Park between the first two bridges, and below the re-regulation dam for holdover fish.

Specific Spots

  • Fish near large rocks, logs, and in deep holes.

Brown Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

For artificial lures, cast small spinners like Rooster Tails in grasshopper, frog, or hammered silver patterns, Super Dupers in brass/gold, Little Cleo spoons, and Kastmaster spoons.

What flies work for Brown Trout in Oklahoma?

For fly fishing, productive patterns include Pheasant Tail nymphs (sizes 16-22), Hare's Ear nymphs, Prince nymphs, Woolly Buggers (sizes 6-10 in black or brown), and during hatches, Adams variants, PMDs, sulphurs, and Blue Winged Olives (sizes 16-22).

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

The two year-round fisheries are the Lower Mountain Fork River and Lower Illinois River. Browns typically spawn in fall (September-December) when water temperatures reach 43-53°F, making this period when anglers should avoid targeting them to protect reproduction.

How do you catch Brown Trout in Oklahoma?

Cast bait above exposed boulders in swift water and let it drift into calm water downstream. Match specific hatches on the Lower Mountain Fork.

What do Brown Trout eat?

Brown trout have a varied diet including mayfly and caddisfly nymphs, grasshoppers, worms, crayfish, and minnows - being more predatory and piscivorous than other trout species.

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Oklahoma licenses and regulations

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