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Brook Trout

Brook Trout

Brook Trout are Pennsylvania's official state fish and the only native salmonid to the state's streams and rivers.

Pennsylvania once had robust Brook Trout populations throughout its watersheds, but fewer than 1% of historically native brook trout subwatersheds remain intact today.

Scientific Name: Salvelinus fontinalis

Physical Characteristics:
  • These char are distinguished by their dark olive-green to gray-green backs with distinctive wormlike markings (vermiculations), scattered red dots surrounded by bright blue halos on their sides, and pale yellow-orange bellies with white-edged orange fins.
  • They typically mature at 2 years, rarely live beyond 5 years, and in Pennsylvania streams usually range from 5-18 inches depending on food availability.
  • In headwater streams, fish may be only 4-5 inches when sexually mature.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Wild populations persist primarily in headwater streams and cold mountain creeks in the northern and central regions, found in the Ohio, Susquehanna, Genesee, Potomac, and Delaware River watersheds.

Key Locations

  • Popular Pennsylvania brook trout waters include streams in state forests and Class A Wild Trout streams in the northern tier counties, though many productive waters are on private land requiring permission.

Specific Spots

  • Target classic brook trout lies: undercut banks, deep pools, behind boulders, riffle-pool transitions, and areas with woody debris or overhanging vegetation.

Brook Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Brook Trout in Pennsylvania?

Dr.y flies like Female Adams, Parachute Adams, Stimulator (yellow/olive, sizes 10-14), PMX, and Spotlight Caddis Emerger during surface feeding. Effective nymphs include Purple Tunghead Hot Spot Pheasant Tail Jig (sizes 14-16), Beadhead Prince Nymph, and Cravens Juju Baetis.

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

The prime Brook Trout fishing season in Pennsylvania runs from April through June when the regular trout season opens on the first Saturday in April. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) provide the best fishing as Brook Trout are most active in cooler water temperatures between 50-60°F.

How do you catch Brook Trout in Pennsylvania?

Early mornings and late evenings are most productive when water temperatures are optimal. During summer heat, target shaded areas, deeper pools, and cold spring-fed streams. Stealth is critical as Brook Trout spook easily - make careful, subtle presentations and stay hidden.

What do Brook Trout eat?

They feed opportunistically on aquatic insects (mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies), terrestrial insects (ants, beetles, grasshoppers), crustaceans, and small fish. Young brook trout start with plankton and progress to insects as they mature.

Where do Brook Trout live in Pennsylvania?

Wild populations persist primarily in headwater streams and cold mountain creeks in the northern and central regions, found in the Ohio, Susquehanna, Genesee, Potomac, and Delaware River watersheds.

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