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Brook Trout

Brook Trout

Brook Trout are Rhode Island's only native trout species and one of the state's most colorful freshwater fish. These fish are technically char, not true trout.

Scientific Name: Salvelinus fontinalis

Also known as salters

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by their dark olive backs with distinctive worm-like markings called vermiculations, bright red spots surrounded by blue halos, and orange-red bellies that intensify during spawning.
  • Their lower fins are red with black and white edging, and males display brilliant spawning colors in fall.
  • In Rhode Island, Brook Trout typically grow 6-8 inches long, occasionally reaching up to 12 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Some populations are anadromous "salters" that move between fresh and saltwater, losing their silvery appearance 10-14 days after entering freshwater.
  • Brook Trout are the sixth most widely distributed fish species in the state.

Key Locations

  • Key locations include the Wood River (Route 165 to Barberville Dam), Falls River (catch-and-release section from Brook Trail to Austin Farm Road), Flat River, Breakheart Brook, Beaver River, and Queen-Usquepaugh River.
  • The Upper Wood River holds Rhode Island's largest Brook Trout population with coldest water and highest volume.
  • Northern waters like the Blackstone River, Clear River, and Chepachet River also provide excellent opportunities.

Specific Spots

  • Target undercut banks, riffle pools, spring-fed areas, and structure like fallen logs where Brook Trout ambush prey.

Brook Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

For spin fishing, use small inline spinners like Panther Martin Originals, Roostertails, and spoons like Kastmasters or Little Cleos in 1/8-1/4 ounce sizes. Live bait including nightcrawlers, garden worms, and small minnows are effective, especially PowerBait and Trout Nuggets for stocked areas.

What flies work for Brook Trout in Rhode Island?

Effective dry flies include Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, and Parachute Adams in sizes 16-22. Productive nymphs are Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, Prince Nymph, and the highly effective Purple Tunghead Hot Spot Pheasant Tail Jig in sizes 14-16.

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

The best time to target Rhode Island Brook Trout is late April through June and again in September-October.

How do you catch Brook Trout in Rhode Island?

Target undercut banks, riffle pools, spring-fed areas, and structure like fallen logs where Brook Trout ambush prey.

What do Brook Trout eat?

They're carnivorous opportunistic feeders consuming aquatic insects (mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies), terrestrial insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish including their own young.

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