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Brook Trout

Brook Trout

Brook Trout are Wisconsin's only native stream trout and are considered the most beautiful sport fish in the state. They're actually char (genus Salvelinus) rather than true trout.

Scientific Name: Salvelinus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by their olive, blue-gray, or black backs with white bellies, worm-like vermiculations on their back, and red spots surrounded by bluish halos on their sides.
  • The lower fins are reddish with characteristic white leading edges followed by black borders.
  • During spawning season, males develop vivid orange-red coloration on their lower flanks and belly.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They're found throughout the state, principally in central and northern Wisconsin streams, Lake Superior, and Lake Michigan (sustained through stocking).
  • In southern Wisconsin, they're rare except in Richland, Columbia, Dane, and Sauk counties.
  • Brook trout inhabit cool, clear, headwater spring ponds, springs, and spring-fed streams.
  • Wisconsin has an estimated 22,000 miles of suitable cold-water stream habitat for brook trout, though this is projected to decline significantly due to climate change.

Key Locations

  • The Dr.iftless Area, central Wisconsin Sand Counties, and various northern Wisconsin streams including tributaries to the Bois Brule River, White River, Peshtigo River, Wolf River, and Prairie River offer excellent opportunities.
  • Over 100 spring ponds in the northwoods provide trophy potential.
  • Particularly around Langlade County for spring ponds.

Specific Spots

  • Target deep water on the outside of stream bends, pools, undercut banks, areas with surface turbulence, and structure like large rocks and logs.
  • Target areas where cold streams enter lakes and fish around drop-offs.

Brook Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Small spinners (Panther Martins, Mepps Aglia), spoons (Phoebe spoons), and small minnow-style lures like Jackson Meteora 45 and Rapala CD-01 are effective. Live bait including worms and small minnows work well, especially in stocked waters.

What flies work for Brook Trout in Wisconsin?

Effective fly patterns include Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Pheasant Tail nymphs, Woolly Buggers, and Muddler Minnows. Match local hatches including White Mayfly, White-Gloved Howdy, March Browns, Green Dr.ake, Cream Fly, Gray Dr.ake, Light Cahill, Sulphurs (#16), Hendrickson (#12), Brown Dr.ake (#8-10), and various caddis...

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

Prime seasons being late April through June and September through October. Avoid fishing from early October through December with peak spawning around mid-November.

How do you catch Brook Trout in Wisconsin?

Target deep water on the outside of stream bends, pools, undercut banks, areas with surface turbulence, and structure like large rocks and logs. In northern Wisconsin's freestone streams, focus on pocket water around boulders using attractor patterns. Match local hatches.

What do Brook Trout eat?

They're opportunistic feeders consuming various minnow species like fathead minnows and golden shiners, insects including mayflies and mosquitoes, aquatic invertebrates, crayfish, leeches, small fish, and even terrestrial insects like grasshoppers.

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