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Brook Trout

Brook Trout

Brook Trout in Wyoming are non-native char that were introduced from their eastern North American range during the late 1800s through 1940s.

They've become well-established throughout the state's mountain regions, particularly in small to medium-sized tributary streams and cool, clear lakes.

Scientific Name: Salvelinus fontinalis

Physical Characteristics:
  • Brook Trout in Wyoming typically range from 6-10 inches, though some waters produce fish up to 14 inches.
  • They're distinguished by light spots on a dark olive-green background, red dots with blue halos along their sides, yellowish vermiculations (wavy lines) on their backs, and orange fins with white and black edges.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Wind River Mountains, Snowy Range, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming Range, and numerous high alpine lakes throughout the state.
  • Small to medium-sized tributary streams and cool, clear lakes.

Key Locations

  • Pinedale region's Cottonwood Creeks (North and South), Piney Creeks (North, Middle, South), streams in the Upper Green River area (North Beaver, Twin, Jim, Gypsum, Tepee, and Tosi creeks), Wind River Mountain lakes (Miller Lake, Ruff Lake, Belford, Black, and Big Sandy lakes), and Bighorn Mountain waters including Clear Creek and numerous high alpine lakes.
  • Green River Lake near Pinedale.

Specific Spots

  • For lake fishing, focus on areas with rocky shorelines and submerged vegetation.

Brook Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Weaver Grabber spoons (3/8 oz) in perch patterns, Little Cleo spoons (1/4-1/2 oz) in blue/silver or perch colors, Blue Fox Vibrax spinners (size 2), Mepps Black Fury spinners, Panther Martin spinners in gold or silver, Rooster Tail spinners, and small spoons like EGBs for streams.

What flies work for Brook Trout in Wyoming?

Elk Hair Caddis (size 14) for surface feeding, small nymphs and wet flies for subsurface presentation, and terrestrial patterns like hoppers during late summer.

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

Late spring through fall, with peak activity during summer months. August is particularly good for terrestrial insect activity.

How do you catch Brook Trout in Wyoming?

Casting and retrieving techniques, trolling in lakes, and dead-drifting natural baits like worms or small minnows where regulations allow.

What do Brook Trout eat?

Brook Trout are opportunistic feeders that consume aquatic and terrestrial insects, with larger fish in lakes also eating smaller forage fish. They're particularly aggressive feeders and will shift their diet toward nymph stages when competing with other trout species.

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