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Brown Trout

Brown Trout

Brown Trout are non-native predatory fish that have become one of Wyoming's most prized gamefish since their introduction in 1933.

These European natives are known for their selective feeding behavior and may feed sporadically regardless of food abundance, making them challenging but rewarding targets.

Scientific Name: Salmo trutta

Physical Characteristics:
  • These European natives are distinguished by their golden-brown coloration with dark spots below the lateral line and red or orange spots on their sides, often surrounded by pale halos.
  • Wyoming's Brown Trout average 12-18 inches but can exceed 20 inches, particularly in waters like the Snake River.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They're found in 46 Wyoming drainages across cold, oxygen-rich rivers and streams, as well as in lakes and reservoirs including the North Platte River system, Green River, Snake River, Flaming Gorge Reservoir, and Laramie Plains Lakes.

Key Locations

  • Target locations include the North Platte River system (Grey Reef, Miracle Mile, Fremont Canyon), Green River near Pinedale, Snake River, Flaming Gorge Reservoir, and Laramie Plains Lakes (Twin Buttes, Lake Hattie).
  • North Platte River below Casper and the Miracle Mile where large browns stage for spawning.

Specific Spots

  • They inhabit deep pools, undercut banks, areas with overhead cover, and rocky structures in flowing water 8-36 inches deep.
  • Focus on undercut banks, deep pools, rocky structures, and areas below riffles.

Brown Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Brown Trout in Wyoming?

Essential fly patterns include dry flies (Parachute Adams sizes 12-16, Elk Hair Caddis, Purple Haze sizes 10-18, Morrish Hopper, Fat Albert, Green Dr.ake Parachute size 10), nymphs (Pheasant Tail, Prince Nymph, Copper John, Hare's Ear), and streamers (Woolly Bugger, Muddler Minnow, Zonker).

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

Fall fishing (mid-October through November) offers the best trophy Brown Trout opportunities. Winter provides excellent wade fishing with low flows and concentrated fish in deep runs, especially effective from late November through December. Spring offers good pre-spawn fishing but avoid actual spawning periods.

How do you catch Brown Trout in Wyoming?

Best techniques include dead-drifting nymphs with indicators, streamer fishing during fall and spring, dry fly fishing during hatches (especially evening caddis emergences), and mousing at dusk with large mouse patterns. Match local hatches and use smaller flies when fishing becomes difficult.

What do Brown Trout eat?

These opportunistic predators feed on aquatic insects (mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, midges), terrestrial insects, small fish, crayfish, and even mice when mature. Larger Brown Trout over 12-14 inches become increasingly piscivorous.

Where do Brown Trout live in Wyoming?

They're found in 46 Wyoming drainages across cold, oxygen-rich rivers and streams, as well as in lakes and reservoirs including the North Platte River system, Green River, Snake River, Flaming Gorge Reservoir, and Laramie Plains Lakes.

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