Brook Trout

Salvelinus fontinalis

Natural-history illustration of a brook trout with blue-haloed red spots and white-edged fins
Reviewed species illustration. Confirm your catch with current state identification resources before keeping fish.

Brook trout are the only trout native to eastern North America, and the state fish of nine states. They inhabit cold, clean headwater streams and high-mountain lakes. Brookies are visually stunning — olive-green backs with worm-like vermiculations, red spots with blue halos along the flanks, and brilliant orange-red fins edged in black and white. They're the most willing biters of all trout, making them excellent for beginners and children.

Catching Tips

Brook trout are aggressive and relatively easy to catch. Small spinners, worms, or a dry fly fished in pockets and pools will produce results. They prefer the coldest water — look for spring inflows and shaded pools on warm days. Size 10–14 Royal Wulff dry flies are classic summer producers.

World Record

14.5 lbs
Weight
Nipigon River, Ontario, Canada
Location
1915
Year

No stocking events recorded yet for Brook Trout.