Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
Originally from Europe, brown trout have become one of the most widely established and challenging game fish in North America, thriving in cold rivers, tailwaters, and large lakes across the country. Known for their wariness and ability to grow to trophy size, they reward patient anglers who master technical presentations.
Seasonal Activity
Best Techniques
- fly fishing (dries, streamers, nymphs)
- trolling large lakes
- drifting spawn
- night fishing with mice
Top Baits
- nightcrawlers
- spawn bags
- crankbaits
- streamers
- mouse patterns
Fishing Regulations
Season dates and limits for Brown Trout, by state. This list may not cover every state yet — always confirm current rules with your state's wildlife agency before you fish.
Arizona 1 zone
Combined 6 trout daily limit. Brown trout found in White Mountains streams and some tailwater fisheries.
Effective 2025 · Source: azgfd.com
Arkansas 1 zone
Minimum length 16 inches. Combined trout daily bag of 5. Only 2 brown trout per day.
Effective 2025 · Source: agfc.com
California 1 zone
Included in the 5-trout daily bag limit with all trout species combined.
Effective 2025 · Source: wildlife.ca.gov
Colorado 1 zone
Included in the combined trout bag limit of 4. Found in many rivers and streams statewide.
Effective 2025 · Source: cpw.state.co.us
Connecticut 1 zone
Trout season opens the second Saturday in April. Combined daily limit of 5 for all trout species.
Effective 2025 · Source: portal.ct.gov
Georgia 1 zone
Included in trout aggregate daily limit of 8. Found in north Georgia mountain streams.
Effective 2025 · Source: georgiawildlife.com
Idaho 1 zone
Part of the combined trout limit. Found in the South Fork Boise, Silver Creek, and other streams.
Effective 2025 · Source: idfg.idaho.gov
Iowa 1 zone
No minimum size. Combined trout daily bag of 5.
Effective 2025 · Source: iowadnr.gov
Kentucky 1 zone
Included in trout aggregate daily limit of 8.
Effective 2025 · Source: fw.ky.gov
Maine 1 zone
Combined daily limit of 5 for all trout and salmon species on most waters.
Effective 2025 · Source: maine.gov
Maryland 1 zone
Found in western Maryland streams and stocked waters. Combined daily limit of 5 for all trout species.
Effective 2025 · Source: dnr.maryland.gov
Massachusetts 1 zone
Season begins the first Saturday in April. Combined daily limit of 3 for all trout species.
Effective 2025 · Source: mass.gov
Michigan 1 zone
Trout season opens last Saturday in April. Combined 5 trout daily limit. Great Lakes open year-round with 10 inch minimum.
Effective 2026 · Source: michigan.gov
Minnesota 1 zone
Same regulations as rainbow trout for streams. Combined trout daily bag of 5. Southeastern Minnesota has excellent brown trout fisheries in spring creeks.
Effective 2025 · Source: dnr.state.mn.us
Missouri 1 zone
No minimum size. Combined trout daily bag of 5.
Effective 2025 · Source: mdc.mo.gov
Montana 1 zone
Included in combined trout daily limit. Very popular in rivers such as the Missouri, Bighorn, and Madison.
Effective 2025 · Source: fwp.mt.gov
Nevada 1 zone
Combined trout limit of 5 per day. Brown trout found in cooler streams and reservoirs.
Effective 2025 · Source: ndow.org
New Hampshire 1 zone
Lakes and ponds open January 1 to October 15. Rivers and streams open fourth Saturday in April through October 15. Combined daily limit of 5 for all trout species.
Effective 2025 · Source: wildlife.nh.gov
New Jersey 1 zone
Regular trout season opens on the second Saturday in April. Combined daily limit of 6 for all trout species.
Effective 2025 · Source: nj.gov
New Mexico 1 zone
Combined 5 trout daily limit.
Effective 2025 · Source: wildlife.state.nm.us
New York 1 zone
Trout season dates for streams. Lakes and ponds are open year-round. Combined daily limit of 5 for all trout species.
Effective 2025 · Source: dec.ny.gov
North Carolina 1 zone
Included in trout aggregate daily limit of 7.
Effective 2025 · Source: ncwildlife.org
Oregon 1 zone
Combined with other trout in the daily bag limit. Found in select rivers and lakes.
Effective 2025 · Source: myodfw.com
Pennsylvania 1 zone
Same season as rainbow trout. Combined trout daily bag of 5. Penns Creek, Spring Creek, and Yellow Breeches are among Pennsylvania's premier wild brown trout fisheries.
Effective 2025 · Source: fishandboat.com
Rhode Island 1 zone
Combined 5 trout daily limit. Brown trout found in select stocked ponds and streams.
Effective 2025 · Source: dem.ri.gov
South Carolina 1 zone
Included in trout aggregate daily limit of 5.
Effective 2025 · Source: dnr.sc.gov
South Dakota 1 zone
Combined 5 trout daily limit. Brown trout found in Black Hills streams including Rapid Creek and Spearfish Creek.
Effective 2025 · Source: gfp.sd.gov
Tennessee 1 zone
Included in trout aggregate daily limit of 7.
Effective 2025 · Source: tn.gov
Utah 1 zone
Combined trout limit. Found in the Provo, Weber, Logan, and Green River systems.
Effective 2025 · Source: wildlife.utah.gov
Vermont 1 zone
Stream season opens the second Saturday in April. Combined daily limit of 6 for all trout and salmon species.
Effective 2025 · Source: vtfishandwildlife.com
Virginia 1 zone
Included in trout aggregate daily limit of 6.
Effective 2025 · Source: dwr.virginia.gov
Washington 1 zone
Included in combined trout daily limit. Found in select streams and lakes.
Effective 2025 · Source: wdfw.wa.gov
West Virginia 1 zone
Included in trout aggregate daily limit of 6.
Effective 2025 · Source: wvdnr.gov
Wisconsin 1 zone
Same regulations as rainbow trout. Combined trout daily bag of 5. Stream category system determines specific season dates and regulations. Great Lakes tributaries may have different rules.
Effective 2025 · Source: dnr.wisconsin.gov
Wyoming 1 zone
Part of the combined trout daily limit. Found in the North Platte, Bighorn, and other rivers.
Effective 2025 · Source: wgfd.wyo.gov
State Records
Official rod & reel records by state. Log your catch to see how you compare.
| State | Weight | Length | Angler | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MI | 41.45 lb | 43.8 in | — | 2009 | Manistee River |
| MO | 40.38 lb | — | Bill Babler | 2019 | Lake Taneycomo |
| IL | 36.72 lb | — | — | 1997 | Lake Michigan |
| WI | 36.56 lb | — | — | — | Lake Michigan |
| NY | 33.13 lb | — | Tony Brown | 1997 | Lake Ontario |
| IN | 29.19 lb | — | Glen Duesing | 2006 | Lake Michigan |
| TN | 28.75 lb | — | Greg Ensor | 1988 | Clinch River |
| CA | 26.5 lb | — | Danny Stearman | 1987 | Twin Lakes |
| NC | 24.63 lb | — | — | — | Nantahala River |
| WA | 22 lb | — | R. L. Henry | 1965 | Sullivan Lake |
| GA | 20.88 lb | — | Chad Doughty | 2014 | Chattahoochee River |
| PA | 20.56 lb | — | Robert J. Ferraro | 2020 | Lake Erie |
| MN | 16.75 lb | — | — | — | Lake Superior |
| VA | 14.75 lb | — | Mike Perkins | 1990 | South Fork Holston River |
| OH | 14.68 lb | — | Robert D. Campbell | 2012 | Lake Erie |
| TX | 7.12 lb | — | Jeff Delong | 1986 | Guadalupe River |
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