Identification
The body carries dark spots, often with red spots on the sides, while the tail usually has few or none. Color varies considerably. A nearly square tail and well-developed zigzag teeth on the roof of the mouth help distinguish adults from similar salmon.
Size and Weight
An agency species account reports a maximum length of about 4.5 feet, approximately 137 cm. An IGFA certificate verifies a separate Brown Trout caught on October 27, 2020, at 20.10 kg, or 44 pounds 5 ounces. The length and weight describe different records; neither is an ordinary catch expectation. Maine’s usual adult range is 14–20 inches and 1–2 pounds.
Habitat and Natural Food
Cold, oxygenated water and cover such as boulders, fallen wood and undercut banks support stream fish. Some populations use lakes or make sea runs. Insects, fish and crayfish provide food, with the mix changing as prey becomes available.
Bait and Fishing Methods
Documented options include worms and minnows, along with dry flies, streamers, spinners and spoons. Maine guidance describes shore casting in spring and fall and deeper presentations as conditions change. Match the method to the water and its current bait rules rather than treating one lure as universally best.
The Daytime Fish You Do Not See
Maine fisheries observations describe increasingly nocturnal behavior through spring and summer. A quiet daytime stretch can therefore conceal fish that feed at another hour. This seasonal tendency helps explain why visible habitat and daytime catches do not always tell the same story.
All Lakes With Brown Trout
Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Brown Trout records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.
Showing 1–24 of 2,489 lakes · Page 1 of 104
- 13 Reservoir Washington, WI
- 5 Reservoir Vernon, WI
- Abbotts Pond Oxford, ME
- Abiquiu Reservoir Rio Arriba, NM
- Abraham Flat Klamath, OR
- Abrams Lake Siskiyou, CA
- Accident Pond Garrett, MD
- Ackley Lake Judith Basin, MT
- Ada Lake Langlade, WI
- Adams Lake Trinity, CA
- Adams Lake Portage, WI
- Afterglow Lake Vilas, WI
- Agency Lake Klamath, OR
- Alamoosook Lake Hancock, ME
- Albert Lake Siskiyou, CA
- Albertson Reservoir Lake, OR
- Albright Lake Okanogan, WA
- Alcova Reservoir Natrona, WY
- Alderwood Lake Monroe, WI
- Alford Lake Knox, ME
- Alger Lake Lake, OR
- Allen Creek Reservoir Crook, OR
- Allen Lake Allegany, NY
- Allen Pond Androscoggin, ME