Brook trout fishing has become a true passion for many anglers over an ever-increasing area partly due to its popularity. Another reason is because these fish have successfully been relocated in far-reaching places from their native habitat, which is North America and parts of Canada. Today, these trout can be found in most areas that have cool to cold water in both streams and lakes. Because they prefer cold water conditions, they don't get as large as other types of trout. You will most often catch a brook trout in the 5 to 12 inch range, although they can grow to over 3 pounds in a lifespan that has the potential to reach over 20 years in very cold climates.
Brook trout are beautiful fish! With a gray-olive-green color on their back, they sport vermiculations, which are worm looking markings on top. Their sides have halos of blue surrounding red spots on a lighter background color. No wonder they are the state fish of so many states! Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Vermont and West Virginia all appreciate the beauty and wonderful flavor of this species of trout.
Brookies are different from other trout in several ways. In addition to their no-tolerance approach to warm water, they also spawn in the fall instead of the spring. Furthermore, the brook trout has more easily inter-bred with other species, creating hybrids such as the splake, which is a cross between the brook trout and the lake trout, and the Tiger trout, which comes from the combination of the Brook and the Brown trout. Because these crosses usually produce reproductively sterile offspring, the hybrids don't occur as often in natural settings, but more so in stocking programs. They are popular here because they grow so quickly.
Brook trout feed on insects and water bugs, and in the case of the larger brookies, they eat smaller fish as well. So, if you are heading out with Brook trout on your mind, what should you prepare yourself with? Bait, lures, flies.... they will all work well with these trout. Small spinners, live bait and artificial flies to be more specific. Remember Brook trout are often smaller, so use 4 to 6 pound test line, and small hooks. Your fishing methods are similar to those used for typical lure, bait and fly situations. One mention, however, is that brookies are very alert, and scare easily. So be sure to approach from downstream, and cast upstream of where they are, allowing the bait, lure or fly to flow down with the current to the fish.
Because brook trout are the smallest type of trout you likely will catch, please decide early on if you plan to keep what you catch or not. Many anglers keep every brookie they land, because of the delicate flavor and texture to the flesh. However, some fishermen only want the "big ones," so they throw back the smaller brook trout. If you plan to release what you catch, remember a couple things.
First, using barbless hooks will help you remove the hook without critically injuring the fish. Also, trout have a slimy coating on them, not only making them extremely slippery, but also providing a protective layer on their skin. If you handle the fish with your dry hands, this layer of protection is removed, and the fish likely will become infected and die. It causes a burning sensation to the trout as well, so be sure to wet your hands before touching it.
Brook trout can be caught all year long. Just remember they will be where the water is the coldest, so if the source of the stream is a cold lake, they will travel upstream. If the cooler water is downstream, they will have migrated that way. So, load up your tackle box and head out! Maybe I'll see you at the pass.
Mike Atasca is a trout fishing expert, with more than 45 years experience. For more great tips on brook trout fishing, visit http://www.troutfishingpros.com.
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