Brook Trout Description with Destination Fishing Vacations in Canada, fishing lodges, fly fishing, freshwater angling, fishing techniques, saltwater fishing, trout fishing, northern fishing

Overview

Brook trout are also commonly called Eastern brook trout, brookies, speckled trout, native trout, and squaretails. A brook trout in the Great Lakes that migrates up tributaries to spawn is known as a coaster.

Brook trout are not spectacular leapers, but are powerful fighters for their size. They will take a dry fly, but subsurface flies generally work better. Many are caught on small spoons and spinners, and on worms, leeches, minnow, and a variety of other live baits. Brookies are the least wary and easiest to catch of the salmonids.

Brook trout thrive in streams, lakes, and ponds that are not too cold and clear. They prefer water of 50° to 56° F. Because of their coldwater habits, brook trout often are confined to the headwaters of spring-fed streams. Although there is still plenty of good brook trout water in the United States, a great deal of prime habitat has been lost to stream channelization, dam building, pollution, and streambank erosion caused by deforestation and overgrazing. Today, the best brook trout waters are in sparsely populated regions of Labrador, Quebec, and Manitoba.

A nice Brookie... caught at Sudbury Aviation

Eating Habits

The brook trout's diet is extremely varied, depending on what is available. Some of the food items found in brook trout stomachs include tiny larval insects, small fish, field mice and even snakes.

Table Quality

A superb table fish, considered better eating than brown or rainbow trout. Depending on the fish's diet, the flesh can vary from white to bright orange.

Age & Growth

Slow-growing compared to most other trout and char, brook trout tend to overpopulate their habitat and become stunted. Surprisingly, the fastest growth occurs in the northern part of their range. In most populations, males grow slightly faster than females, but do not live as long. Maximum age is approximately 15 years.

World Record

14 pounds, 8 ounces, caught in the Nipigon River, Ontario, in 1916.

Brook Trout Resorts

Ontario

Birch Island Lodge
Chapleau Lodge
Cianci's Holiday North
Fireside Lodge
Garden Island Lodge
Kesagami Wilderness Lodge
Leisure Island Houseboat Rentals
O-Pee-Chee Lake Lodge
Papa John's Place
Sudbury Aviation Ltd.
Tambir Cottages
Wilmer Pond Cottages

Newfoundland

Grey River Lodge
Northern Sport Fishing

New Brunswick

Sunset Shan gri La Lodge

Quebec

Wapoos Sibi

Trout Videos

Fly Fishing Basics A beginner's guide to basic equipment and understanding fly fishing fundamentals.

Beyond the Basics A guide to acquiring new knowledge and skills required to become an accomplished fly angler.

Trout Books

Fly Fishing for Trout in Streams Understanding trout streams, subsurface basics, and subsurface fly-fishing techniques..

Trout The reference for trout. Learn about the fish itself, where it lives, and most important - its eating preferences and how to imitate and present what the fish is really after.

Trout Country A book that embodies all the best in angling literature: lyrical, eminently readable prose, authoritative research, and a contagious passion for the sport. Trout Country belongs on every serious angler's bookshelf.