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Great Trout Fishing Locations In Indiana

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Guide to fishing for rainbow, brook, brown and lake trout in area lakes and streams.

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

The purpose of this page is to share basic information about trout fishing and identify popular rainbow, cutthroat, brook and brown trout waters in the state.

Trout fishing in Indiana

Indiana offers exciting opportunities for trout fishing, with its lakes and rivers providing excellent habitats for various trout species. Anglers can enjoy pursuing both stocked and naturally reproducing trout, making for a diverse and rewarding angling experience.

Rainbow trout are the most common trout species targeted by anglers in Indiana. These vibrant and hard-fighting fish are stocked in many lakes and rivers across the state, including streams such as the Blue River, Sugar Creek, and the Little Elkhart River. Rainbow trout can be caught using a variety of techniques, including fly fishing, spinning gear, and bait fishing. Anglers often use artificial flies, spinners, or worms to entice these prized fish.

Brown trout are another popular trout species found in Indiana's waters. They can be caught in both stocked and wild populations, with some rivers and streams having self-sustaining populations of these fish. The St. Joseph River, Elkhart River, and the West Fork of the White River are known for their brown trout fisheries. Brown trout are known for their wily nature, making them a challenging target for anglers. Fly fishing with streamer patterns, using spinners, or drifting bait can be effective methods for catching brown trout.

Indiana also boasts the occasional presence of brook trout. These native trout species can be found in select streams and small headwaters. Brook trout are known for their beauty and preference for clear, cold waters. Anglers targeting brook trout often use small flies, such as nymphs or dry flies, to imitate their natural food sources.

Indiana's trout fishing is further enhanced by the state's stocking programs, which provide opportunities for anglers to catch larger fish. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources regularly stocks trout in lakes and streams during the spring and fall seasons, ensuring a steady supply of fish for anglers to pursue.

The state records for trout in Indiana reflect the potential for trophy-sized fish. The current state record for rainbow trout stands at over 18 pounds, while the record for brown trout is over 29pounds. These impressive catches highlight the quality of trout fishing opportunities available in Indiana's waters.

When pursuing trout in Indiana, it is important to familiarize yourself with local fishing regulations, including catch limits, size restrictions, and specific rules for trout fishing. Adhering to these regulations helps maintain healthy trout populations and ensures the sustainability of the fisheries.

Indiana's trout fishing provides anglers with a diverse and rewarding angling experience. Whether fishing in lakes or rivers, targeting stocked or wild trout, Indiana offers something for every trout angler. With the right techniques, knowledge, and respect for the environment, anglers can enjoy the thrill of hooking into these prized fish and create lasting memories on Indiana's trout waters.

Trout Waters

There are plenty of rivers and streams with ample populations of trout. Here, we focus on lakes. Other than Lake Michigan, Brookville Lake and Cecil M Harden Lake trout fishing in Indiana lakes is limited to smaller lakes stocked with trout by the Indiana Division of Fish & Wildlife. You can see a list of the waters receiving trout stocking in Indiana.

Fishing Boats For Rent In Indiana

Trout Species In The State

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout

World record: 42 lbs 2 oz

State Record: 18 lbs 8 oz

Brook Trout

Brook trout

World record: 14 lbs 8 oz

State Record: 3 lbs 15.5 oz

Brown Trout

Brown trout

World record: 40 lbs 4 oz

State Record: 29.3 lbs

Lake Trout

Lake trout

World record: 72 lbs 0 oz

State Record: 37.55 lbs

Steelhead

Steelhead Fishing

Steelhead

World record: 42 lbs 0 oz

State Record: 26.62 lbs

Click the images and links above for species details.

Select the best trout lures and baits

Trout spinners, crankbaits and jerkbaits work well for shallow, reasonably active fish. Salmon eggs, worms and prepared baits will work at virtually all depths.

Indiana Record Trout

The state record rainbow trout came from Clear Lake.

The state record brook trout was caught at Lake Gage.

Lake Michigan claims the state records for brown trout, lake trout and tiger trout.

The state record steelhead trout came form Trail Creek.

Click here for a Indiana Fishing License.

Additional trout information

Brown Trout
Brown trout being released.

The 5 primary trouts are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Browns are considered the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts.

Watch trout fishing videos to see trout anglers in action.

Trout Conservation
Trout Unlimited

 

Trout locations and info, by state.

AK Trout Fishing AL Trout Fishing AR Trout Fishing AZ Trout Fishing CA Trout Fishing CO Trout Fishing CT Trout Fishing DE Trout Fishing GA Trout Fishing HI Trout Fishing IA Trout Fishing ID Trout Fishing
IL Trout Fishing IN Trout Fishing KS Trout Fishing KY Trout Fishing MA Trout Fishing MD Trout Fishing ME Trout Fishing MI Trout Fishing MN Trout Fishing MO Trout Fishing MS Trout Fishing MT Trout Fishing
NC Trout Fishing ND Trout Fishing NE Trout Fishing NH Trout Fishing NJ Trout Fishing NM Trout Fishing NV Trout Fishing NY Trout Fishing OH Trout Fishing OK Trout Fishing OR Trout Fishing PA Trout Fishing
RI Trout Fishing SC Trout Fishing SD Trout Fishing TN Trout Fishing TX Trout Fishing UT Trout Fishing VA Trout Fishing VT Trout Fishing WA Trout Fishing WI Trout Fishing WV Trout Fishing WY Trout Fishing
 

Learn the habits of trout

Trout are considered some of the most difficult fish to fool. Once you locate Indiana waters with a population of trout, the challenge becomes identifying trout flies and lures that will trigger strikes. Visit the trout fishing page to learn more about the habitat each of the trouts prefer.