Great Trout Fishing Locations In Indiana

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.

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.

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

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.