Guide To Great Trout Fishing Locations In Wisconsin

All about fishing for rainbow, brook, brown and lake trout in local lakes and streams.

Trout Waters

Most trout fishing in Wisconsin is conducted on the banks of rivers and streams. Some ponds, parks and small lakes have natural or stocked populations of trout. A few of the major lakes in the state have significant trout populations - they are Beaver Dam Lake, Big Green Lake, Green Lake, Lake Geneva, Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Some of the major lakes, as well as smaller lakes and ponds, are stocked with trout, and many of these offer ice fishing in winter.

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.

Wisconsin Trout Records

The state record rainbow trout was caught from Elbow Lake.

The state record brook trout was taken out of the Prairie River.

The state record brown trout came from Lake Geneva.

The state record lake trout was caught in Green Lake.

Visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website for schedules and details regarding trout stocking in Wisconsin.

Watch trout fishing videos to see trout anglers in action.

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.

Trout Conservation
Trout Unlimited

Trout locations and info, by state.