subject: Brook Trout Fishing - Taking The Adventure And Putting It Into Fishing [print this page] Many experienced anglers consider brook trout fishing a special experience. Brook trout are among the smallest of the fish considered trout. In nature, these fish are native to the eastern parts of the United States and Canada. They make their homes in streams, creeks, ponds, and small lakes. The color of these fish is among the most spectacular of trout species. It has a basic green or brown color with marbling along the flanks and back. The flank also has red dots with blue haloes around the edge. The lower fins and belly are often reddish. During spawning season, the male belly will get a darker red or orange.
Those interested in brook trout fishing need not think they are going after a huge trophy. While most brook trout do not get above 15 inches in typical conditions, the largest recorded specimen was 33 inches. The brook trout appears to adapt its body length and weight to the environment in which it lives. The more water and food available, the larger the specimen will grow. Most brook trout weigh less than 3 lbs, but the largest on record was 7 lbs. Do not expect large fish in areas with excessive fishing.
Brook trout fishing is a very popular option for fly fisherman. However, man threatens the remaining populations. Brook trout are extremely picky when it comes to their habitat. They only thrive in areas with clear, cold water with high levels of oxygen. The water must be very pure. Without those conditions, the trout die off. In those areas where brook trout survive, communities have taken action to keep the water as pure and clean as possible to maintain these populations. If you want to go after a brook trout, consider practicing catch and release. Use wet hand and careful touch when handling them.
Brook trout fishing often takes the angler into the wilderness. Many of the remaining populations are in high mountain streams along the Appalachian Mountains. The best fishing often requires trekking into unpopulated areas. Many of these fishing holes are well-kept secrets by locals. You may have to try your luck in a few spots before you hit "brookie" pay dirt. Brook trout are not picky when it comes to lures or bait. They like just about anything you can throw at them. They do not often eat other fish species so using wet flies and nymphs usually gets better results.
