Brook Trout

Salvelinus fontinalis

Wisconsin's native char, found in cold spring-fed streams throughout the northern forests and the Driftless Area. The Chequamegon-Nicolet and Driftless regions offer some of the Midwest's best brook trout fishing. Lincoln County produced the state record.

Size Limit

8 inches minimum (varies by stream classification)

Daily Bag

5 (combined trout, inland streams)

Season

Early January through mid-October (varies by stream class)

State Record

10 lb 1 oz

Lincoln County (1944)

Best Months to Fish

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

What to Use

Live Bait & Natural

NightcrawlersWax worms

Lures & Artificials

Small spinnersFly fishing nymphsDry fliesSmall spoons

Brook Trout Fishing in Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s native char, found in cold spring-fed streams throughout the northern forests and the Driftless Area. The Chequamegon-Nicolet and Driftless regions offer some of the Midwest’s best brook trout fishing. Lincoln County produced the state record.

Regulation Notes

Wisconsin classifies trout streams as Category 1-5 with different regulations. Category 1 streams are catch-and-release or artificial-only. Always check specific stream regulations.

More Wisconsin Fish Species

Yellow Perch

Percidae

Channel Catfish

Ictaluridae

Burbot (Eelpout)

Lotidae

Sauger

Percidae

White Bass

Moronidae

Green Sunfish

Centrarchidae

View all fish species →

Plan Your Brook Trout Trip

Find lakes, guides, and bait shops for your next brook trout fishing trip in Wisconsin.

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Regulations shown are statewide defaults. Some waters have special regulations — always check the current Wisconsin DNR regulations before fishing. A Wisconsin fishing license is required for ages 16+.