Trout Fishing in Wisconsin

The 5 primary trouts are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Brown trout are considered the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts and the brook trout is the most sensitive to temperature. The others are comfortable in slightly warmer waters.

Trout Fishing Lakes In Wisconsin

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 Green Lake, Lake Geneva, Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website for schedules and details regarding trout stocking in Wisconsin.

Lake Michigan was home to the Wisconsin state record brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout. The WI state record lake trout came from Lake Superior.

Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss

Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis

Brown Trout
Salmo trutta

Lake Trout
Salvelinus namaycush

Organizations & Resources

Cutthroat Trout Conservation
DMOZ Trout Section

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The states list to the left can direct you to information about trout fishing in other states.

All About Fishing for Trout in Wisconsin.

42 lbs - 2 oz

27 lbs - 2 oz

52 - 68 Degrees

Prefers generally clear flowing waters with turbulence for oxygenation over gravel, rock or sandy bottoms.

14 lbs - 8 oz

10 lbs - 1 oz

52 to 64 Degrees

Prefers clear cold water with moderate current over gravel, rocks or sand.

41 lbs - 7 oz

35 lbs - 2 oz

56 - 64 Degrees

Prefers slightly stained cool water with minimum current over rock or sandy bottoms with heavy cover.

72 lbs - 0 oz

47 lbs - 0 oz

52 - 68 Degrees

Prefers clear to slightly stained water with significant depths and sandy bottoms in the shallows.