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.

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Fishing For Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are one of the most fished for trout species in the state, and can be found in numerous Indiana lakes and rivers. Known for its tasty pink flesh, rainbows are a favorite among the vast majority of trout anglers in the state. It also appeals to the fly fisherman as it can be caught on flies as well as other small baits and lures. It feeds on small insects, minnows, crustaceans and worms. It is ideal for both sport and dining pleasure.

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. More...

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Fishing For Brook Trout

Brook trout, with their stunning colors and willingness to bite, can be found in remote mountain streams and creeks across the state. These small but feisty fish can provide an exciting fishing experience for those willing to explore Indiana's more secluded and scenic locations. The primary food source of brookies is small insects, mollusks, crustaceans and other small fishes. In lakes where brook trout are stocked, shade over shallow cover is a great place to start.

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. More...

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Fishing For Brown Trout

Brown trout, another prized trout species, can be found in select Indiana lakes and rivers. Many of these fisheries are attracting anglers from near and far. These elusive and wary fish offer a challenge to anglers, requiring stealthy presentations and precise casting to entice a bite. Brown trout feed on worms, minnows, insects and crustaceans. Larger browns can be taken on jerkbaits, small crankbaits and spinners.

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. More...

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Fishing For Lake Trout

Lake trout are by far the largest of the trouts. They live in deep, cold lakes and feeds on virtually all forms of flesh which exist in its home waters. It's rich flaky flesh makes it a tasty table favorite. During early spring, lake trout can often be found in the shallows of lakes, readily taking dry flies, wet flies, and other slow-moving presentations. As surface temperatures rise, these trout typically migrate to deeper waters, prompting anglers to employ trolling with heavier tackle as the primary technique using spoons and baitfish-imitating lures. More...

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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 Unlimited

Trout locations and info, by state.

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