Trout are cold water game fish; therefore, their
distribution in Iowa is limited to the cool streams of nine northeastern
counties, but catchable-sized fish are stocked in several locations across the
state during colder months. They are slender with a body covering of tiny
scales, a hooked lower jaw, and an adipose fin behind the dorsal fin.
For more information about trout, visit the DNR website.
The brook trout is the only trout species native to Iowa.
They originally were abundant in northeast Iowa’s spring fed streams, but now
natural reproduction is limited. Hatchery-reared fish are stocked to provide
additional fishing opportunities.
Brook trout are small, averaging less than a pound. They are
distinguished from other trout by vivid white lines on the front edge of the
lower fins and light worm-like mottling on the back. Male “brookies” may
develop a deep red-crimson yellow color on the belly and numerous red and pale
yellow spots (possibly surrounded by blue circles) along the sides during the
fall spawning season.
Individuals live in confined areas, often spending their
lives in a single pool-riffle. They require clean, cold water and often are
found near springs. They eat aquatic insects and readily strike worms, minnows,
or small lures.
Rainbows are most easily separated from other trout by the
bright pink-red horizontal stripe along the side of the body. They are olive to
greenish blue over most of the upper body and silvery-white along the belly.
The sides, back, and dorsal and tail fins are covered with small black spots.
Rainbows often are in open-water areas of streams eating aquatic insects and
other small invertebrates.
Rainbow trout were first stocked in Iowa waters over one
hundred years ago and current populations are completely dependent on stocking.
Most fish caught in Iowa streams weigh less than one pound. Rainbows can be
caught with a variety of small flies, lures, and baits.
As its name implies, it is generally brown, shading to green
or yellow. It has spots on the sides, but they are much larger than those found
on the rainbow and often are bordered by a light-colored “halo.” The brown trout is secretive, heading for
cover at the first sign of movement along the bank.
Some natural reproduction occurs in Iowa, but it is limited
by poor water quality caused by extensive soil erosion in the watershed, winter
flooding, and stream bank erosion. The female digs a redd (saucer-shaped nest)
in late fall. After spawning, she covers the eggs with gravel and they incubate
through the winter. The eggs hatch during late winter and fry emerge during the
first warm days of spring.
Brown trout eat largely insects, worms, and small crayfish.
They often eat at night when aquatic insects are hatching. They are a challenge
for any angler, but can be caught with a variety of flies, as well as
streamers. Other lures (e.g., small plugs, spoons, and spinners) and baits
(e.g., nightcrawlers, minnows, or crayfish) also may work.
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