Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
The World's Most Revered Gamefish
- Average size
- 2–5 lb (18–24") typical · 8–12 lb trophies
- Peak season
- November–April (Southern Hemisphere) · May–October (NA & Europe)
- World record
- 42 lb 1 oz — Manistee River, Michigan (2009)
- Experiences
- 31
Brown trout are the most ecologically adaptable and the most coveted gamefish in the world. Native to Europe and introduced to nearly every cold-water fishery on earth, wild browns reward the patient, technical angler with fish that remember every shadow and rise form they've seen. The best brown trout fishing on the planet today is in the Southern Hemisphere — New Zealand and Patagonia — where introduced populations have grown to sizes their European ancestors rarely reach.
A 5-pound wild brown is a noteworthy fish anywhere. A 10-pound wild brown is a fish you remember. New Zealand's South Island rivers, Argentine Patagonia's lake-run systems (Jurassic Lake, Strobel), and Tierra del Fuego's sea-run population on the Rio Grande represent the three apex fisheries. All three reward sight-casting with precision dry-fly or streamer work and punish poor presentations instantly.
Best Methods
- ● Sight-fishing with dry flies in gin-clear water (NZ, high Andes)
- ● Streamer fishing with sink-tips for large browns in low light
- ● Euro-nymphing on freestone rivers
- ● Swing fishing for sea-run browns on large Patagonian rivers
- ● Trophy-hunting lake-run fish on Jurassic Lake with leech patterns
Gear Notes
A 5- or 6-weight rod handles most wild brown trout situations. Step up to 7- or 8-weight for streamer fishing, sea-run, or big lake-run fish. Long 12–15' leaders with 4X–6X tippet are standard on clear water. NZ guides carry 6X as a matter of course; 7X sometimes in ultra-clear water.
Where to Catch Brown Trout
31 vetted experiences across 6 countries.
Absolutely Angling, North Isl., New Zealand
Absolutely Angling offers raft fishing on some of the best fly fishing rivers in the North Island, New Zealand.
Alumine River Lodge, Patagonia Argentina
Anglers and Hunters in the Patagonia region of Argentina will be delighted with the diverse and beautiful land, mountain and water-scapes. They will also be taken a-back and pleasantly surprised by the quiet of the area.
Bella Vista, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Bella Vista in Tierra del Fuego “Land of Fire” is about as far as you can go south on land before you end up in Antarctica! It is located on a 500,000 acre ranch which borders the Rio Gallegos and Rio Chico rivers.
Challhauquen, Argentina
Challhuaquen Lodge is located in the Trevelin valley on the Futaleufú river close to Los Alerces National Park.
Coyhaique Lodge
Coyhaique Lodge is owned by Chileans-Gaston and Claudio Urrejola; they certainly did their homework and found the perfect location to create Coyhaique River Lodge, one of the newest additions to southern Chile’s growing list of world class fishing lodges.
Estancia De Los Rios, Chile
Estancia De Los Rios is located north of Coyhaique on the Argentina-Chile border. A 360,000 acre ranch is set in a wide valley in Chile’s Patagonia near the Argentina-Chile border.
Estancia Quem Quemtreu, Southern Argentina
Located about 1 hour 20 minutes from ST Martin -Chapelco airport, Estancia Quem Quemtreu is a large 200,000 acre ranch offering a unique fly fishing trip. Lodging is in the main house of a traditional cattle and polo horse breeding ranch.
Estancia Sihuen, Patagonia, Argentina
Estancia Sihuen is a family owned 23,000 acre ranch, located 10 miles southwest of Junin de los Andes. The land is classic high Patagonian plateau steppe and mesa country.
Estancia Tipiliuke, N. Patagonia, Argentina
Estancia Tipiliuke is a 48,000 acre ranch founded in 1909 at the foot of the Andes Mountain chain. The property sits between the Chimehuín and Quilquihue rivers, known worldwide for exceptional trout fishing.
Far Ends River Lodge, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Far Ends River Lodge is the epitome of an angling adventure set in an unforgiving climate and remotely situated on the Maria Louisa Ranch, about 120 miles south of Rio Grande.
Fjordland Lodge, New Zealand
Fjordland Lodge tucked away in the hills overlooking Lake Te Anau is the most relaxing, uniquely stylish lodge. With its fine wine and food, exceptionally warm staff, it is simply a perfect retreat.
Fjords Fishing, Chile
Fjords Fishing with Cristian and Marcelo Dufflocq offer a unique river fishing experience in the remote fjords of southern Chile. Their program provides anglers with the opportunity to catch larger and more fish than anywhere else in Chile.
Glazebrook Station, New Zealand
Glazebrook Station lies at the heart of a majestic 23,000 acre property, protected by steep faces that rise from the pristine Waihopai River valley in New Zealand's high country.
High Lonesome Ranch, Colorado
High Lonesome Ranch is located in DeBeque, Colorado with almost 300 square miles of deeded and permitted lands on the Western Slope of the Colorado Rockies.
Lake Rotora Lodge, New Zealand
Lake Rotoroa Lodge sits in the midst of what might truly be described as one of the ultimate locations in the world for trout fishing in New Zealand's Southern Alps.
Motueka River Lodge Nelson, (Aotearoa) New Zealand
Luxury riverside lodge in Aotearoa, New Zealand offering world-class trout fishing with professional guides, gourmet dining, and access to diverse outdoor activities.
Nokomai Station New Zealand
Nokomai Station is nestled in a valley within a high country sheep and cattle station one hour from Queenstown, featuring world-class brown trout fishing on the Mataura River.
Nomads of the Seas, Chile
Luxury expedition vessel offering premier fly fishing in Patagonia's remote fjords combined with adventure activities, gourmet dining, and full-service accommodations.
Owen River Lodge South Island, New Zealand
Owen River Lodge is a 5-Star property on New Zealand's South Island specializing in fly fishing with access to over 30 rivers and featuring gourmet Pacifica Cuisine.
Poronui, North New Zealand
Poronui is located in the northern part of New Zealand and offers high quality hunting, fishing and wilderness experiences. Rated in the top ten fly fishing destinations in the world by Forbes Magazine.
Riverview Lodge, New Zealand
Riverview Lodge is situated on a plateau overlooking the beautiful Hanmer Springs valley in New Zealand. This small, personal lodge with just 5 bedrooms offers exclusivity to small groups with both fishing and hunting experiences.
Rough and Tumble Bush Lodge
Rough and Tumble Bush Lodge is located on 100 acres of native bush on the mighty Mokihinui River in New Zealand's South Island, offering pristine fishing for brown and sea-run trout plus helicopter access to trophy trout fishing.
Southern Lakes Fishing Safaris, New Zealand
Southern Lakes Fishing Safaris provides guided fly fishing for Brown and Rainbow trout in the Southern Lakes region of New Zealand's South Island, encompassing three World Heritage National Parks based out of Wanaka.
Stonefly Lodge, NZ
Stonefly Lodge offers 5-star luxury accommodations on the banks of the Motueka River, with world-renowned fly fishing for big wild brown trout in crystal clear water.
Tarraleah Lodge, Tasmania
Tarraleah Lodge is one of the Top Twenty Most Luxurious Fishing Lodges in the World, featuring Art Deco accommodations with access to pristine Tasmanian trout fishing.
Three Falls Farm
Three Falls Farm is a luxury trout fishing country estate in South Africa's Steenkampsberg mountains featuring 5 stocked dams and 2km of river with excellent fly-fishing opportunities.
Three Forks Ranch Lodge and Spa
Three Forks Ranch straddles the Colorado-Wyoming border on almost 50,000 private acres, offering world-class fishing, hunting, luxury accommodations, and spa experiences.
Tongario Lodge, New Zealand, North Island
Tongariro Lodge is one of the world's great fishing lodges, located on the banks of the legendary Tongariro River with year-round guided fly fishing for browns and rainbows.
Tres Lagos Lodge
Tres Lagos Lodge is situated between Bariloche and San Martin de Los Andes in a remote Andean valley offering classic trout fishing on the Filo Hua Hum River.
White River Inn, Arkansas
White River Inn is a luxurious full-service fishing lodge on 31 private acres above the White River near Cotter, Arkansas, home to the world record brown trout.
Wildwood Lodge, Lake Rotorua- New Zealand
Wildwood Lodge is a Qualmark 5-star luxury lodge set in five acres with private lake frontage on Lake Rotoehu, offering fly-fishing for wild Rainbow and Brown trout.
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