Brook trout in Arizona

Arizona waters

Most fished first. A species missing from an agency list does not mean it is absent; this page lists only waters whose list names it (at least 5 are needed for a page).

• Perkins TankAgency list: Arizona Game and Fish Department / Arizona Game and Fish Commission (2025-2026 Arizona Fishing Regulations, official eRegulations edition)
• Big LakeAgency list: Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD)
• Crescent LakeAgency list: Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD)
• Kinnikinick LakeAgency list: Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD)
• Lynx LakeAgency list: Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD)

Identification

• Brook trout have worm-like markings (vermiculations) on the back and red spots, sometimes with blue halos, on the sides. The lower fins have a white front edge, then black, then reddish orange.[1]
  What the source says

  “Color variations include olive, blue-gray or black above with a silvery white belly and wormlike markings (vermiculation pattern) along the back. They have red spots sometimes surrounded by bluish halos on their sides. The lower fins have a white front edge followed by black and the remainder being reddish orange.”

• In California, the brook trout is the only trout with wavy, maze-like lines (vermiculations) on its back and upper sides.[2]
  What the source says

  “Only trout in California with vermiculation pattern (wavy, maze-like lines) on back and upper sides.”

• Brook trout belong to the char family and are often confused with bull trout. Brook trout have vermiculations and black spots on the dorsal fin, which bull trout lack.[3]
  What the source says

  “Closely related to and commonly misidentified as brook trout (both are members of the char family). A distinguishing characteristic is the lack of black spots on the dorsal fin. Do not have vermiculations that occur on brook trout.”

More on identifying brook trout

Status, protections and rules

As each agency stated them on the date read; a rule applies only where its agency says so. Check the current regulations for the water before you fish.

• In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the brook trout is the only native trout species.[4]
  What the source says

  “The brook trout is the only native species of trout in the Smokies.”

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park reopened brook trout fishing in 2006 after a 30-year ban.[5]
  What the source says

  “As a result of research and successful restoration efforts, park management reopened brook trout fishing in 2006 after a 30-year ban.”

Water temperature in Arizona

• Cool enough for troutArizona Game and Fish: “Trout thrive in cool (below 68 degrees), clean, well-oxygenated water.” “Fish early in the morning when water temperatures are cooler.”
• Over 67°F: avoid fishing for troutArizona Game and Fish: “Avoid fishing when water temperatures are above 67 degrees.” “If the water temperature is above 67 degrees … it is best to fish elsewhere with cooler water temperatures or switch to fishing for a warmwater species.”

Sources: AZGFD Fishing Report – June 2025 (24 June 2025) (Arizona Game and Fish Department).

Hatch & season charts

• Southwest and Colorado8 sourced rows

Sources

Every fact on this page is our paraphrase of the page cited beside it, read on the date shown. Rules and seasons change: check the agency's current regulations before you fish.

1. Brook trout Michigan Department of Natural Resources, read Oct 24, 2026.
2. Fishing for Brook Trout (non-native) California Department of Fish and Wildlife, read Oct 24, 2026.
3. Fishing for Bull Trout (native) California Department of Fish and Wildlife, read Oct 24, 2026.
4. Fishing - Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. National Park Service) National Park Service, read Oct 24, 2026.
5. Fish - Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. National Park Service) National Park Service, read Oct 24, 2026.