Legendary Species · Oregon
Brown trout in Oregon
Salmo trutta[1]
8 Oregon waters whose agency species list names brown trout. Each links to its water page (gauge, regulations, access map, guides and shops) and to the agency list it comes from.
- 8waters list it
- 2destination hubs
Oregon 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).
- Deschutes RiverAgency list: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Rogue RiverAgency list: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Fall RiverAgency list: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Lake Billy ChinookAgency list: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
- East LakeAgency list: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Haystack ReservoirAgency list: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Paulina LakeAgency list: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Suttle LakeAgency list: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Identification
- In California, the brown trout is the only trout with both red and black spots on its body. The dark spots on its sides usually have a pale halo.[2]
What the source says
“Only trout in California with both red and black spots on body. Dark spots on the sides typically surrounded by a pale halo. Coloration is usually dark to olive brown on the back, shading to yellow on the sides, and yellow or white on the belly.”
- Michigan DNR points to a broad, square tongue with 11 to 12 large teeth, light pectoral fins and a square tail. Lake-run browns are mostly silver, and their spots can be hard to see.[1]
What the source says
“Dorsal and adipose fin, broad square tongue with 11 to 12 large teeth, light pectoral fins, square tail, and nine to 10 rays in the anal fin. Lake-run browns are predominately silver in color and the body spots are often obscured in lake-dwellers compared to the resident stream dwellers.”
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.
- The U.S. Geological Survey reports that brown trout have been linked to declines in native fish, including other trout and salmon, through predation, displacement and competition for food.[3]
What the source says
“Brown Trout have been implicated in reducing native fish populations (including other salmonids) through predation, displacement, and food competition (Taylor et al. 1984).”
- Yellowstone National Park rule: in the Firehole River, Madison River and lower Gibbon River (below Gibbon Falls), all rainbow and brown trout must be released.[4]
What the source says
“Firehole River, Madison River, lower Gibbon River (downstream of Gibbon Falls)—possession of up to five brook trout is allowed. Catch and release all rainbow and brown trout.”
Water temperature in Oregon
- Under ODFW's 68°F lineThat is under the 68°F at which ODFW says trout, steelhead and salmon “start to feel stressed”. “Fish early in the morning when water temperatures are cooler and fish are more active.”
- Stressful for trout, steelhead and salmonODFW: “Coldwater fish such as trout, steelhead and salmon will start to feel stressed when water temperatures hit 68°F.” “Fish early in the morning when water temperatures are cooler and fish are more active.”
- Over 70°F: stop fishingODFW: “Use a thermometer to check water temperatures frequently. Stop fishing when temperatures exceed 70 degrees.”
Sources: 5 tips for fishing in hot water (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife); ODFW takes action to help native fish (16 July 2015) (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife).
Destination hubs
Hubs that list one of these waters, or that a water page is near: each has guides, shops, licences and trip planning for the area.
- Bend & the Deschutes, Oregon7 brown trout waters
- Grants Pass & the Rogue, Oregon1 brown trout water
Hatch & season charts
- Pacific Northwest10 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.
- Brown trout Michigan Department of Natural Resources, read Oct 24, 2026.
- Fishing for Brown Trout (non-native) California Department of Fish and Wildlife, read Oct 24, 2026.
- Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) - Species Profile U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species program, read Oct 24, 2026.
- Fishing - Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service) National Park Service, read Oct 24, 2026.