Trout are present in Indiana, but their survival is heavily dependent on specific conservation efforts and water conditions. The state’s natural environment, characterized by generally warmer water temperatures, limits the number of streams capable of supporting trout year-round. Trout fishing is a specialized activity that relies almost entirely on the strategic stocking of fish to create viable angling opportunities. Trout are a cold-water species and struggle to survive when water temperatures consistently rise above the low 70s Fahrenheit.
Species of Trout Present
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) focuses its stocking efforts on two species: Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout. Rainbow Trout are the most common species stocked across the state, prized by anglers for their fighting ability and adaptability. These fish are typically introduced as catchable-size adults to immediately enhance fishing opportunities.
Brown Trout are also stocked, particularly in certain streams and lakes in the northern part of the state. Biologists favor Brown Trout in some locations because they can tolerate slightly warmer water temperatures than other trout species, potentially extending the fishing season. Brook Trout are legally recognized in the state’s regulations, and any combination of these three species is included in the daily bag limit for inland waters.
Key Trout Fishing Habitats and Locations
Trout fishing is concentrated in specific water bodies, often in the northern half of the state, that provide the necessary cold-water environment. One productive area is the Lake Michigan watershed, where tributaries like the Little Elkhart River and the Little Kankakee River receive regular stockings. These northern streams benefit from cooler groundwater input, creating suitable habitat.
Another significant area is the tailwaters below large reservoirs, where water released from the bottom of the dam remains consistently cold. The Brookville Reservoir tailwater on the East Fork of the Whitewater River in Franklin County is a prime example, stocked with both Rainbow and Brown Trout. The continuous flow of cold water allows this location to maintain a viable, year-round trout fishery, unlike many seasonal streams.
Beyond streams, several inland lakes are designated as urban fishing locations and receive seasonal trout stockings. Lakes in counties such as LaGrange, Whitley, and St. Joseph are managed for seasonal “put-and-take” fishing, providing accessible opportunities near population centers. These lakes offer excellent shore-fishing access during the cooler spring and fall months.
Managing Trout Populations Through Stocking
The existence of a trout fishery in Indiana is sustained almost entirely by the state’s intensive stocking program. The Indiana DNR manages what are known as “put-and-take” fisheries, where hatchery-raised fish are released specifically for anglers to catch. This management strategy is necessary because most Indiana streams become too warm during the summer months to support the natural reproduction and survival of cold-water species.
The vast majority of the trout stocked are raised at the Curtis Creek Trout Rearing Station near Howe in LaGrange County. Stocking events typically occur in the spring and fall when water temperatures are most favorable for the fish. This ensures a consistent supply of trout for anglers, as natural mortality rates are high once summer heat arrives in many stocked locations.
To legally participate in this specialized fishery, anglers aged 18 and older must possess a valid Indiana fishing license and a separate Trout/Salmon Stamp. This stamp is a direct funding mechanism, with the revenue generated supporting the state’s hatchery operations and the costs associated with raising and transporting the thousands of trout released each year. The stocking program functions as a conservation and recreation effort, creating a unique fishing experience.