The Best Brook Trout Fishing

Ontario is home to the World Record Brook Trout that has kept anglers heading north for generations.

What is there to be said about brook trout that hasn’t already been written, videotaped, or documented? I often sit and wonder how I can present the wonders of this apex predator in a new way. Well, I’ve got a uniquely personal perspective on this species through a few years of hunting for brook trout giants in Ontario’s North. That’s right, I said Ontario. There are specimens in this Canadian province that rival storied brook trout populations around the world.

After all, the world record fish was caught in the Nipigon River in the heart of Ontario’s brook trout country. That fish went a staggering 14.5 lbs. I have a very intimate relationship with these fish. I respect these fish, have never harvested one and most certainly have never eaten one.

brook-trout-ontario-1

Brook trout, despite their spectacular paint job, is actually one of the more violent creatures that swim. If they can fit it in their mouths, they can—sorry they will eat it. On a remote fly-in adventure in the Albany River watershed, I once witnessed a 3-pound brook trout regurgitate an 8- to 10-inch walleye! I have also witnessed 4-inch brook trout eat a 3-inch articulated fly. I have never nymphed for these fish and prefer to throw substantive offerings to them on a fly rod. From surface floating mouse patterns to elongated bunny leeches, my feeling is the feeding window (lack of ice spring-fall) in the north is short so fish will find opportunities in protein offerings. My theory has allowed me to hook 2 fish that estimated bested 10 pounds a few that were in the 7- to 8-pound range and almost countless 5-pound brook trout.

brook-trout-ontario-2

They are hunters looking for maximum benefit for minimum effort. However, the personality of the brook trout is what I find to be unique. Frankly, they are incredible!

brook-trout-ontario-3

The brook trout of Ontario is a very worthy adversary on the fly. Be they the wee specimens of southern Ontario small streams, or the giants of the backcountry, to be a brook trout angler requires a level of commitment—not dissimilar to those who chose to only hunt the elusive musky. Thankfully, brook trout aren’t nearly as few and far between as those toothy critters! However, I have said it umpteen times, brook trout seem to be an all-or-nothing fish. If they aren’t eating readily, you’ll have to get down and dirty for them and it’ll be work! But when they are on, they are on! And it’s worth every single effort in their pursuit. The other commitment associated with brook trout is the bugs. Brookies live where the bugs live and for whatever reason, they seem to go hand in hand, so you’ll need to be prepared for that. Consider yourself warned!

brook-trout-ontario-4

brook-trout-ontario-5

The pursuit of brook trout has an extremely personal benefit for me as well. Brook trout live in some pretty spectacular places and are pursued by some pretty spectacular people. Like-minded individuals, with a common goal often in remote environments where you can’t simply get up and leave. Many of the people I’ve fished brook trout with have become friends with whom I keep in touch and can’t wait to fish with again.

brook-trout-ontario-6

brook-trout-ontario-7

Bottom line: it’s just fishing and brook trout is just a fish…but they're fish with benefits that far exceed the pure joy I feel watching them swim away. If you haven’t ever fished brook trout in the streams, rivers and lakes of Ontario, do yourself a favour and give it a try.

You’ll be amazed at the benefits of this, Mother Nature’s most beautifully painted freshwater fish.

About Mark Melnyk

Currently, Mark is the host and producer of The New Fly Show. With a passion of fly fishing, the shows goal is to help both novice and veteran fly fishers everywhere by giving them a top-quality fly fishing series that will make them better anglers. 

Recommended Articles

Three Surefire Solutions for Catching Canadian Muskies

Ontario, Canada is a dream destination for all musky anglers

Cranking Up The Heat in Northern Ontario

Tips for Using Crankbaits When Fishing Bass

The Spin on Early Season Walleye

Depending on where you are walleye fishing in Ontario, the conditions range from early spring to near summer-like.

Who Let the Dawgs Out

Fishing Muskie on the Ottawa River

Become a World-class Fishing Guide

Misconceptions, behind-the-scenes intel, and key tips from a professional guide.

The Northern Walleye Dream

A Dream Fishing Vacation on the English River Watershed

Big Hook Camps

Walleye and Pike Fishing in Beautiful Canadian Wilderness

3 Great Walleye Lakes

Lakes Home to Both Eaters and Trophies

Eagle Lake Island Lodge

Fish for Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskie, Smallmouth Bass, Lakers and Whitefish

Killarney’s Pike Fishing Paradise

Plan your next northern pike fishing vacation to the Sportsman’s Inn Resort & Marina.

The Lake With Giant Bass

Lake Lauzon has tons of bass to satisfy any dedicated bass angler.

Fishing The Shoulder Season

Incredible Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike fishing at The Outpost Lodge in the Mississagi Valley

The Amazing Nipigon River

Fishing the river that is home to the world's largest brook trout ever caught.

Sturgeon Lake Fishing

Walleye and smallmouth bonanza at Lumberjack Lodge in Northwest Ontario, Canada.

A Walleye Adventure at Anderson's Lodge

Father and son visit Sunset Country to begin a walleye tradition

Christmas Walleyes in Summer

Start your summer off right with these techniques and tips for walleye.

Fishing Walleye on Dog Lake

What it is about Northern Ontario fishing lodges that appeal to so many anglers?

Lac Seul Lunkers

Non-Stop Walleye Fishing Action

Ice Perchin’ Ontario

Providing Great Fun to Adults and Children Alike

Year of the Trout

The Winter Trout Fishing in Northern Ontario is Outstanding