Spring is considered the best time for trout fishing in many locations. As freezing water temperatures warm up, trout are eager to eat, greedily snapping at lures. Below are nine top campgrounds for trout fishing this spring.
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1. American Legion State Forest, Connecticut
Varieties in this area: Brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, and tiger trout
The American Legion State Forest is a densely forested area with the Farmington River winding through it. The West Branch of the river, designated a Wild and Scenic River by the National Park Service, is a fantastic spot to cast your line for trout. The waters, which come from West Branch Reservoirs and Colebrook Reservoir, stays cool in summer, but doesn’t ice over in winter; making it an ideal spot for the proliferation of the stocked trout.
Connecticut Fishing License Info
Recommended: Spring Fishing and Tackle Preparation
2. Kanopolis State Park, Kansas
Varieties in this area: Brown trout and rainbow trout
Kansas is known for its catfish, walleye, and crappie, but the state has sought to change their reputation and have been stocking rainbow trout in lakes across the state. The reservoir at Kanopolis State Park, however, gets both rainbow and brown trout. The trout are stocked below the reservoir’s dam, an area with cooler water temperatures that can sustain the brown trout. Trout season runs from November 1 to April 15 and a special trout permit is required to take trout.
3. Baker Creek Campground, California
Varieties in this area: Cutthroat trout and rainbow trout
Staying at Baker Creek Campground just west of Big Pine offers you two fantastic spots for April trout fishing. The campgrounds are on the banks of crystalline mountain streams along with two regularly stocked trout ponds.
There are plenty of tributaries and lakes around the area that have fantastic trout fishing. The trout fishing season can vary from location to location, so be sure to double check regulations before casting your line.
California Fishing License Info
4. Rifle Falls State Park, Colorado
Varieties in this area: Brown trout, cutthroat trout, and rainbow trout
Trout anglers have their pick of the litter when it comes to trout fishing in Rifle Falls State Park. Rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout are all well-stocked in East Rifle Creek, which flows straight through the park. Besides the diversity of trout fishing, the area is lush thanks to the cascading triple waterfalls.
Recommended: 9 Great Campgrounds for Summer Fishing
5. Yellow River State Park, Iowa
Varieties in this area: Brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout
Seven miles of trout stream wind its way through Yellow River State Park, a picturesque park with hardwood and coniferous forests. The stream is the longest cold water trout stream in the state, and is stocked from April through October. Anglers will need a trout stamp to reel in their catch.
6. Prineville Reservoir State Park, Oregon
Varieties in this area: Large rainbow trout
The reservoir in Prineville State Park is considered the best spot for fishing in Central Oregon. Rainbow trout are regularly stocked here and fatten up in the lake’s fertile waters. The large reservoir is also very good for bass, panfish, crappie, and catfish.
Recommended: How to Become a Better Fisherman
7. Johnson Lake State Recreation Area, Alaska
Varieties in this area: Rainbow trout
On any trout fisherman’s bucket list would be the granddaddy of all trout fishing trips: to the rivers and lakes of Alaska. Trout fishing is top-notch throughout the state, with the Kenai River and its tributaries on the Kenai Peninsula being a standout. Johnson Lake State Park is in the heart of the Kenai Peninsula and offers fishing at its namesake lake, as well as the Kenai River and a bevy of streams and lakes all within a short drive. Trout fishing is at its best in Alaska in April. After 6 months of freezing temperatures, fish are in a frenzy to eat, grabbing at insects bait with abandon. Besides rainbow trout, the area is teeming with pike and grayling.
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!