Best Underrated Trout Fishing Locations in the US 

Trout fishing is a beloved pastime for many anglers in the U.S., and while the big-name rivers and streams get a lot of attention, many under-the-radar spots can provide an excellent experience without the crowds. Here are five underrated trout fishing locations for trout fishing in the United States:

Trout Fishing Locations

1. Driftless Area, Iowa

The Driftless Area also spans into Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois, but the Iowa side often gets less attention when it comes to trout fishing. You can find brook, brown, and rainbow trout in these limestone spring-fed streams. Many anglers overlook Iowa in favor of more well-known trout fishing locations, which means you’ll likely have a quieter, less crowded fishing experience

Best Trout Water in the Driftless Area, Iowa

In the Driftless Area of Iowa, you’ll find a plethora of spring-fed streams teeming with trout. One standout location is the North Bear Creek near Decorah. It is well-managed, offers public access, and provides an excellent opportunity for catching brown, brook, and rainbow trout. Another notable mention is South Pine Creek near Dorchester. These streams often boast crystal clear waters with plenty of deep pools, runs, and riffles, making them ideal trout habitats. The state regularly stocks these streams, but you can also find naturally reproducing trout populations, which is a sign of a healthy water system.

Top 5 Lures and Techniques for Trout Fishing in the Driftless Area

• Spinnerbaits: Mepps Aglia and Rooster Tails are favorites among trout anglers. These can be especially effective for aggressive brown trout. Keep a variety of colors on hand; sometimes switching the color is all it takes to start getting bites.
  Technique: Cast upstream and reel the spinner in at a moderate speed, letting it swing through the current. This mimics the natural movement of minnows and other prey.
• Soft Plastics: Small soft plastic baits like Berkley PowerBait Trout Worms or Gulp Minnows can be effective, especially when fished under a float.
  Technique: Rig the soft plastic under a float or bobber, cast it upstream, and let it drift naturally through promising holes and runs. Adjust the depth according to where you think the fish are holding.
• Spoons: Small spoons like the Little Cleo or Acme Kastmaster can be highly effective in covering a lot of water and triggering reaction strikes from trout.
  Technique: Cast the spoon across the current and retrieve it quickly enough to keep it off the bottom but slow enough to allow it to wobble enticingly. Try different retrieval speeds to see what the trout prefer.
• Dry Flies: If you’re into fly fishing, dry flies like the Elk Hair Caddis or Parachute Adams can be very effective, especially in the evenings when trout are feeding on the surface.
  Technique: Use a floating fly line and cast upstream of rising fish, allowing the fly to float naturally over the fish’s location. Timing and a delicate presentation are key.
• Nymphs: Bead Head Pheasant Tails or Prince Nymphs are excellent choices for subsurface fly fishing.
  Technique: These are usually fished below a strike indicator (essentially a bobber for fly fishing). Cast upstream and let the nymph drift naturally with the current, ticking along the bottom where trout often feed.

These are just a few starting points. The most effective lure and technique can depend on a host of factors including water conditions, time of year, and specific trout behavior. Therefore, it’s often beneficial to experiment and adapt as you go. Good luck on your fishing adventures in the Driftless Area of Iowa!

2. Kern River, California

California is known for many things, but trout fishing usually takes a backseat to ocean fishing and other outdoor activities. The Kern River in the Sierra Nevada Mountains offers excellent opportunities for both rainbow and brown trout. Given its proximity to popular places like Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, it can be easy to overlook this gem.

Best Trout Water in Kern River, California

The Kern River offers a variety of trout fishing opportunities, from its headwaters in the High Sierra to the lower sections that flow through canyons and foothills. One of the most popular and productive stretches for trout fishing is the Upper Kern River, particularly the area around Kernville. This stretch offers great access, and you’ll find healthy populations of both rainbow and brown trout. For those willing to hike, the Golden Trout Wilderness offers isolated fishing experiences and a shot at catching California’s state fish, the golden trout.

Top 5 Lures and Techniques for Trout Fishing in the Kern River

• In-Line Spinners: Mepps Aglia and Blue Fox Vibrax are classic choices. They’re especially effective for brown trout but will catch rainbows as well.
  Technique: Cast upstream and reel in against the current. Vary your retrieval speed and don’t hesitate to let the spinner sink a bit before beginning the retrieve.
• Crankbaits: Small crankbaits like the Rapala Original Floater or Countdown can be effective in deeper pools and runs.
  Technique: Cast across the current and retrieve slowly, allowing the crankbait to swim at different depths. Use a stop-and-go retrieve to mimic a wounded baitfish.
• Spoons: Casting spoons like the Kastmaster or Little Cleo are effective in the Kern River. Choose metallic finishes for clear water and brighter colors for stained water.
  Technique: Cast across or upstream and allow the spoon to sink before retrieving. Vary the retrieval speed to find what triggers strikes.
• Dry Flies: When trout are rising to feed on insects, flies like the Elk Hair Caddis, Royal Wulff, or Adams can be very effective.
  Technique: Use a delicate upstream cast to present the fly. The key is to make it float as naturally as possible, mimicking the insects the trout are feeding on.
• Streamers: Woolly Buggers, Muddler Minnows, and Sculpin patterns can be effective, especially for larger brown trout.
  Technique: Streamers can be fished much like you would fish a spinning lure. Cast upstream or across the current and strip the fly back towards you, mimicking the movement of small fish.

Remember that local regulations may apply, including restrictions on bait and the number of hooks you can use, so be sure to check the current rules before you head out. Experimentation is key, as water conditions, time of year, and fish behavior can all influence what will be most effective on any given day. Happy fishing on the Kern River!

3. Nantahala River, North Carolina

The Southeast isn’t the first region that comes to mind when one thinks of trout fishing, but the Nantahala River in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina offers a worthwhile experience. The river has both wild and stocked trout, including rainbows, browns, and brookies, and is often less crowded than more famous streams in the Rockies or the Pacific Northwest.

Best Trout Water in Nantahala River, North Carolina

The Nantahala River is divided into three main sections: the Upper Nantahala, the Nantahala Delayed Harvest section, and the Lower Nantahala. Each offers a unique fishing experience. The Nantahala Delayed Harvest section is an excellent choice for those interested in catching larger, stocked trout. It runs from the Nantahala Dam to the confluence with White Oak Creek and is stocked extensively with rainbows, browns, and brookies. For those interested in wild trout, the Upper Nantahala provides a rugged, less accessible experience but the potential for very rewarding fishing.

Top 5 Lures and Techniques for Trout Fishing in the Nantahala River

• In-Line Spinners: Panther Martin and Rooster Tail spinners are excellent choices for the Nantahala River. They’re versatile and can work well in both deep pools and shallow runs.
  Technique: Cast upstream into promising-looking pools and riffles, then reel back against the current. The spinning blade will create vibrations that attract trout.
• Soft Plastics: Berkley PowerBait Trout Nuggets or similar trout dough can be extremely effective, especially in the Delayed Harvest section where fish are stocked.
  Technique: Use a small hook and just enough weight to keep the bait near the bottom. Cast upstream and let it drift down naturally, following the contours of the riverbed.
• Spoons: Little Cleo or Acme Kastmasters are great spoons to use. Their wobbling action can trigger strikes from both rainbow and brown trout.
  Technique: Cast across the current and reel in at a speed that allows the spoon to wobble but not spin. The wobbling action will mimic injured baitfish.
• Dry Flies: Flies like the Blue-Winged Olive or Elk Hair Caddis can be incredibly effective when fish are feeding on the surface.
  Technique: Cast upstream of rising fish and let the fly drift down naturally over the fish’s position. The goal is to mimic the natural insects as closely as possible.
• Nymphs: Classic patterns like the Pheasant Tail Nymph or Hare’s Ear can be highly effective, especially when trout aren’t feeding on the surface.
  Technique: Use a strike indicator and cast upstream, allowing the nymph to drift naturally along the bottom where trout are often feeding.

Remember to check the local regulations for the section of the river you’re fishing. The Nantahala has specific rules for bait and tackle, especially in the Delayed Harvest section, so make sure you’re in compliance.

The lure and technique that will be most effective can vary due to a multitude of factors like water conditions and time of year, so don’t hesitate to experiment. Enjoy your time fishing on the Nantahala River!

4. Missouri River, Montana

While Montana is a mecca for trout fishing, many anglers focus on the Madison, Yellowstone, or Big Hole Rivers. The Missouri River, particularly the section near the small town of Craig, can provide a fantastic yet underrated fishing experience. It offers an abundant population of rainbow and brown trout.

Best Trout Water in the Missouri River, Montana

The stretch of the Missouri River near the small town of Craig, Montana, is often cited as one of the best trout fisheries in the United States. This section of the river below Holter Dam is especially productive and offers fantastic opportunities for both wade and boat fishing. You’ll find prolific hatches, and the river is known for its large, healthy rainbows and browns.

Top 5 Lures and Techniques for Trout Fishing in the Missouri River, Montana

• Streamers: Large streamers like the Woolly Bugger or articulated patterns like the Sex Dungeon are effective for targeting the river’s large brown trout.
  Technique: Using a sink-tip or full-sinking line, cast across the current and strip the streamer back with erratic retrieves to imitate a fleeing or injured baitfish.
• Dry Flies: Patterns like the Pale Morning Dun, Caddis, and Blue Winged Olives are effective when trout are rising to feed on the surface.
  Technique: Use a delicate cast to present the dry fly upstream of where the fish are rising. A natural float with no drag is essential for convincing finicky trout to strike.
• Nymphs: Copper Johns, Zebra Midges, and San Juan Worms are just a few of the effective nymph patterns for the Missouri River.
  Technique: Typically fished under a strike indicator, cast upstream and let the nymph drift naturally along the river bottom. Be vigilant for the subtle take, often signaled by a slight twitch or upstream movement of the indicator.
• Soft Plastics: Although not traditional in a fly-fishing-dominated area like Montana, soft plastic worms or minnow imitations can be effective, especially when drifted naturally.
  Technique: Rig the soft plastic with a small weight or under a float. Cast it upstream and allow it to drift naturally through deep pools or runs where trout may be holding.
• Crankbaits: Small crankbaits like the Rapala Original Floater can be effective, especially in deeper pools and during high-water conditions.
  Technique: Cast the crankbait across or downstream and retrieve it slowly against the current, allowing the lure to wobble and dive. This can entice aggressive strikes from both brown and rainbow trout.

Remember that specific regulations can apply to different stretches of the river, including catch-and-release zones, so be sure to familiarize yourself with local fishing rules. And, as always, the most effective lure or technique can vary due to numerous factors like water conditions and time of year, so experimentation is key. Enjoy your fishing experience on the Missouri River in Montana!

5. Guadalupe River, Texas

Texas is usually associated with bass fishing, but the Guadalupe River provides an excellent trout fishing experience in the winter months. It’s the southernmost freshwater trout fishery in the United States and is stocked with rainbow trout. The relatively mild Texas winters make it an enjoyable location for year-round fishing.

Best Trout Water in Guadalupe River, Texas

The Guadalupe River is unique for its trout fishing opportunities in a state dominated by warm-water species. The stretch of the river below the Canyon Lake Dam is particularly popular for trout fishing. Cold water releases from the dam create a habitat suitable for rainbow trout. The area around Gruene, Texas, is a popular stretch that offers good public access, and the Guadalupe River State Park is another accessible location with productive fishing.

Top 5 Lures and Techniques for Trout Fishing in the Guadalupe River, Texas

• In-Line Spinners: Panther Martin and Mepps Aglia spinners work well here. Opt for smaller sizes and a variety of colors to match the water conditions and prey.
  Technique: Cast upstream and reel in against the current. Allow the spinner to sink briefly before starting your retrieve to reach deeper holding spots.
• Soft Plastics: Small soft plastic worms or trout dough like Berkley PowerBait can be highly effective for stocked rainbow trout.
  Technique: Use a small treble hook and a lightweight split shot. Cast upstream and allow the bait to drift naturally along the bottom.
• Spoons: Spoons like Little Cleo or the Acme Kastmaster can be effective in both clear and stained water.
  Technique: Cast upstream and allow the spoon to sink briefly before beginning your retrieve. Use a steady reeling motion to produce the spoon’s enticing wobble.
• Dry Flies: During the occasional hatch, flies such as the Parachute Adams or Griffith’s Gnat can be effective.
  Technique: Cast upstream or across to rising fish. A drag-free drift is essential, so focus on mending your line to maintain a natural float.
• Nymphs: If you’re into fly fishing, bead-head nymphs like the Prince Nymph or Pheasant Tail can be effective, especially in deeper pools.
  Technique: Use a strike indicator and cast upstream, allowing the nymph to drift naturally with the current. The indicator will help you detect subtle takes from trout.

Given the unique nature of the Guadalupe River as a trout fishery in Texas, it’s essential to check current regulations, especially size and bag limits, as they can differ from other Texas waters.

Like with any fishing location, conditions such as water clarity, flow, and temperature can all influence which lures and techniques are most effective, so don’t hesitate to experiment. Happy fishing on the Guadalupe River!