Brown Trout

While Crete, Illinois, isn't exactly known as a trout destination, there are limited opportunities to pursue stocked brown trout in some of the smaller, cooler creeks and ponds, especially after stocking events by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. These stockings typically occur in the spring and fall. Check the IDNR website for the latest stocking reports to find specific locations and dates. When targeting stocked trout, small spinners, spoons, and live bait like worms and PowerBait are effective. A local tip is to focus on areas with current or depth, as these provide cover and oxygen for the trout. Be aware that water temperatures can rise significantly during the summer months, making trout fishing less productive. Also, the stocked trout tend to be relatively small, but they can provide a fun and accessible fishing experience close to home.