Brown Trout

While Lake Forest isn't a renowned brown trout destination, dedicated anglers can find opportunities in Lake Michigan. Focus your efforts during the spring and fall when water temperatures are cooler and brown trout are more likely to be near shore. Trolling spoons or crankbaits in the nearshore waters, particularly near piers, breakwalls, and river mouths, can be productive. The area around the Waukegan Power Plant is also known to attract trout due to the warmer water discharge. A local tip is to pay attention to water clarity; browns often prefer slightly stained water. Access to Lake Michigan is available through several harbors and public access points along the shoreline. Be aware that the brown trout fishery in this area is heavily dependent on stocking efforts, so check with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for the latest stocking reports and regulations. Browns in this area can range in size, with some reaching impressive sizes, making the pursuit all the more exciting.