Brown Trout

While Watertown, Minnesota, isn't typically the first place that comes to mind for brown trout, the South Fork Crow River and its tributaries offer a surprisingly viable, though often overlooked, fishery. What makes this area unique is the combination of recovering water quality and dedicated stocking efforts in select sections. Spring and fall are your prime times. Browns become more active as water temperatures cool, making pre-spawn and post-spawn periods ideal. Focus on areas with good cover, such as fallen timber or undercut banks. A practical tip: access to some of the better stretches requires a bit of walking, so be prepared to explore. Also, water levels can fluctuate significantly, especially after heavy rains, so check conditions beforehand. The browns here aren't generally huge, averaging 10-14 inches, but they are wild and feisty, offering a rewarding experience for the persistent angler.