Brown Trout

While Fenton, Missouri, isn't exactly trout country, there are a few options for pursuing brown trout within a reasonable drive. The closest and most consistent option is probably the Current River or the Eleven Point River in the Ozarks. These rivers are stocked regularly and hold a population of holdover brown trout. Spring and fall are generally considered the best times to fish for brown trout, as the water temperatures are more favorable. In the spring, look for trout feeding on emerging insects. In the fall, they become more aggressive as they prepare for the spawn. Streamers, nymphs, and dry flies can all be effective. Access to the Current and Eleven Point Rivers is generally good, with numerous public access points and boat ramps. The water can be very clear, so stealth is important. A local tip is to check the stocking schedules from the Missouri Department of Conservation to find recently stocked areas.