Biggest Trout in the Lower 48

[O'Connor]

Morning guys,
I am not an avid freshwater angler, but when I do wash the salt off I tend to look for areas which offer opportunities at record size trout. In my part time experience I have fished three areas which I feel present the best chance to catch a two handed trout outside of a dfg put and take program. If anyone has any additional thoughts I would love to hear them. These are in no particular order.

1.) Forks, Washington area- Sol Duc, Calawah and Hoh Rivers. Giant Steelhead fresh from the Pacific Ocean. Breathtaking scenery and Natural/Wild Steelhead. Fished three days out of here and caught six fish in the mid to high teens, along with nice spread of smaller steelhead and a few cut throat. Saw a real monster taken by another guide and his client. Taped out @ 45 inches and weighed 26-28 lbs. There is a 30 lb caught up there every year. Unbelievable experience. I fished with Bob @ piscatorial pursuits.

2.) Pulaski-Rochester tribs of Lake Ontario- Awesome Steelhead and Brown trout fishing in November. Every trickle that runs ingot the lake holds fish as long as there is flow. Best chance for a monster within driving distance of NJ. Last couple times I went there it was extremely crowded in many of the tribs. No Guide Needed.


3.) Milwaukee Harbor< Milwaukee, Wi -Sounds crazy, but I was in Milwaukee on business last winter and I had some down time so I booked a local guide for brown trout and steelhead. We were fishing in the shadows of the financial district and catching huge rainbows and brown trout. If you want a shot at a world record sized brown give this area a try. If you need ambience while fishing this is not the trip for you. If you want a 20 lb brown it is. Guy I fished with was a real good egg and new his stuff. Check out eric haataja on fb or google big fish guide service. One cast you hook a sock floating in Lake Michigan the next a 15 lb brown.