• Brown Trout
 
 

While brown trout are not nearly as copious as rainbows in any of the Missouri trout streams, they are the most sought after of the trout species for that same reason. Like rainbow trout, brown trout were not introduced to Missouri’s streams until the late 19th century and have been stocked only as recently as the 1970’s. While the colors are usually darker and a bit less vibrant, the sparcity with which they are caught makes them no less beautiful when landed in the net.
Brown trout tend to be more selective in what they forage which in turn can make them more difficult to catch. Yet this selectivity has helped them maintain relatively steady numbers in area streams despite their lack of natural reproduction.  They have proven resilient in their ability to co-habitate in Missouri's trout streams and lakes after so many years.  
As a result, many of the brown trout pulled from Missouri streams can be quite large in size and are not afraid to wage a fantastic fight, making it all the more fun for anglers. 
While brown trout are rarely stocked in hatcheries like rainbows, they are the prominent species stocked in most of the trophy trout management areas. Like rainbows, the browns will also feed on a variety of organisms, from flies and other insects to minnows, skulpins, crawdads, etc…
Missouri’s record for a brown trout is 27 pounds 10 ounces and was caught at Lake Taneycomo in October, 2005.