Tiger Trout

Body Type: A sterile hybrid between Brown Trout (female) and Brook Trout (male) with a stunning and unique appearance — the body displays a distinctive marbled, tiger-stripe pattern of dark brown and gold markings that resembles neither parent species. The belly is orange-yellow and the fins show the Brook Trout's white-and-black edging.

Preferred Water Temperature: 48°F–62°F. Inherits the cold-water preference of both parent species. Falls between Brook and Brown Trout in temperature tolerance.

Habitat: Exclusively produced in hatcheries — Tiger Trout are sterile and cannot reproduce naturally. Stocked into cold lakes, reservoirs, and streams in numerous Western and Eastern states as trophy sport fish. They are aggressive, fast-growing, and ideally suited for waters with high forage fish populations since they prey heavily on other fish.

Best Lures: Large minnow-imitating lures are the top choice — jointed Rapalas, large swimbaits, and stick baits work well. Inline spinners produce consistent action. Large spoons in gold or silver are effective in lakes. Fly fishing with large streamers — Muddler Minnow, Zonker — produces trophy fish.

Best Baits: Live minnows are the premier bait — Tiger Trout are highly piscivorous. Nightcrawlers produce consistent action. Sucker meat and cut bait attract large fish. Crawfish tails are excellent. Shiners and small perch work very well.

Size & Weight: Grow significantly faster than either parent — commonly reach 18–24 inches and 3–6 lbs. Trophy Tiger Trout reach 10+ lbs. The fast growth rate makes them exceptional sport fish in put-and-take programs.

Top 5 Places to Catch Tiger Trout: 1. Strawberry Reservoir, Utah — excellent Tiger Trout program 2. Fish Lake, Utah — consistent trophy fish 3. Bear Lake, Utah/Idaho — outstanding results with hatchery program 4. Rocky Mountain lakes, Colorado — various CDOW stocked waters 5. Washington State lakes — WDFW stocks numerous productive waters