Big Trout in Ohio

Ohio is not known as a trout fishing destination. Steelhead certainly, but I’ve more than once had people tell me that there are no trout streams in Ohio worth fishing. Boy are they missing out. Ohio not only has three ODNR maintained trout streams but also numerous privately held streams with exceptional water quality capable of holding trout.I recently had the good fortune to fish one such stream, the Big Springs near Newark, Ohio with the owner Jason Brandt. Jason and his father Karl own and operate the Brandt Trout Hatchery where they raise some of the finest gamefish around. To showcase these fish they maintain a stocked stream on the property and also offer the opportunity to fish wild streams elsewhere in the region.I’ve caught a big fish or two in my time. I’ve caught some fish that gave a memorable fight. Never before have I caught so many big fish, every one with such a fighting spirit and so close to home.I caught more than one 20″+ rainbow trout that tailwalked yards at a time and pulled line of my reel such that I had to be careful not to take the skin off my knuckles. I also landed the largest brown trout of my life. The kyped male had a bull-dog head, wide shoulders and a deep butter belly. I even managed a brook trout with striking colors that rivaled the October leaves bordering the stream.Friend and fellow Mad River Outfitters guide Patrick Robinson caught the biggest rainbow trout I’ve ever seen. To top off the day Jason landed a huge male brown trout that he’d been waiting to catch for five years. The fish was certainly over 20 pounds, more likely twenty-five…and we have photos and video to prove it. It was an exceptional day.The opportunity to fish for these trout will soon be available through Mad River Outfitters and the Brandts. Check back for more details. You can reach the folks at Big Springs at www.fieldandstreamland.com.