Three trout species, one native and two naturalized, are found in our state. Brook trout, as far as can be determined from past records, have always inhabited some of the coldwater streams in the northeastern section of the state, especially those that have high water quality and remain cold throughout the entire year.
Rainbow trout are native to the Pacific Coast region.
Iowa streams are produced at one of the three trout hatcheries located at Manchester, Decorah and Big Spring. All Iowa trout streams, numbering over 100, are located in nine northeastern counties, roughly east of the Cedar River and north of the cities of Cedar Rapids and Maquoketa. Most coldwater streams are in private ownership, and trout fishing is allowed by public access agreements between the Department of Natural Resources and the landowners. Trout have always been favorite fishes with anglers, and on the worldwide and national level more money has been expended on their propagation than any other fish species. Trout culture for the stocking of our waters is not new in Iowa.