Brown Trout
Salmo trutta

Brown Trout © Mark Giovanetti/ProPhoto Courtesy of eNature

Species description provided by eNature
Description
To 3'4" (1 m); 39 1/4 lbs (17.8 kg). Elongate, fusiform, moderately compressed; back and sides olive, becoming lighter, belly silvery, numerous red or orange spots, often with halo, scattered on head, body, and dorsal and adipose fins; maxilla reaches well past eye. Pectoral fin inserted well below axis of body; dorsal fin base short, about midway between snout and caudal fin base; adipose fin present; caudal fin truncate.

Habitat
Primarily high gradient freshwater streams; lakes; sea-run populations.

Range
From S. Canada to NE. United States, south in Appalachians, Mississippi Valley west in Great Lakes; W. United States at higher elevations.

Discussion
The brown trout, native to Europe and western Asia, was introduced into the United States 100 years ago and is presently one of the most widespread salmonids. It can tolerate higher temperatures than the other salmons and trouts. The young feed on aquatic insects; adults feed to a large extent on other fishes. Brown trout are difficult to catch, and as food they are not as highly regarded as brook or rainbow trouts.