Common names
Sea trout, Sewin, Peel, Peal, Mort, Finnock, White trout, Salmon trout
Brown trout
Salmo trutta
- Mixed
- Least concern
Max length55 in
Common length28.25 in
Length typeTotal Length
Max weight110 lb 4 oz
Depth range0 - 92 ft
Max age38 years
Water typeMixed
Water temperature64 - 75 °F
Fish info
IUCN Vulnerability status
Short description
The brown trout is a golden-brown fish with a dark back, slender body, long narrow head and creamy-yellow belly. Its back and sides display dark, reddish spots with pale (silver) borders. Pelvic and anal fins (especially of wild fish) may have a white stripe followed by a black stripe on their leading edge but are not orange or red. The dorsal fin on wild fish may have a white tip & the tail fin nearly square or only slightly concave. Much smaller than the Atlantic salmon, it can be distinguished from the similar rainbow trout by its plain, dark tail fin and by the lack of a purple side stripe. Brown trout range in colour depending on their habitat, from largely silver with relatively few spots and a white belly (saltwater), to the more well-known golden brown (freshwater). The more silver forms can be mistaken for rainbow trout.
Habitat
The brown trout typically inhabits the lower reaches of cold-water streams, characterized by deep, slow-moving pools and runs, as well as the sea (returning to freshwater only to spawn). It also thrives in larger lakes of sufficient depth to maintain cool water temperatures year-round.
Distribution
Europe and Asia: Atlantic, North, White and Baltic Sea basins, from Spain to Chosha Bay (Russia). Found in Iceland and the northernmost rivers of Great Britain and Scandinavia. Brown trout have been widely introduced into suitable environments around the world, including North and South America, Australasia, Asia, and South and East Africa. Introduced brown trout have established self-sustaining, wild populations in many introduced countries.
Behaviour
Even young members of this species establish territories for themselves. These territories often border those of other fish, and thus they live in relatively close proximity to one another. Some populations live their entire lives in freshwater habitats, while others swim to the ocean.
Edibility
Brown trout are known to have a strong flavor. Especially larger brown trout. The taste can be a little fishy and off-putting to some people. As a result, some chefs recommend soaking filets in milk overnight.
Lure suggestion
While brown trout are very susceptible to live worms, artificial plastic worms work very well too. When it comes to trout lures, inline spinners and 3”-5” crankbaits work very well. Good bait: scrub worms, minnows, mudeyes, grasshoppers and black crickets.
Similar species
Other similar species
River trout, Lake trout, Atlantic salmon