Fishing tip

Brook Trout | A Beautiful Freshwater Fish

The Brook Trout, known scientifically as Salvelinus fontinalis, is a visually striking and ecologically important fish found in cold, clear freshwater habitats. This guide explores its basic characteristics, behavior, and tips on how to identify this unique species.

Brook Trout in the wild
Brook Trout in the wild

Basic Info

  1. Common Name: Brook trout
  2. Scientific Name: Salvelinus fontinalis
  3. Group Name: Salmonidae
  4. Average Life Span In The Wild: 3-5 years
  5. Size: Typically 10-12 inches, but can grow up to 18 inches.
  6. Weight: Usually weighs around 1-2 pounds.

Behavior

Brook trout are cold-water fish that prefer clear, fast-flowing streams and rivers with rocky bottoms. They are territorial and aggressive, especially during spawning season. They are carnivores and feed on insects, small fish, and crustaceans.

How to Identify

  1. Appearance: Brook trout have a slender body with a dark blue or olive-green back, a light-colored belly, and reddish-orange spots along their sides. They have a small mouth with sharp teeth. Their fins are also reddish-orange, especially the dorsal fin.
  2. Habitat: They are native to North America and can be found in cold, clear streams and rivers with rocky bottoms.
  3. Behavior: As mentioned earlier, they are territorial and aggressive, especially during spawning season. They are also known for their acrobatic jumps when hooked.

Brook trout are beautiful and fascinating fish that are a popular target for anglers. If you’re lucky enough to catch one, be sure to admire its vibrant colors and unique markings.

Some pictures of Brook Trout