A widely transplanted European salmonid that has become the wild trout of cold streams across six continents.
Where it lives
Native to cold, clean rivers and lakes from Iceland to Afghanistan, brown trout have been stocked worldwide and now sustain wild populations on every continent except Antarctica. They favor pool-and-riffle streams with stable temperatures below 20 C and good cover.
How to recognise it
A spotted, olive-brown fish with a creamy belly. Dark spots cover the back and flanks; many spots are ringed with a pale halo, and red spots scattered along the lateral line distinguish browns from rainbow trout. The adipose fin is small and fleshy, common to all salmonids.
Diet & behavior
Drift-feeders that hold position in current and intercept insects, browns become piscivorous as they grow, taking minnows, sculpins, and crayfish. Large adults often turn nocturnal. They spawn in autumn over gravel redds in clean tributaries.
Fisheries & Conservation
Globally Least Concern, though some native populations face hybridization with stocked fish. Brown trout are the foundation of fly-fishing culture and a globally important sport fish.
Find more fish by letter
Brown Trout starts with B and ends with T. Browse other fish along the same letter.
Fish that contain a letter from "Brown Trout":