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Brown trout
Salmo truttaLinnaeus, 1758
Identification
Golden-brown with large black spots and scattered red or orange spots often ringed in blue — no spots on the tail, unlike rainbow trout.
Where It's Found
Cold, clear streams and lakes; more tolerant of warmer, marginal water than other trout, which has helped it spread across much of the U.S.
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Fishing Notes
Considered one of the more wary, selective trout species — stealthy presentation and matching local baitfish or insect hatches pays off.
Scientific Classification▾
Family
Salmonidae
Genus
Salmo
Order
Salmoniformes
Class
Actinopterygii
Phylum
Chordata
Kingdom
Animalia
Ready to go fishing?
Find a boat ramp near you and check state fishing regulations before you head out.
Photography sourced from Wikimedia Commons contributors.