Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)
Last Update/Review: August 6, 2002
Brown trout are golden brown in color with large black spots on the back, and red spots, some with pale halos, on the sides. They are the only trout with both red and black spotting.
This fish is native to Europe, Asia and North Africa. Brown trout were introduced into Alberta waters in 1924. They are now fairly common in slow streams along foothills. The Bow River and some tributaries of the Red Deer River have become important sportfishing areas for this species.
Brown trout are more tolerant of silting and warm water than the native trout of Alberta. They are also more wary and harder to catch than other species. Brown trout are stocked into rivers and streams that have been disturbed by human activity and where there is heavy fishing pressure.
Young brown trout feed on insects and other invertebrates, but the larger fish are active predators of other fishes, including young brown trout. Larger brown trout will also feed on small animals that fall in the water. Brown trout usually do not become active or feed until the late afternoon or early evening. Brown trout can be caught with artificial flies, spoons and bait (except in waters with bait bans), such as worms.
