Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Least Concern Both

Max Length

140.0 cm

Max Weight

20.0 kg

Color

Golden-brown to amber flanks scattered …

Depth Range

0-28m

Family

Salmonidae

About

The brown trout is native to European rivers and has been introduced worldwide. Renowned for its wariness and intelligence, it is the ultimate quarry for fly fishers. Larger specimens become nocturnal, feeding primarily on smaller fish.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	140.0 cm
Maximum Weight	20.0 kg
Depth Range	0-28m

Coloration

Golden-brown to amber flanks scattered with large black and orange-red spots, each often encircled by a pale halo; belly golden-yellow; adipose fin is orange-tinged; sea-run form is silvery.

Habitat & Distribution

Rivers, streams, and lakes across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa; widely introduced. Inhabits clear, cold to temperate rivers (8-18°C) over gravel and rock. Anadromous sea-run populations exist.

Water Type

Freshwater & Saltwater

Depth Range

0-28m

Geographic Range

Countries

🇨🇦 Canada 🇩🇪 Germany

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Distribution Map

Present Not recorded countries

Conservation Status

Least Concern IUCN Red List

Brown Trout is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Edibility & Culinary

Taste

Firm, flavorful flesh ranging from cream to pink; moderately fatty with a richer taste than rainbow trout. Excellent pan-fried, baked, or smoked; highly regarded as a European table fish.

Fishing Information

Game Fish

Yes

Fight Rating

6/5

Recommended Bait

nymphs, streamers, spinners, minnows

Taxonomy

Order	Salmoniformes (Salmon and trout)
Family	Salmonidae (Salmons and trouts)
Species	Salmo trutta

Names in Other Languages

Language	Name
French	Truite de mer
Spanish	Trucha marina

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Brown Trout?

Firm, flavorful flesh ranging from cream to pink; moderately fatty with a richer taste than rainbow trout. Excellent pan-fried, baked, or smoked; highly regarded as a European table fish.

How big does Brown Trout get?

Brown Trout can grow up to 140.0 cm long and weigh 20.0 kg.

Where is Brown Trout found?

Native to Europe and western Asia from Iceland and the British Isles east through Scandinavia, the Alps, and the Caucasus. Anadromous sea trout migrate between Atlantic coastal waters and freshwater rivers. Rivers, streams, and lakes across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa; widely introduced. Inhabits clear, cold to temperate rivers (8-18°C) over gravel and rock. Anadromous sea-run populations exis

Is Brown Trout endangered?

The conservation status of Brown Trout is Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List.

What family does Brown Trout belong to?

Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) belongs to the family Salmonidae (Salmons and trouts) in the order Salmoniformes (Salmon and trout).