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Brown Trout

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
Category
Game Fish

Overview

Renowned for its wariness, the brown trout is a European and western Asian salmonid so cautious that large individuals turn nocturnal and shift to hunting smaller fish. Golden-brown flanks scattered with haloed black and orange-red spots distinguish it, while sea-run fish take on a silvery sheen. Native from Iceland and the British Isles through Scandinavia, the Alps, and the Caucasus, it favours clear, cool rivers and lakes over gravel and rock. Introduced across the globe, it has become a defining challenge for fly fishers wherever it swims. It reaches 1.4 metres, and its firm, cream-to-pink flesh is richer than that of rainbow trout, while the species is assessed as Least Concern.

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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

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.

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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).

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