Brook Trout facts

Dictionary of Fish : Fish Directory - reference guide to Brook Trout

Brook Trout	Salvelinus fontinalis

Facts about Brook Trout

IDENTIFICATION: Brook trout have a typical trout-shaped body with an adipose fin between the dorsal and tail fin. One of its distinguishing characteristics is the white leading edge on the pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins. The rest of the fins are yellowish or reddish. Additionally, the back is heavily covered with vermiculation or 'wormy' marks. There are no black or brown spots on the head, back or caudal fin.

RANGE AND HABITAT: The brook trout is native to the northeastern portion of Ohio and was found in the Chagrin River and in a small creek in Ashtabula County. Since then it has been stocked into several locations throughout Ohio. Brook trout require cold, clean flowing water.

LIFE HISTORY: Brook trout usually spawn between September and December. Females lay several thousand eggs in the gravel of cold water streams. After hatching, brook trout feed on zooplankton while adult fish feed mainly on insects and aquatic invertebrates. However, they also eat small fish, snails and frogs. Brook trout become sexually mature at age one and generally do not live past age four.

ADULT SIZE: Brook trout range in size from 5 to 18 inches in length, but are seldom more than 12 to 15 inches.

FISHING METHODS: Brook trout can be caught using worms and grubs, but the preferred method is fly fishing. Anglers use lures that match natural hatches in the area. Brook trout feed more readily during daytime hours than brown trout.

Source: courtesy Ohio DNR