Brown Trout

Brown Trout

Markings and Coloration Brown trout are the true trout. They are native to Europe, western Asia, and the extreme northeastern edge of Africa and have been introduced to many waters suited to them around the globe. Fishing for sport–including fly-fishing–evolved within the native range of brown trout. The word “trout” itself apparently evolved with specific reference to these fish and was later applied to such fish as rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout simply because of their resemblance to brown trout. Although all brown trout are categorized as a single species, the fish themselves may show wide variation in color and spotting patterns, habitual foods, and behavior. Any angler who fishes a variety of rivers may eventually encounter brown trout that somehow look different from those he’s used to catching and may even encounter two different-looking brown trout in the same stream. Color along the dorsal surface (back) varies from olive-brown through yellowish brown, becoming lighter toward the whitish belly area. There are usually greater amounts of an overall yellow tint along the flanks. Black spots are present on the back and in diminishing numbers down the sides. Bright red spots are found in lesser numbers along the sides. There are few, if any, spots on the tail in contrast with rainbow, the tails of which are heavily spotted. Unlike brook trout, brown trout have no vermiculations, or wavy lines on their backs and have teeth along the full length of the vomerine bone on the roof of their mouths. Brown-trout coloration is much subdued in hatchery fish, but often assume the brighter colors of wild fish after several months...