Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis
Overview
Despite its common name, the brook trout is technically a char, closely related to Arctic char and lake trout rather than true trout. Native to eastern North America, brook trout are arguably the most beautiful freshwater fish on the continent, with a dark olive-green body covered in vermiculated patterns on the back and dorsal fin, pale spots and vivid red spots with blue halos along the flanks, and brilliant orange-red fins edged in white and black during spawning season. Brook trout require the coldest and cleanest water of any trout species, making them excellent indicators of watershed health. While brook trout in their native eastern streams rarely exceed 10 inches, populations in larger rivers, lakes, and the sea-run variety known as salters can grow substantially larger. Their eagerness to take a well-presented dry fly makes them a perennial favorite among fly anglers.
charLeast Concern globally; southern Appalachian populations are declining due to habitat loss, acid rain, and competition from non-native trout
Taxonomy
Order
Salmoniformes
Family
Salmonidae
Genus
Salvelinus
Species
S. fontinalis
Habitat & Behavior
Small, cold headwater streams with dense canopy; spring-fed creeks and beaver ponds; requires water below 65°F and thrives best below 58°F
Native Range: Eastern North America, from Georgia and the Appalachian Mountains north to the Arctic Circle, including the Great Lakes basin and Hudson Bay drainages
Introduced Range: Western North America, Europe, South America, and Australasia; widely stocked for recreational fishing
Diet
Aquatic insects (mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, midges), terrestrial insects (ants, beetles, hoppers), small crustaceans, worms, and occasionally small fish
Spawning
Brook trout are fall spawners, constructing redds in gravel areas with groundwater upwelling from September through November. Females seek out springs and seeps that provide a constant flow of cold, oxygen-rich water over developing eggs. Eggs incubate through winter and hatch in late winter or early spring.
Spawning Months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Spawning Temperature: 40-49°F
Conservation Status
Least Concern globally; southern Appalachian populations are declining due to habitat loss, acid rain, and competition from non-native trout
The Brook Trout is currently classified as Least Concern globally; southern Appalachian populations are declining due to habitat loss, acid rain, and competition from non-native trout. Responsible catch-and-release practices help protect populations for future generations of anglers.
Fly Fishing Tips
Brook trout are eager surface feeders and respond exceptionally well to attractor dry flies, especially in small mountain streams where they have limited exposure to fishing pressure. Approach stealthily and keep a low profile, as brook trout in clear headwater streams are easily spooked. Small streamers like the Mickey Finn can be deadly for larger specimens.
Tackle Recommendations
A 7 to 8-foot 2 or 3-weight rod is perfect for small brook trout streams. Use 4X-6X tippet and light leaders for delicate presentations in tight quarters.
Distribution Map
Recommended Fly Patterns
Royal Wulff #12-16
Ausable Wulff #10-14
Elk Hair Caddis #14-16
Mickey Finn #8-12
Bead Head Prince Nymph #12-16
Black-nosed Dace #8-12
Adams #14-16
Where to Find Brook Trout
Rivers with Brook Trout
Quick Facts
- Scientific Name
- Salvelinus fontinalis
- Family
- char
- Average Size
- 6-12 inches, 0.25-1.5 lbs
- Record Size
- 14 lbs 8 oz (Nipigon River, Ontario, 1916)
- Lifespan
- 3-6 years in most populations, with fish rarely exceeding age 5 in small streams
- Water Temp Range
- 34-65°F (optimal 45-58°F)
- Native Range
- Eastern North America, from Georgia and the Appalachian Mountains north to the Arctic Circle, including the Great Lakes basin and Hudson Bay drainages
- Conservation
- Least Concern globally; southern Appalachian populations are declining due to habitat loss, acid rain, and competition from non-native trout
Fun Facts
- Brook trout are the state fish of nine US states, more than any other fish species
- Sea-run brook trout, called salters, migrate to coastal estuaries and can grow to over 6 pounds
- The world record brook trout from Nipigon River has stood unchallenged since 1916, making it one of the oldest standing freshwater fishing records
- Brook trout can hybridize with brown trout to produce tiger trout and with lake trout to produce splake
Where to Find
Size Reference
Average Size
6-12 inches, 0.25-1.5 lbs
World Record
14 lbs 8 oz (Nipigon River, Ontario, 1916)