Brown Trout (Inland)

Length:  20-40 cm. (8-16 in.)

Distribution/Habitat:
occasional south of the French River, mostly in Great Lakes tributaries

Similar Fish:

• Rainbow Trout
• Brook Trout
• Juvenile Atlantic Salmon

Key identifying characteristics:

• large black, blue or red spots on body, often surrounded by lighter ring;
• tail with few spots;
• the only salmon or trout with orange on adipose fin;
• leading anal fin ray extends the length of the fin;
• short, stocky caudal peduncle

The brown trout, a European native, was introduced to Ontario streams for the first time in 1913. Browns can be found in several streams in southern Ontario and they can be caught in fair numbers in the Humber, Credit, Speed, Grand, Saugeen, Sydenham (Grey County), Nottawasaga and Ganaraska Rivers. They are also present in Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay.

In southern Ontario, brown trout frequent pools or ponds fed by streams. Although they hold their own in many turbulent, fast-flowing streams, they appear to prefer quiet, placid waters.

The brown trout is often a night feeder and probably the best catches are taken after dark, but they certainly can be caught during daylight hours. Brown trout can be taken on the same sorts of baits as brook trout, including live baits, spoons, spinners and small plugs.

In Lake Ontario, browns can be caught by casting spoons or spawn sacs from piers, and by trolling spoons or minnow imitations at nearshore areas or at river mouths.