Brown Trout

Brown Trout, Salmo trutta

Brown trout are a non-native species first introduced in the United States in 1883 from Germany. These fish are relatives of Atlantic Salmon and popular with anglers which contributes to their purposeful stocking in a number of states. While brown trout have become well established in many areas, other place still periodically add more for the purpose of fishing. They are a very competitive species that often drive out natives. A brown trout will feed at night on other fish and invertebrates, and they can withstand environmental disturbances better than natives. A number of natives such as brook trout and Lahontan cutthroat have had severe population declines most likely due to brown trout populations.