Brown Trout

Brown Trout: (Salmo trutta)
Description
Exotic from Europe. Introduced in Arizona in 1931. Olive-brown with yellowish brown sides. Some orange or red spots on the sides, black spots often encircled with light yellow or white, dark spots on back and sides. Tail fin usually unspotted or vaguely spotted and squared off. Adipose fin usually orange or reddish. Length: 6 to 36 inches. Weight: 6 ounces to over 22 pounds. Can live up to 38 years.

Location and Habitat
Brown trout are found in streams and some lakes in the White Mountains and around the Mogollon Rim country and in lakes in the Williams and Flagstaff areas. They reproduce naturally in streams and are often associated with deep under cut banks and pools choked with woody debris. Capable of withstanding slightly higher temperature than other trout.



Reproduction

Unlike most trout species, these fish are late fall spawners. Their spawning behavior, however, is similar to other trout species. Redds are dug by the females in stream gravels and eggs are buried once fertilized.

Food
They feed on aquatic and terrestrial insects and invertebrates. Adult brown trout are voracious and will also eat larger food items such as crayfish and small fish.

Angling
This highly esteemed trout may be caught on the same tackle and baits as rainbow trout, but are often more difficult to catch. They are territorial and secretive. The best time to catch large adult brown trout is in fall during spawning and during dawn and dusk periods. They are more active at cooler water temperatures.

Table Quality
The meat has a pinkish or yellowish color and tastes good.

Information from The Arizona Game and Fish Department.