Brown trout

A fierce predator of small fish and flying insects, the brown trout is widespread in our freshwater rivers. It is has a golden body, flanked with pale-ringed, dark spots.

Species information

Statistics

Length: 50-80cm
Weight: up to 14kg
Average Lifespan: 15-20 years

Conservation status

Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework.

When to see

January to December

About

A medium to large fish, the brown trout lives in fast-flowing, stony and gravelly rivers. It is a predatory fish, feeding on insect larvae, small fish and flying insects, such as mayflies and damselflies. Spawning occurs between January and March when females (accompanied by a number of males) lay their eggs on gravelly beds. Fertilised externally, the eggs are buried in the gravel. The young fish, called 'fry', hatch and feed on the nutritious yolk sac before moving on to feed on invertebrates.

How to identify

The brown trout is a golden-brown fish with a dark back and creamy-yellow belly. Its back and sides display dark, reddish spots with pale borders. Much smaller than the Atlantic salmon, it can be distinguished from the similar rainbow trout by its plain, dark tail fin and by the lack of a purple side-stripe.

Distribution

Widespread.

Habitats

Did you know?

Sea trout and brown trout have recently been recognised as the same species: the former is migratory, spending most of its life at sea and returning to fresh water to spawn; the latter spends all of its life in fresh water.

How people can help

The Wildlife Trusts work with planners, water companies, landowners, statutory bodies and anglers to help make our waterways and waterbodies as good for wildlife as they are for people. By working together, we can create Living Landscapes: networks of habitats stretching across town and country that allow wildlife to move about freely and people to enjoy the benefits of nature. Support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.