Trout Species

Trout Species

Brook or Speckled Trout

Today, I want to talk a bit about the different species of trout. The Brook or as it is sometimes called, the Speckled Trout. Some folks call them "Square Tails because they are considered a member of the Salmon Family. These trout are generally considered to be the native fish of eight states: Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia, but have shown up throughout the Appalachia's.

The coloring of a Brook Trout is green on brown but with a marbled pattern along it's sides. This coloring extends to the tail. You will also see red dots along the flanks and each of these red dots are surrounded by blue circles. The Brook is actually quite a beautiful fish. 

But, for the inexperienced fisherman? They think they have caught a Rainbow Trout. The reason is, the belly of a Brook and it's lower fins are reddish in color. An experienced fisherman knows it's not a Rainbow trout though.  

The reddish or orange color of the bellies of the males, changes when they are spawning. This coloring making them readily identifiable as a Brook and not a Rainbow.

In my next post I will be talking about  Brown and Rainbow Trout. Until then, you can check out a guide on secrets of trout fishing if you like. Please remember: stay safe out there, and I will see you on the trail.