Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) Family Salmonidae, Trouts
Common names: searun brown trout, Scotch seatrout, brownie, German brown trout
Description: Brown trout are yellow brown to tan and may have numerous large brown or black spots on their sides, back and dorsal fin. These fish are slender in shape and have a squarish tail fin. An adipose fin is located between their dorsal fin and tail fin. Searun brown trout closely resemble Atlantic salmon, both in shape and coloration. A sure way of telling the two apart is by looking at the teeth located on the roof of their mouth. Brown trout possess a well developed double row of teeth, while salmon and other native salmonids have only a single row. Adult brown trout generally are 1 to 5 pounds in weight but can grow to 30 pounds or more.
Where found: inshore
Similar Gulf of Maine species: Atlantic salmon, brook trout, rainbow trout
Remarks: Brown trout can tolerate higher water temperatures and poorer water quality than most other species of salmon and trout. These fish are not native to North America, having been brought here from Europe. Brown trout are considered by many anglers to be a difficult fish to catch. Since they are active at night, both late evening and early morning are considered the best times to fish for browns.
Records: MSSAR (Maine State Saltwater Angler Records)
IGFA: All-Tackle World Record
Fish Illustrations by: Roz Davis Designs, Damariscotta, ME (207) 5632286
Drawings provided courtesy of the Maine Department of Marine Resources Recreational Fisheries program and the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund.
