Catching the Elusive and Exotic Brown Trout
The brown trout was imported from Europe in the late 1800s and is still considered an exotic fish by some. This trout is a durable fish, living well in conditions other trout could not thrive in. Brown trout are also known as brownie, German brown trout, German trout, European brown trout, and breac.
To spot a brown trout, look for a pale olive-brown, elongated trout with large, dark spots. Some orange or red spots can be found on the sides, and spots are often encircled with light yellow or white coloration. Most brown trout have some dark spots on their back and sides. In the Great Lakes, these fish tend to be more silver in color, making the name deceptive. Also, the tail fin is usually unspotted or vaguely spotted while the adipose fin is usually orange or reddish.
The size of the brown trout varies from 6 to 29 inches long and weigh from 6 ounces to over 16 pounds!
The brown trout is native to Europe and western Asia, but after it was introduced into lakes and streams in the United States it has become one of the most widespread fish of the trout and salmon family. It can be found in all of the Great Lakes.
The brown trout can live in higher water temperatures than the other trout. But it is also difficult to catch, and is not as tasty as some of the other trout. Brown trout feed on aquatic and terrestrial insects and fish. Adults are voracious and eat larger food items such as crayfish and small fish, especially other little trout!
Your best bet for catching these is in water temperatures between 55 degrees and 65 degrees, and most often along shore waters. They tend to hide in shallow water, particularly in weed beds and rocky, boulder-strewn areas. Brown fish are easier to catch in early morning and twilight hours, when they are typically feeding, with a light line and conventional lures or natural baits.
Good luck as you head out to reel in that brown trout!
