pdf version - South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks

Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
Quick key characteristics: The brown trout is found in cold-water habitats,
but can be found in warmer water than other trout species, sometimes
tolerating temperatures exceeding 70 o F. It has small scales, soft fi ns with
short bases, including an adipose fi n. It has a large, forward-facing mouth, a
pointed snout, and its body is taller than wide.
Similar species in South Dakota: other trout and salmon
Identifi cation: Presence of black or maroon spots with lighter-colored halos
and very few spots on the tail (caudal) fi n distinguish brown trout from
rainbow and cutthroat trout and salmon. Brown trout have dark spots on a
light background, whereas brook, lake, and splake trouts have light spots or
vermiculations (worm-shaped markings) on a dark background.
Range: The brown trout is native to Europe, the Middle-East, and northern
Africa. Populations have been established via introductions into cold-water
habitats worldwide. South Dakota populations in the Black Hills and Gary
Creek (Deuel County) are largely sustained by wild reproduction. The
species is also present in cold-water (tailwater) reaches of the Missouri River.
Items of interest:
• Feeds on insects, crustaceans, and fi shes, consuming more fi sh on
average than other trout
• The brown trout spawns during fall
• Artifi cially hybridized with brook
trout to create tiger trout (stocked in
Center Lake, Custer County)
• Can exceed 20 in. in streams, larger
in lakes, rivers, and impoundments
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