TARGETS BROOK TROUT (Salvelin us fontinalis) The brook "trout" is the most beautiful <strong>and</strong> widely distributed member of the salmon family in <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>. It is found in the small, cold mountain streams <strong>and</strong> lakes <strong>and</strong> in the spring-fed, limestone streams of the valleys. Originally it probably occurred in nearly all of the streams of the commonwealth but pollution, siltation <strong>and</strong> the warming of many of these waters by deforestation has restricted the present range. Another closely related char, the lake trout, native to though rare at present in Lake Erie, has been established in Harveys Lake <strong>and</strong> several other deep, cold lakes in <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>. Although the world's record for the brook trout is 14 pounds eight ounces, caught in the Nipigon River, Ontario in 1916, a three or four pound fish would be unusual for <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> <strong>and</strong> most anglers are happy with a seven to nine inch trout. The flesh varies from white to a deep pink in fish which have been feeding on natural food rich in pigmented oils such as are found in crayfish. The brook trout is the choice of most epicures. Spring-fed areas are required for spawning which generally occurs in November. Food consists largely of aquatic insects, crustaceans <strong>and</strong> fish. Artificial flies, earthworms <strong>and</strong> small minnows are the best lures. BROWN TROUT (Salmo trutta) The Brown Trout was introduced into America from Europe during the latter part of the 19th century. The original eggs for this introduction came from Germany but is widely distributed in most European waters. A variety of the brown trout from Loch Leven, Scotl<strong>and</strong>, has also been stocked in some of the waters of the state. It is doubtful that it can be distinguished from the brown trout proper. Brown trout are now found in practically all of the important trout streams of the state. They can tolerate slightly warmer water than the brook trout <strong>and</strong> reach a greater age <strong>and</strong> size <strong>and</strong> are somewhat more difficult to capture than the brook trout. They have held their own through natural reproduction in most of the streams where stocked in spite of heavy fishing pressure. The world's record for brown trout is 39 pounds eight ounces caught in Loch Awe, Scotl<strong>and</strong> in 1866. The record for <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> insofar as can be determined, is a 17 pound trout taken in Spring Creek, Centre County, in 1946. Although three <strong>and</strong> four pound trout are not uncommon, a twelve to fourteen inch wild brown trout puts up a spectacular fight on light tackle <strong>and</strong> is almost the equal of the brook trout on the table. Spawning occurs slightly before the brook trout in the fall of the year <strong>and</strong> generally in spring-fed areas of gravel-bottomed streams. Food consists of aquatic insects, crayfish <strong>and</strong> other crustaceans <strong>and</strong> there is a somewhat greater proportion of fish in the diet than is the case of the brook or rainbow trout. Earthworms, minnows <strong>and</strong> artificial flies are popular lures; small plugs, spoons <strong>and</strong> spinners are also useful. RAINBOW TROUT (Salmo gairdneri) The rainbow trout, also often called "steelhead" when it has access to the sea or to a large lake in which to mature, was native to the Pacific slope from California to Alaska. It has been widely stocked in <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> waters but has limited reproductive success in most of them. This trout thrives in even warmer water than the brown trout <strong>and</strong> does especially well in lakes <strong>and</strong> in the cooler ponds of the state. The world's record for rainbow trout is 37 pounds taken in Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho. The <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> record for rainbow trout appears to be 13 pounds, taken in Kettle Creek in 1957. In recent years large rainbow or steelhead trout have been caught in the lower ends of tributaries to Lake Erie where they go to spawn each spring. The rainbow trout is probably the most active fighter of the group feeding extensively on the surface <strong>and</strong> jumping frequently when hooked. The flesh is generally white <strong>and</strong> is not considered as good eating as that of the brook or brown trout. Gravel-bottomed streams with an active current are required for spawning. Normally a spring spawner (March <strong>and</strong> April) fall hatchery strains have been developed <strong>and</strong> fall spawning is known to occur in several streams of the Commonwealth. The food consists of aquatic insects, snails, crustaceans <strong>and</strong> to a lesser degree fish. Artificial flies, earthworms, especially in combination with small spinners, <strong>and</strong> minnows are popular baits. OPENING DAY OF PENNS yi'l/ 14 PENNSYLVANIA ANG LEP *•&* s
IIA TROUT SEASON April 17,1965 ^ L - ! 965 MEET-MR. BROOK TROUT at bottom left; MR. BROWN at bottom right, <strong>and</strong> Mr. RAINBOW, at top 15
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