Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)

Description: Exotic from Europe. Introduced in 1931. Olive-brown with yellowish sides. Some orange or red spots on the sides, spots often encircled with light yellow or white Dark spots on back and sides. Tail fin usually unspotted or vaguely spotted. Adipose fin usually orange or reddish. Length: 6 to 29 inches. Weight: 6 ounces to over 16 pounds. Location and Habitat: Brown trout are found in streams and some lakes in the White Mountains and around the Mogollon Rim country. They reproduce naturally in streams and are often associated with deep under cut banks and pools choked with woody debris. Food: They feed on aquatic and terrestrial insects and fish. Adult brown trout are voracious and eat larger food items such as crayfish and small fish, especially other trout. Angling: Brown trout may be caught on the same tackle and baits as rainbow trout, but are often more difficult to catch. The best time to catch large adult brown trout is in fall during spawning. Table Quality: The meat has a pinkish or yellowish color and is good tasting.