| The
brook trout was introduced to the western United States and Montana from the
eastern United States. Brook trout can hybridize with native bull trout.
Book trout have a nearly square tail fin and black worm tracks or marks on
its dorsal fin. This is the best way to distinguish brook trout from bull
trout. |
| Brook
trout compete with bull trout for space and food. In particular, brook trout
can out-compete bull trout in small streams where juvenile bull trout are
rearing. Angling limits are very liberal for brook trout. In northwestern
Montana, anglers may keep 20 brook trout per day in addition to other trout
limits. |
| Study
the illustration and photo below, along with the key characters indicated.
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| Black
"worm tracks" on dorsal fin BUT yellow tracks on back
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| TAIL
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Nearly square |
| BODY
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Yellow and/or red spots on darker
(typically greenish) sides and back, some circled by light blue rings or
halos; squiggly yellow "worm tracks" or vermiculations on back.
|
| APPEARANCE
|
Typically colorful and small
(under 14 inches); often with red or orange on belly, black on head, and
white-edged orange fins; adults more striking during the fall.
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