| The
brown trout was introduced to the United States from Europe and was moved
across the country to the west. Brown trout are found in only a few places
in northwestern Montana, but they are common in the Clark Fork drainage in
south and central western Montana. Brown trout, like bull trout, are fall
spawners. They compete with bull trout for food, space, and in some cases,
spawning areas. |
| Brown
trout are true members of the trout family, having dark spots on a generally
lighter background. Some spots can be circled by a “halo.” |
| Study
the illustration and photo below, along with the key characters indicated.
|
|
|
| Black or
dark brown spots on dorsal fin AND on back |
|
|
| TAIL
|
Nearly square
|
| BODY
|
Dark spots (black or
brown) on a light-colored background (ranging from golden brown to
chocolate, or sometimes silvery); some of which may be circled by a
faint halo or light-colored ring. |
|
APPEARANCE |
Typically "brown" as
the name implies, may have red spots on side. |
|