The brook trout population has decreased, but established populations of brook trout are not generally considered endangered. However, they can be very aggressive predators. It usually takes two years for a brook trout to mature.īrook trout are cautious and easily scared. While young, brook trout usually find shelter in vegetation or in shallow water near the shoreline.īy the end of its first summer, the brook trout is typically three to four inches long.

They return to freshwater only to reproduce.īrook trout have children during September and October, although young brook trout sometimes appear between February and April. Others, called salters, are born in freshwater, then migrate to the ocean for their adult lives. Some spend their entire life in freshwater. During mid-day, they retreat to deeper waters or shaded areas.

That means they’re mostly active at dusk and dawn. The stomachs of some brook trout have been found to contain plant remains too.īrook trout are crepuscular. They also eat worms, leeches, crustaceans, mollusks, amphibians, other fish, and even small mammals. As they grow older, they begin feeding on insects. When they are young, brook trout eat plankton. They can still be found in some high elevation streams as far south as Georgia. Originally, the brook trout’s range also included the Appalachian Mountain. They can be found as far west as eastern Minnesota. They are native to eastern Canada and the northeastern United States. They live in cool, clear creeks, rivers, and lakes. In general, most brook trout reach 9 to 10 inches in length.īrook trout are freshwater fish. Their size depends on water temperature, food sources, and other factors. Its belly is white.īrook trout come in many different sizes.

It also has orange or red lower fins with white edges. It has a wavy, worm-like line on its back. Along its side, the brook trout’s color looks more orange or red, with scattered red spots outlined in pale blue. The brook trout is typically olive-green with yellow spots. Also known as spotted trout, they can be distinguished from other trout and salmon species by light colored spots on a dark colored body. Let’s learn more about this interesting fish!īrook trout are members of the char subgroup of the salmon family. They live in cool water in areas of Canada and the United States. Brook trout, also known as “brookie” and speckled trout, are members of the salmon family.

Facts about the brook trout for kids