Also known as: German Brown Trout
Description: Brown trout typically have a light brown or yellowish body with large, mostly darker brown spots as well as some red spots on their sides. Their fins are light brown with a pale white leading edge. Native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa, brown trout have been introduced worldwide and are popular for their growth potential and coloration.
Habitat: Brown trout are found in strong, fast-moving currents that offer abundant oxygen and food along with predator protection. Key cover includes submerged rocks, fallen logs, undercut banks, and overhanging vegetation. In winter they move to deeper waters as a refuge from freezing temperatures.
Diet: They feed on aquatic invertebrates such as mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, midges, plus freshwater shrimp and zooplankton. They are also piscivorous, eating other fish.
Size: Average mature brown trout grows between 15 and 30 inches; the largest can reach up to 40 inches. Weight: typically 1 to 5 pounds, though some can exceed 30 pounds.
Lifespan: Averages 6 to 8 years, but individuals can live as old as 15+ years.
Habitat & Range
Brown trout are found in strong, fast-moving currents that offer abundant oxygen and food along with predator protection. Key cover includes submerged rocks, fallen logs, undercut banks, and overhanging vegetation. In winter they move to deeper waters as a refuge from freezing temperatures.
Life History
Brown trout are fall spawners that can spawn annually. Females build nests called redds in gravel, deposit eggs, and males fertilize them. Each female lays roughly 2,000 eggs, depending on her size and age. Brown trout average 6 to 8 years but can live 15+ years.
Status, Trends & Threats
Brown trout are nonnative to Wyoming but are classified as a game fish. There is a heavy angler desire to catch them. Management efforts focus on habitat protection and restoration, especially spawning habitat, and monitoring water quality.
License & Regulations
A valid Wyoming fishing license is required for anglers age 14 and older. Licenses are available for residents, non-residents, and short-term durations (1-day and annual). Purchase online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website or at authorized license retailers throughout the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Description
Brown trout have a light brown or yellowish body with large, mostly darker brown spots as well as some red spots on their sides. Their fins are light brown with a pale white leading edge.
What is another name for Brown Trout?
Brown trout is also known as German Brown Trout.
Habitat
Brown trout prefer strong, fast-moving currents with abundant oxygen and food. Key cover includes submerged rocks, fallen logs, undercut banks, and overhanging vegetation.
Diet
They feed on aquatic invertebrates such as mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, midges, plus freshwater shrimp and zooplankton. They also eat other fish.
Size
Average 15 to 30 inches, up to 40 inches. Weight: typically 1 to 5 pounds, exceeding 30 pounds under optimal conditions.
Life Cycle
Brown trout are fall spawners. Females build redds in gravel, deposit eggs, and males fertilize them. Each female lays roughly 2,000 eggs. Lifespan: 6 to 8 years on average, up to 15+ years.
Regulations
Brown trout is classified as a game fish in Wyoming. A valid Wyoming fishing license is required. Check Wyoming Game and Fish Department regulations for current rules on bag limits and seasons.
References
| State | Category | Directory | Subcategory | Content | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | Fishing | License | License & Fees | A valid Wyoming fishing license is required for anglers age 14 and older. Licenses are available for residents, non-resi | Link |
