Salmo trutta

Status

Introduced to St. John’s, Newfoundland in 1884 from a hatchery in Scotland. Stocking continued until the late 1930s and was discontinued, but Brown Trout now encompass the Avalon Peninsula and have expanded into the central region of the province.

Habitat

Most Brown Trout were stocked in cool, high-gradient streams and cold lakes. Adults live in pools within streams, while young occupy pools and riffles. Some sea-run populations have also become established.

Range

Native to Europe, North Africa and Western Asia. Introduced to North America in 1884 and now widely stocked throughout much of Canada and the U.S.

Food

Aquatic and terrestrial insects, fish, small rodents and other smaller fish, and tend to feed at night.

Breeding Biology

Brown Trout spawn in late autumn to early winter; Brook Trout have usually completed spawning by the time Brown Trout begin. Spawning usually occurs in temperatures roughly between 6.7 and 8.9^oC.

Spawning requirements are basically the same as those of Brook Trout, which include shallow, gravelly headwaters. The female creates a shallow depression in the gravel, where the spawning fish will deposit their eggs and sperm. The spawning process is repeated many times, and when complete, the female will cover the redd, or pit, with gravel.