Different Trout Species in the United States

Have you ever wondered what all the different trout species are in the United States? While there are countless species of fish that can be found in US waters, trout have a special place in the hearts of many. In this article, we’ll take an A-Z look at some of the most popular trout species found across the country, so you can learn more about these amazing creatures!

Trout Species in the US

There are many different trout species in the United States, and they can be found in a variety of habitats. Here is a brief introduction to some of the most common trout species in the US:

Brown trout: Brown trout are native to Europe, but were introduced to the US in the late 19th century. They are now found throughout the country, and are particularly common in the Great Lakes region. Brown trout can grow to be quite large, and are popular with anglers.

Rainbow trout: Rainbow trout are native to western North America, and were introduced to the eastern US in the late 1800s. Today, they can be found throughout the country. Rainbow trout are highly sought-after by anglers, as they are both beautiful and tasty.

Brook trout: Brook trout are native to eastern North America, and can be found from Maine to Georgia. They prefer cold, clear streams, and are often stocked by state fisheries agencies. Brook trout are popular with fly fishermen, as they readily take flies.

Cutthroat trout: Cutthroat trout are native to western North America, and can be found from Alaska to New Mexico. They get their name from the distinctive red slash marks under their jaw. Cutthroat trout are prized by anglers for their beauty and fighting ability.

Brook Trout

Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) are the most widely distributed trout species in North America. They are native to eastern and central North America, but have been introduced to western North America, Europe, Asia, and South America. Brook trout are relatively small fish, typically reaching a length of 10-12 inches (25-30 cm). The world record brook trout weighed 14 pounds 8 ounces (6.6 kg).

Brook trout have a dark green or brown back with light spotting. The sides are lighter, with some orange or red spots. The belly is white. Brook trout can live up to 9 years old in the wild.

Brook trout prefer cold, clean water with plenty of oxygen. They spawn in the spring in gravel nests called “redds”. After hatching, brook trout fry spend their first summer in shallow water near the shoreline before moving into deeper water in the fall.

Bull Trout

Bull trout are a type of char that are native to the western United States and Canada. They can grow to be quite large, up to 30 inches in length, and they have a reputation for being good fighters when hooked. Bull trout prefer cold, clear water, and they can be found in both lakes and streams. Because they are so sensitive to changes in water quality, bull trout are considered an indicator species of the health of an aquatic ecosystem.

Cutthroat Trout

Cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) are one of the most popular trout species in the United States. They are native to the west coast, and can be found in streams, rivers, and lakes from Alaska to California. Cutthroat trout are named for the distinctive red or orange slash marks under their lower jaw. These fish are highly sought after by anglers, and are known for their strong fight when hooked.

Cutthroat trout are generally considered to be a smaller trout species, with adults typically reaching lengths of 12-18 inches. However, larger fish are not uncommon, and cutthroat trout over 20 inches long have been recorded. These fish have a relatively short lifespan compared to other trout species, with most only living for 4-6 years.

The diet of cutthroat trout varies depending on their location and age. Young fish will feed on small insects and other invertebrates, while adults primarily eat other fish. Cutthroat Trout are an important food source for many larger predators such as bears, eagles, and ospreys.

Anglers targeting cutthroat trout will typically use flies or lures that mimic the small insects and fish that make up their diet. Popular fly patterns include nymphs, streamers, and dry flies. spinning lures such as spoons or spinners can also be effective when fishing for these fish.

Brown Trout

Brown trout are a popular game fish in the United States. They are native to Europe and were introduced to the US in the late 1800s. Brown trout are found in cold, clear streams and lakes across the country. They average 10-20 inches in length, but can grow up to 30 inches or more. Brown trout are brown with dark spots on their sides and back. Their belly is usually white or pale yellow.

Golden Trout

The golden trout is one of the most beautiful and popular trout species in the United States. These fish are native to high mountain streams in California, Nevada, and Oregon. They have also been introduced to other parts of the country, including Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. Golden trout are usually yellow or golden in color, with a dark stripe running down their back. They can grow to be quite large, up to 30 inches long and 10 pounds in weight. Golden trout are very popular with anglers because they fight hard when hooked and are excellent table fare.

Lake Trout

Lake trout are a popular gamefish in the northern United States. They’re known for their large size and fighting ability. Lake trout are native to cold, deep lakes in the north and prefer water that is cold and clear. They are typically found in lakes that are at least 60 feet deep.

Lake trout were introduced to many lakes in the United States as a way to control native fish populations. In some cases, this has caused problems for native fish species. Lake trout are voracious predators and can grow to be very large. They have been known to reach weights of up to 50 pounds.

Anglers targeting lake trout often use large, baitfish-style lures or live baitfish. Trolling is a popular technique for catching lake trout. They can also be caught with jigging lures or flies fished near the bottom.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are one of the most popular fish in the United States. They are found in every state except for Alaska. Rainbow trout are a versatile fish that can be caught in a variety of ways. They can be fished for from the shore, from a boat, or even from below the ice.

Rainbow trout are relatively easy to catch, which makes them a great choice for anglers of all skill levels. They can be caught using bait, lures, or flies. Rainbow trout typically eat smaller fish, insects, and crustaceans.

When choosing bait or lures for rainbow trout, it is important to match the size and type of prey that they typically eat. Smaller baits and lures will be more effective at catching rainbow trout. Fly fishing is also a great way to catch rainbow trout. Wet flies, dry flies, and streamers are all effective at catching rainbow trout.

The best time to fish for rainbow trout is in the spring and early summer when they are actively feeding. The best place to fish for rainbow trout is in moving water where they can easily find food.

Steelhead

A steelhead is a rainbow trout that has migrated to the ocean. They are anadromous, meaning they are born in freshwater, migrate to saltwater to live and grow, and then return to freshwater to spawn. Steelhead can spend up to three years in the ocean before returning to freshwater to spawn. Steelhead are found in the coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean from Alaska to California.

Apache Trout

The Apache trout is a species of trout native to the White Mountains of Arizona. It is one of the few remaining indigenous trout in the southwestern United States. The Apache trout is listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Apache trout has a dark green back with yellow-gold spots, and a creamy white belly. It can grow to a length of 18 inches (45 cm).

The Apache trout lives in cold, clear streams at high elevations in the White Mountains. Its diet consists mostly of insects and small crustaceans.

Spawning takes place from late April to early June, when the female lays her eggs in gravel nests called “redds”. After hatching, the young trout spend their first summer in quiet pools before moving into faster-flowing water in autumn.

Arctic Grayling

The Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus) is a freshwater fish in the salmon family. It is native to cold-water tundra streams in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Norway and Russia. The Arctic grayling is also found in some lakes in northern Michigan and Montana. The fish has a silvery body with iridescent blue markings on the dorsal (top) side and red spots on the sides. The Arctic grayling can grow up to 30 inches long and weigh up to 8 pounds.

The Arctic grayling is an important food fish for indigenous peoples in its range. It is also popular with sport fishermen, who catch it using fly fishing or spin fishing methods.

Arctic Char

K is for Arctic char, a trout species native to the cold waters of the arctic and subarctic regions. Arctic char are closely related to salmon, and like salmon, they can spend their entire lives in freshwater or saltwater environments. In the United States, arctic char are found in Alaska and in some of the northernmost states, such as Maine and Vermont.

Arctic char are a popular game fish, prized for their fighting ability and their delicious flesh. Char are relatively easy to catch, but anglers must be prepared for cold weather and icy conditions when fishing for them. The best time to fish for arctic char is in late summer or early fall, when they are most active.

Trout are an incredibly diverse species and can be found in a variety of habitats throughout the United States. From brook trout to cutthroat, there is a wide range of trout species that any angler should consider exploring. Because each type of trout has its own set of preferred habitat conditions, anglers must take time to research which types may be best suited for their local waters. With this A-Z guide as your reference, you’ll be able to quickly identify which varieties of trout inhabit your favorite fishing spots and have more success on your next trip out!