The Brook Trout, Salvelinus fontinalis, is a member of the char family
along with Lake Trout and Bull Trout. It is also called speckled trout,
brookie, and Eastern Brook Trout. This primarily stream fish is native
to the Eastern US, and has been introduced into most of the waters in America.
The Brook Trout has a green/brown back with yellowish, worm-like markings.
Sides are the same colors but have round
yellowish spots as well as red/blue spots. All the lower fins have white edges.
Brook trout are most commonly found in clear, cold streams, ponds and lakes.
Brook trout that live in lakes will usually confine themselves to the
entry-points of cold mountain streams. They prefer water temperatures of
52 to 56 degrees. They will migrate throughout the year to find cooler
water conditions. Their habitat requirements are similar to Brown Trout.
Brook trout are carnivorous and feed on a variety of organisms,
which include worms, leeches, aquatic and terrestrial insects,
spiders, mollusks, crustaceans, salamanders, frogs, rodents, and fishes.
Brookies eat most anything, but primarily feed on aquatic insects.
Larger fish can be voracious predators on other fish and even their own young.
Brook trout can be hybridized with brown trout to produce a “tiger trout”.
Also, a fertile hybrid called “splake” is produced from the hybridization of
brook trout and lake trout.
Brook Trout are sexually mature after 1 or 2 years and spawn in the fall
between September and October.
Brookies are rather small. In lakes sizes of 12 to 16 inches can be found.
In Idaho the Brookies inhabit the smaller lakes and tributaries.
The Idaho state record was netted from Henry's Lake in 1978 by DeVere Stratton.
It was 7 lbs. and 1 oz., and was 23.5 inches long. Good going Devere!
Brook Trout Fishing Tips
Try small baits such as flies, dry and wet.
Also try small spinners and spoons. The old standby worms will also be a good choice.
Look for brook trout and splake near points and shoreline shallows.
Troll near shore with spinners tipped with worms.
Cast or troll with dark-colored nymphs or Wooly Buggers.
