Brown Trout

The Brown Trout, salmo trutta, was introduced into North America in the 1880's. The Brown has black and red spots on a generally brownish yellowish background color. It is the only trout with red or orange border, or red or orange spots on the adipose fin. They can be distinguished from the Cutthroat or Rainbow because they have no spots on the caudal fin.

The German Brown lives in streams, rivers, lakes, and intercoastal waterways. Their size depends on their habitat, 10 to 12 inches in streams, and 14 to 30 inches in lakes. Their lifespan also varies with habitat. Browns live about 4 years in streams and up to 15 years in lakes.

The diet of the Brownie is aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates (bugs and shrimp), worms, and small crayfish up to the time they are about 12 inches in size. Then they take to eating other fish, hiding in dark corners and ambushing their prey. Their eyes are suited for seeing in dim light and you will find them hiding under cut banks and other shadowy areas. They are known for feeding at night. The preferred temperature range is 50 to 60 degrees, and they can stand temps up to 70 degrees. They are somewhat more tolerant of warm water than Rainbows. Spawning occurs in the fall.

Fishing Techniques for Brown Trout

The Brown Trout is secretive and wary and has gained the reputation of the most difficult trout to catch. So it is important to keep a low profile when seeking the Brownie. Dusk and night time fishing may be a good idea. Baits and lures for the Brown are really the same as you would use for other trout.

In Idaho, trophy Browns can be found in the tailraces of Palisades and American Falls Reservoir. The Little Wood River also holds a good Brown Trout population. The Snake River holds some big Browns. Magic and Sublett reservoirs have a Brown population. Just about every drainage in Idaho holds at least some Brown Trout. They may be in water that you fish a lot, and you have never seen one because they are so secretive. Many anglers specialize in catching Browns.

The Idaho record for a Brown Trout was landed in 1981 from the South Fork of the Snake River. Farrell Oswald landed a 26 pound 6 ounce monster. It was 36.5 inches long.

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