Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)

Description: Non-native. Introduced in 1903. Gray to olive-green on the back. Vermiculations or worm-like markings on the back and dorsal fin. Sides lighter in color with blue halos around pink or red spots. White edge on lower fins and lower tail. Length: 4 to 21 inches. Weight: 3 ounces to over 4 pounds. Location and Habitat: Brook trout are found in colder streams and lakes in the White Mountains. They reproduce in streams but are most often found in lakes stocked by the Department. Like brown trout, brook trout are fall spawners and are easily caught near the shore during fall spawning runs. Food: They feed on aquatic and terrestrial insects. Larger brook trout will eat small fish if they are available. Angling: They are easy to catch, especially in the early spring or late fall when cold water temperatures keep the fish very active. They are caught on wet flies, small spinning lures and worms. Table Quality: The brook trout has a delicious flavor, with white, flaky meat.