Varieties Of Trout

A trout is a mostly freshwater game fish of the salmon family. There are many varieties of trout, though some are far more widespread than others. While many trout varieties might be different in appearance, they can in fact be the same species genetically. The trout's natural habitats include North America, Europe and Asia. The four most common types are the brown trout, brook trout, rainbow trout and cutthroat trout.

  1. Brown

    • The brown trout is native to Europe, but has been introduced in the U.S. Browns mostly live in freshwater streams, although they also do well in lakes. Browns tend to favor slower areas and eddies in the streams. Browns are aggressive and often crowd out native trout. Unlike many other trout, browns feed on other fish rather than insects. Browns reproduce in the fall, which might give them an advantage over native trout that spawn in the spring.

    Brook

    • Brook trout are found in clear, fast streams in the mountains of the eastern U.S. and Canada. They have also been introduced into the western U.S. The brook trout is smaller than other trouts, but is considered an excellent game fish. They are susceptible to pollution in the streams, and are therefore important for gauging the health of the water. Over-fishing and competition with other fish have reduced the brook trouts' population.

    Rainbow

    • Rainbow trout are native to the western U.S., but were introduced to the eastern states in the late 1800s. Rainbows are the most common type of trout and are found in most states. Rainbow trout, like most trout, prefer cold, clear, fast-running streams. They are more adaptable than other trout to slower and less clear water, however. Rainbows spawn in the spring. Their diet mostly consists of insects, although larger fish might also eat other fish.

    Cutthroat

    • Cutthroat trout are so named because of a vivid red mark on the underside of their throats. Cutthroats tend to be larger trouts, often growing as long as 24 inches and weighing 8 pounds. They live in bodies of freshwater, usually in cover such as rocks and dead trees, Cutthroat trout are native to the western U.S. Some varieties live in the ocean but return to freshwater streams to spawn in the spring. Their diet includes insects and small fish.