Trouts and Salmons
Identifying the Brook Trout
Brook trouts look quite a bit like lake trouts, but you can distinguish the brook trout by its brighter colors. Another difference is that the lake trout has a forked tail (v-notched edge), and the brook trout has a straight tail. Both fish have perfectly white edging on all lower fins (anal, pelvic, and pectoral). The colors of the brook trout intensify at spawning time, and the lower body of the male becomes an orange-red (like our mascot fish at left).
An additional complication in identifying this fish is that Great Lakes brook trout tend to be less colorful than inland lake brook trout.
Look for:
-Tail fin not forked
-Body with wavy dark lines on back (vermiculations)
-Sides with some reddish spots often encircled by light blue
-Spots on head and body light cream, pink, or red on darker background
-Pelvic and anal fins with snow-white leading edges
Complete brook trout profile | Main trouts and salmons page
Sources: "Fishes of Isle Royale," by K.F. Lagler and C. R.
Goldman, Isle Royale Natural History Association, 1982.
Fishes of Wisconsin, by George C. Becker, University of Wisconsin Press,
1983.
Freshwater Fishes of Canada, by W.B. Scott and E.J. Crossman, Fisheries
Research Board of Canada, 1973.
copyright 2001 University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute
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