Trouts and Salmons
Identifying the Lake Trout
The lake trout is distinguishable from many of the other trouts by its forked tail and drab coloring. However, it may be confused with brook trout from the Great Lakes, which tend to be less colorful than those of inland lakes. (Keep in mind that the brook trout doesn't have the forked tail.)
Lake trout from inland lakes have light-colored spots on darker backgrounds that vary from light to dark green, brown, or gray. In the Great Lakes, the lake trout may be so silver that spots are difficult to see.
Look for:
-Tail fin forked (v-notched hind margin)
-Body and head predominantly gray with many small light spots
-Pelvic and anal fins may have some white leading edges
-Eight to ten major rays in anal fin
Complete lake 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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