Trouts and Salmons/Fish of the Great Lakes by Wisconsin Sea Grant

Trouts and Salmons

Is it a trout or a salmon?

Fewer than 120 scales in lateral line; 2 or 3 large spots on gill cover; no red on adipose fin; more than 19 whitish gill rakers on inside of first gill arch (the red gill filaments are on the outside of the arch)--atlantic salmon
OR

More than 120 scales in lateral line; usually many spots on gill cover; rusty-red spots often on margin of adipose fin and sides of body; 19 or fewer gill rakers on first gill arch--brown trout

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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.

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