Brook Trout Species Breakdown
Scientific Name: Salvelinus fontinalis
Also Known As: eastern brook trout, speckled trout, brook charr, squaretail, brookie or mud trout
Brook trout are members of the trout and salmon subgroup of Salmonidae family. Trout are one of the most popular freshwater species to fish for. They are also one of the best tasting freshwater fish.
How to Identify a Brook Trout
You can identify a brook trout by their dark green to brown coloring and distinctive marbled pattern of lighter shades throughout their body.
Brooke trout also have a sprinkling of red dots, surrounded by blue halos along their sides. Their belly are reddish in color with white edged lower fins.
The belly of males become very red or orange when spawning.
Brook Trout Size
Brook trout can grow up to 34 inches long and weigh up to 15 lbs. They are more commonly found in the 10-25 inch or 0.5-6.5 lbs range.
Brook Trout Size Chart – Length to Weight Conversion
| Length | Weight |
|---|---|
| 10″ | 6 oz |
| 11″ | 8 oz |
| 12″ | 11 oz |
| 13″ | 14 oz |
| 14″ | 1 lb 2 oz |
| 15″ | 1 lb 6 oz |
| 16″ | 1 lb 11 oz |
| 17″ | 2 lbs |
| 18″ | 2 lbs 7 oz |
| 19″ | 2 lbs 14 oz |
| 20″ | 3 lbs 6 oz |
| 21″ | 3 lbs 1 5oz |
| 22″ | 4 lbs 8 oz |
| 23″ | 5 lbs 3 oz |
| 24″ | 5 lbs 15 oz |
| 25″ | 6 lbs 8 oz |
| 26″ | 7 lbs 12 oz |
| 27″ | 8 lbs 5 oz |
| 28″ | 9 lbs 13 oz |
| 29″ | 10 lbs 9 oz |
| 30″ | 11 lbs 11 oz |
| 31″ | 12 lbs 7 oz |
| 32″ | 13 lbs 10 oz |
| 33″ | 14 lbs 13 oz |
| 34″ | 15 lbs 9 oz |
| 35″ | 16 lbs 14 oz |
View World & State Brook Trout Records
Where Brook Trout Are Found
Brook trout are native to Eastern North America but have now introduced in the western states as well as Europe, South America, and New Zealand.
Brook trout can be found in lakes, rivers, streams, creeks, and ponds. They are most often found in high-elevation, remote streams.
Lifespan of a Brook Trout
The lifespan of a brook trout is typically 6-7 years old. Brook Trout take 2-3 years to reach maturity. You can tell the general age of brookie by referring to the table below.
Brook Trout Age Chart
| Age | Length |
|---|---|
| 3 Years Old | 5 – 13 inches |
| 4 Years Old | 13 – 18 inches |
| 5 Years Old | 18 – 23 inches |
| 6 Years Old | 23 – 27 inches |
| 7 Years Old | 27 – 29 inches |
| 8 Years Old | 29 – 33 inches |
| 9 Years Old | 33 – 34 inches |
| 10 Years Old | 34+ inches |
Fishing for Brook Trout
Are brook trout hard to catch?
Brook trout are one of most difficult freshwater fish to catch. To make catching brookies easier target quicker moving water. This will give them less time to study your flies.
What size hook do you use for brook trout?
The best all around hook size for brook trout is a size 12 single barb hook.
What type of bait is for brook trout?
My favorite bait when fishing for brook trout is Berkley Powerbait.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What size brook trout is best to keep?
The best size brook trout to keep is 10-12 inches long. This is the best size to eat. Be sure to check your state’s size limit.
What do brook trout eat?
Brook trout eat insects, larvae, worms, and small fish.
Are brook trout endangered?
Brook trout are endangered in some areas of the United States due to dams blocking their migration route.
Do brook trout have scales?
Brook trout have very small thin scales. Their scales are so thin you don’t need to remove them before eating.
Are brook trout good eating?
Brook trout are delicious They are one of the best tasting freshwater fish. Brook trout are lean and have a very mild fish flavor.
Do brook trout fish bite humans?
Brook trout have teeth and can bite humans. They aren’t aggressive or attack humans but they can cut you if aren’t careful when removing your hook. Bites from trout won’t cause any lasting damage.
Is brook trout a salmon?
A brook trout is not a salmon. They are both apart of the same Salmonidae family though.
What eats brook trout?
Bass, muskie, walleye, and other predator fish all eat brook trout. Herons, eagles, osprey, otters, racoon, and bears are also known to eat brookies.