2. Brown Trout

Scientific name:  Salmo Trutta

Background:  An exotic fish introduced by keen fisherman into South Africa in 1898.  Brown trout are native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. As a result, it has had a longer association with anglers than any other trout. It is a favorite species and has a reputation for being difficult to catch. Because of its enormous popularity as a sports fish in Europe, the brown trout has been heavily transplanted throughout the world, following European expansion and settlement. It is now found on every continent except Antarctica.

Brown trout can tolerate higher temperatures than most other trout species. In a typical trout stream, rainbows tend to occupy faster moving water while browns can tolerate the more slack stretches. Even though they are hardier than rainbows, browns still require and prefer clear cold waters, with the optimum temperatures between 7°C and 19 °C.

Browns is actively stocked into our local dams and selected rivers. Trout is the only fresh water species for which special regulations have been passed on the type of tacle to be used.  Fly fishing is in most places the only method allowed.

Identification:  Like most other members of the salmonid family, the appearance of Brown Trout varies.  A moderately slender bodied fish with a broad square tail.  Brown trout are golden brown in color with large black spots on the back, and red spots, some with pale halos, on the sides. They are the only trout with both red and black spotting. Rainbow and cutthroat have black spots only, while brook and bull trout have pink spots only.  The tail fin usually unspotted or vaguely spotted. Adipose fin usually orange or reddish. The leading edge of all belly fins on brown trout is yellow or about the same color as the body. Lower portions of young brown trout are yellow, fading to gray or white underneath. Males, during the breeding season, often exhibit vivid yellow to reddish-yellow colors along the belly region and a sharply hooked lower mandible. The vomer, a bony structure in the roof of the mouth, has sharp teeth in an alternating or "zig-zag" row.

Size: The size of Brown Trout varies according to conditions.  In lakes (deep water) they can reach lenghts of around 1.0 m and 9.6 kg.  Normally averages around 30 cm in lenght at 1.5 kg .The South African record for a Brown Trout is 3.8 kg.

Diet: Brown trout is carnivorous. Young brown trout feed on insects and other invertebrates, but the larger fish are active predators of other fishes, including young brown trout. Larger brown trout will also feed on small animals that fall in the water. Brown trout usually do not become active or feed until the late afternoon or early evening. Browns are territorial and will feed from particular location, usually an undercut bank or heavily sheltered area.

Breeding: Brown trout normally breeds in late autum and early winter (between April and July in Southern Africa.  As in the case of Rainbows, flowing water is required in order for the eggs to hatch.

Females will spawn when about 3 years old, and may spawn every year or every other year depending on the food supply. The number of eggs produced is variable, with estimates ranging from 400 to 20,000 eggs. Probably 1000 - 2000 eggs per female are laid on average. The female will dig several redds (nests) for depositing the eggs in suitable gravel bars.  The eggs are deposited in layers and covered with gravel by the female. After spawning is completed, the eggs are abandoned.  Eggs incubate from two to three months depending on conditions.

The growth rate of the fry is rapid. The average livespan of Browns in our waters is about 6 to 7 years, but can live longer in good conditions.

Uses:  Makes excellent eating.

Fishing for Brown trout:  Brown trout may be caught on the same tackle and baits as rainbow trout (see Rainbow Trout), but are often more difficult to catch. The best time to catch large adult brown trout is in fall during spawning.