Of all the names given to the salmon family, freshwater trout is one of the most common.  As diverse as the fish species may be, all fish categorized as trout can be called members of the Salmoninae, yet this word is used for all three genera in the sub-family: Salmo. This includes the Atlantic species; Oncorhynchus, and in that we can include the Pacific species of Salvelinus. If we take this a bit further, we can refer to these fish as char or charr and in that we can include what you may already know as the Brook Trout.  Becoming an expert Brook Trout fisher takes some practice and skill. Knowing the nature of the trout and its environment, in which it lives, are the first steps to becoming successful Brook Trout Fisher.

Here is a bit of information that might entice the fisherman in you. Brook Trout have a taste like no other. When cook just right, they are quite tasty. Now that I have awakened your appetite, let us talk about where we can find these little fellows. You can find these fish in slow, cool moving waters. Conditions that are not ideal include water that is rushing, raging or at a standstill. The Rocky Mountains are where these fish are found in abundance. Places like rivers, lakes, streams, brooks and creeks are some of the best places to find these types of fish. The larger, more mature Brook Trout can only be found in deeper water. The older trout only come up to shallow water to feed. They are much harder fish.

The ideal conditions are a river or stream where the water is moving at a medium to fast pace, with the water temperature ranging from 57 to 60 degrees F. Water which has a steady supply of oxygen is also necessary for these fish to thrive. When these fish spawn, they migrate to clear, shallow waters where the river bottom contains a high abundance of gravel. During this time, these fish will seem as if they are not moving. They can also be found under large rocks, over hanging brush, fallen logs, places in shadow and where the bank of the river has been undercut.

Brook Trout are commonly known as “Brookies”, they can live up to eight years and are categorized as slow moving, living in either cool or cold waters. You can easily make out these fish by looking for these characteristics. These fish have distinct lower fins that have a white front edge, with black and the remaining part of the fin is a darker orange color (almost reddish). Males are easily identified as being bright red-orange on their sides. This color is most visible during breeding season. Other characteristics are their streamlined, long exterior and a mouth that is long enough to extend well past their eyes. During the non breeding season, their colors can vary. You may find some that are blue in color with just a hint of gray. Others are green with just a touch of black. Typically their bellies are white, with a look of sliver. There are a few tell-tell signs that will give this fish away. They have predominated red dots with halos the color of blue. Other ways to spot the Brook Trout is the spotted dorsal fin and decorative wavy lines and patterns across its back. Their tail fins are boxed shaped or square. Other more rare species have different shaped tail fins.

Brook Trout are good at hiding. They are also easily scared with sudden movements. The best way to approach a good fishing spot is to wade slowly into the water. Keep your movements consistent and do not increase or decrease your speed. Moving this way through the water will not scare the fish from their hiding spots. Be extra careful with this method if you are wading into medium to fast moving water. Rivers and creeks of this nature are somewhat unpredictable and the situation can turn bad quickly. It is best to use the wading method in slower moving creeks or rivers. Once you are in the center of the creek, cast your line toward the bank. Often times more shallow waters are better than deeper waters. You will have a better chance to catch a trout in shallow waters instead of trying for the bigger more mature fish that love the deeper waters. Fishing from the banks of the creek or river is also possible when you can see the bottom. If you are unable to see the bottom, it is best to move to an area where you can judge the depths of the waters.

Brook Trout have a large appetite and are always ready for their next meal. Your bait will provide a tasty temptation for these fish. Bait that works great are zooplankton, regular worms, terrestrial insects, aquatic insects, small fish and crustaceans. As you can see these fish will mostly eat anything. If you would rather try artificial bait then try lures like wet and dry flies, worms, spinners, spoons, grasshoppers and crickets. These seem to do the best.

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