Brown Trout in our region are truly WILD trout. All populations in all local lakes and rivers represent a fully self-sustaining wild fishery. There is also a significant sea-run brown trout population which, each spring, re-enters coastal river mouths and follows the whitebait (like anchovies) as they migrate  upstream to spawn.

Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)

Brown Trout Identification. This is an olive-brown, streamlined fish. It has scattered red or orange spots that have blue halos. Dorsal and adipose fins accompanied by black spots. Dark spots are absent in the caudal fin. Teeth are not located on the midline of tongue. Lateral line scales 120-140. Weighs up to 33lb 10oz (15 kg). 

Habitat - It lives in moderate to high gradient streams and rivers, still waters, estuaries (and the ocean for extended periods).

Comments - This introduced salmonoid (native to Europe and Asia) is a favorite among anglers. It spawns in autumn and early winter at 55-57 F. The adults eat crayfish, small fish and a wide variety of insects in both nymph and adult forms. It has been distributed throughout New Zealand, and  is found in a wide variety of waters, from ponds, streams and rivers to large lakes and reservoirs.

Brownies spawn in the fall. They build nests (redds) on gravelly stream bottoms Lake-dwelling fish spawn in tributary streams. After the eggs are fertilized, the female covers them with fine gravel. The young hatch the following spring.

They feed on the larval and adult forms of aquatic and terrestrial insects. Other creatures, such as frogs, mice, crustaceans and fish, are also consumed. Browns actively feed at night, especially during the summer.

Normally a dark olive-brown on the back and sides, with black spots, orange or red spots with blue halos. Colouration alters substantially depending on the water they inhabit. In a clear-water river, they are metallic silver, especially so for juveniles. In the darker tannin-stained lakes, they are almost black. Transitory colours of river fish migrating into the lakes are evident, with some fish exhibiting a rich, golden colour. Unlike rainbows and cutthroats, the tail is usually unspotted and unforked, and there is no reddish side stripe

Brown Trout

More brown trout info available at Fish and Game NZ, from links below, and from the Fishing Links pages in menu at left.

Rainbow Trout - Salmon

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