Salmo trutta
Did you Know?
Native wild brown trout can be found in unpolluted rivers and streams with cold water and gravel areas for spawning. They are often found in the headwaters of the main rivers across the National Landscape. They primarily feed on invertebrates that live in the water or drop on to the water from trees and plants on riverbanks. They have been in decline across the National Landscape since 2014 and are vulnerable to changes in water flows and periods of Forest of Bowland Nature Recovery Plan December 2023 55 drought. They are a useful indicator that the water quality, quantity and habitat of a river or stream is good. The Rivers Trusts are working with communities to remove in river structures and enable rivers to re-naturalise to help support the recovery of brown trout.
Fun Fact
Brown trout are very adaptable - they can live in both freshwater and saltwater, can see in almost every direction and can live to be 20 years old!
Identification:
The brown trout is a golden-brown fish with a dark back and creamy-yellow belly. Its back and sides display dark, reddish spots with pale borders. Much smaller than the Atlantic salmon, it can be distinguished from the similar rainbow trout by its plain, dark tail fin and by the lack of a purple side-stripe.