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Brown Trout

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Quick Facts

Scientific name Salmo trutta

Other names Brownie, Loch Leven Trout, Sea Trout

Size Up to 1.4 m (4.5 ft)

Weight Up to 20 kg (44 lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Freshwater rivers, streams, creeks & lakes often over gravelly areas & structure - prefers faster moving waters

Depth Range 1 - 15 m (50 ft)

Interesting Info

Brown trout were first introduced to Australia in the late 1800s. They are now found in various river systems in southeastern Australia, including the Murray-Darling Basin and the Snowy Mountains.
They are known for their distinctive golden-brown colouring with black spots on their sides.
They are known for their voracious appetite and will feed on a variety of aquatic insects, crustaceans, and small fish.
They spawn in the spring, typically in shallow gravel beds along the edges of streams and rivers.
Brown trout are considered to be an invasive species in Australia, as their introduction has had negative impacts on native fish populations and ecosystems.
Estimates of lifespan are up to 10 to 12 years in the wild.

Species Interaction

Recreational Fishing

Fishing for brown trout is a popular activity in many parts of Australia, particularly in the cooler regions of the southeastern states. As a result, brown trout are often stocked in rivers, streams, and lakes to enhance recreational fishing opportunities. Overall, human interaction with brown trout in Australia is complex and involves a range of management strategies aimed at balancing the needs of recreational anglers with the conservation of native fish species and aquatic ecosystems.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Salmoniformes

Family: Salmonidae

Genus: Salmo

Species: Salmo trutta

Conservation Status

The conservation status of brown trout in Australia is not formally assessed as a separate species, but the species is generally considered to be of Least Concern based on its global distribution and abundance. They are managed as an invasive species in Australia, and efforts are being made to reduce their impact on native fish populations and habitats. These efforts include fishing regulations, habitat restoration projects, and the use of biocontrol agents to reduce brown trout populations in some areas.