Kinds of Trout

Taxonomy

• Many species of trout evolved into distinctive isolated population groups, developing colors and camouflage patterns to match their environments. Several types of eastern trout appear to be different species with varying shapes and colors, but DNA testing shows they are genetically the same. Some types of trout are migratory, returning to ancestral spawning locations to lay their eggs.

Pacific Trout

• Pacific trout are found in western North America. One of the most easily recognizable kinds of Pacific trout is the rainbow trout. Rainbows are named for their distinctive reddish or bright pink stripes and are a type of inland steelhead. The cutthroat trout is named for its bright red throat markings. Other Pacific trout are the Apache trout, Gila trout, golden trout, Mexican Golden and the Seema trout.

Eastern Trout

• Eastern Trout are also known as chars. Speckled trout, or brook trout, rarely grow more than a foot long. They feature cream-colored upper body spots and red spots on the lower body. Lake trout are the biggest of trout, living 20 years and reaching more than 100 pounds. Lakers inhabit the Great Lakes and most of North America's larger lakes. Bull trout, aurora trout, Arctic trout and the Dolly Varden trout are other kinds of Eastern trout.

Atlantic Trout

• Atlantic trout are found outside the United States. The brown trout is a large river fish, reaching more than 40 pounds. The nocturnal brown trout are challenging to catch, making them a popular trophy fish. Marmorata and Soca trout are varieties of Brown trout. Native to Turkey, the flathead trout is one of the rarest kinds of trout. The Adriatic trout is an important river game fish of Southeast Europe.