Trout is one of the most popular game fish species in North America. It’s a freshwater fish that is known for its delicious taste and challenging fishing experience.
There are various types of trout species found in North America, each with its unique characteristics and habitat preferences. In this article, we will explore how many species of trout are there in North America.
What is a Trout?
Before we dive into the discussion on the number of trout species, let’s first understand what a trout is. Trout is a type of freshwater fish that belongs to the Salmonidae family. They are generally found in cold-water rivers and streams, but some species can also live in lakes and ponds.
How Many Species of Trout Are There?
There are six different species of trout that are native to North America. These include:
- Rainbow Trout
- Brown Trout
- Brook Trout
- Cutthroat Trout
- Lake Trout
- Bull Trout (also known as Dolly Varden)
Rainbow Trout:
Rainbow trout is one of the most popular game fish species in North America. They are found throughout the continent, from Alaska to Mexico. Rainbow trout can be identified by their distinctive pink stripe along their sides and their silver-colored skin.
Brown Trout:
Brown trout is another popular game fish that is native to Europe but has been introduced to North America. They have a bronze or brown coloration with black spots on their sides.
Brook Trout:
Brook trout, also known as speckled trout or squaretail, is a native species to eastern streams and lakes in North America. Brook trout have a dark green coloration with a distinctive pattern of worm-like markings on their back and fins.
Cutthroat Trout:
Cutthroat trout is a native species to western streams and rivers in North America. They are named after the distinctive red slash marks on their throat. Cutthroat trout have a yellow-green coloration with black spots on their sides.
Lake Trout:
Lake trout is the largest species of trout found in North America. They are generally found in large, deep lakes and have a grayish-green coloration with white spots on their sides.
Bull Trout (Dolly Varden):
Bull trout, also known as Dolly Varden, is a native species to western streams and rivers in North America. They have a dark olive-green coloration with light-colored spots on their sides.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, there are six different species of trout that are native to North America: rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout, lake trout, and bull trout (Dolly Varden). Each species has its unique characteristics and habitat preferences that make them an exciting catch for anglers across the continent. Understanding the differences between these species can help anglers Target specific types of fish and enhance their fishing experience.
