The brown trout is one of the original salmonid fish, indigenous to Europe, and widespread throughout the British Isles. They have torpedo-shaped bodies with a muscular tail and a big dorsal fin, a browny-gold back with lighter sides and yellow belly.
The body is covered brown or black spots.
 
In adulthood, the lower jaw of the male becomes gently curved upwards, developing a more prominent upward hook or ‘kype’ during spawning season. On average they will reach 2-3lb, but can grow up to 20lb.
 
Finding them
Brown trout are freshwater fish and more widespread than any other fish in the UK. They like cold, clear, and well-oxygenated streams, rivers, and lakes. It will also be found these days in artificial waters and reservoirs but not if they are warm or less clean.
 
Food and bait
Brown trout are aggressive feeders: insects of all kinds are its top pick, but like rainbow trout it will also be tempted by crustaceans and other fish is the opportunity arises. Cannibalism too does occur on occasion, with larger predatory fish being known to target smaller younger examples.
 
As with trout of all kinds, fly fishing works best, with worms and maggots also effective when they are hungry.
 
 
Breeding
Brown trout are winter breeders, preferring shallow and gravel-bottomed streams with high oxygenation; the male fertilises eggs previously laid onto the gravel by the female.