A List of Trout in America

Trout is one of the most sought-after fish to target in North America, but you must know which species you’re after.

North America boasts several trout species, each with its distinct features. To help identify them when fishing for trout, here is a list of the different varieties:

Cutthroat trout

Cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) are members of the Salmonidae family that inhabit cold streams and lakes throughout western North America. They can be distinguished from other trout by two red slashes along their lower jaw, for which they were named.

Cutthroats reach sexual maturity early and can live for 10 or more years in freshwater environments. To reproduce, the female must build a nest of gravel in which she lays eggs; this process may happen multiple times over several days or until death occurs.

Cutthroat trout have a variety of habitat preferences, but tend to favor clear, cold water. They often inhabit estuaries and lagoons as well as low-gradient streams open to the ocean which offer them food sources like tui chub or other small fish.

The Yellowstone cutthroat is the most widespread inland subspecies, found in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks as well as most of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. This species has a complex lifecycle that relies on migration between diverse habitats (Clancy 1988; Thurow et al. 1988; Gresswell et al. 1994).

They are native to the Great Basin region of North America, stretching from California to Alaska. Although they are stocked in many areas, their populations have drastically declined due to habitat loss, such as removal of natural barriers for upstream migration and human-induced disturbances like dam construction. Furthermore, they face extinction due to local extirpation and disease outbreaks.

Coast rainbow trout

The Coast rainbow trout is a carnivorous fish that feeds on insects, small fish, and invertebrates. Although they have become an important recreational fish species across their native and introduced ranges, their numbers have been drastically reduced due to habitat degradation, pollution, and other human factors.

Coastal Rainbow Trout are widely common throughout the Pacific Northwest and western United States. These fish establish territories and feed on aquatic and terrestrial insects to survive. In most streams, these rainbows tend to remain sedentary until age three when salmon provide annual subsidies of eggs or fry in stream reaches where they may reach large sizes.

They possess a migratory instinct that drives them between habitats. While preferring cool, clear rivers and streams, these species can also adapt to swift sections of lakes or ocean waters.

Spawning occurs annually in spring for both resident freshwater and anadromous populations, both freshwater and marine. Females lay 500 to 9,000 eggs which are then buried under gravel before hatching after 30 to 100 days.

Rainbow trout are found in rivers, streams, and lakes, where they develop a range of body shapes and color patterns depending on location, age, and spawning condition. Most coastal rainbows are blue-green to yellow-green with pink streaks along their sides; some may also sport orange or red markings. Their dorsal and caudal fins may also be spotted.

Golden trout

The Golden Trout is a small, high-elevation trout native to California that looks similar to a cutthroat trout with its yellow body, green backs, and red horizontal stripes along the sides. It has dark spots on its rear half right before its tail as well as white spots on its pelvic, anal, and dorsal fins.

This fish is primarily a stream-resident with limited ranges at higher altitudes in mountain lakes. It spawns during the spring and migrates as a stream migrant. Furthermore, its life history is unique as it does not prey upon other trout species but instead feeds on aquatic insects and zooplankton.

It is considered endangered due to the introduction of exotic trout, genetic contamination from hybridization with other trout species, and habitat degradation caused by cattle grazing. A project called The Golden Trout Project is underway to protect and restore these beautiful fish’s environment.

Scientists are studying a population of transplanted Golden trout to see how they have adjusted to their environment. The project involves sending anglers to lakes and streams where these fish have been released, catching them, removing part of their tail fins before releasing them back into the wild.

Scientists predict the tiny fish could thrive in an aquatic environment and grow to catchable size within a few years. Last fall, about 600 of these tiny creatures were stocked into two backcountry lakes at State Forest State Park.

Gila trout

Gila trout are native to cold mountain streams in New Mexico and Arizona, where they were listed as an endangered species in 1967 and again confirmed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1973.

Gila trout populations have steadily decreased over time due to habitat degradation, competition with non-native fish species, and human activities like mining, logging, cattle grazing, fire suppression, and introducing exotic trout into their streams. As a result, this species was downlisted to threatened status in 2006.

Since then, conservation groups and government agencies have joined forces to restore Gila trout populations and provide more angling opportunities for this copper-colored fish. Now its range extends across more than two states, and the Gila trout is once again being celebrated.

This species is a coldwater feeder and requires streams with sufficient flow to maintain water depth, cool temperatures and invertebrate prey. Furthermore, it requires pools or habitat that offer refuge during times of low flow or warm temperatures.

Spawning typically occurs from April to June at lower elevations and higher ones. At each location, spawning takes place within a redd of 6-15 cm deep water within a stream channel. It’s often surrounded by vegetation such as undercut banks or woody debris.

Gila trout are hardy creatures that thrive in harsh conditions. Unfortunately, their population has been steadily decreasing due to environmental threats like droughts and disease. To restore this species’ population, efforts are being made on repatriation, establishment of captive propagation and hatchery facilities, management of non-native fish stocks, and monitoring Gila trout populations.

Apache trout

The Apache trout (Oncorhynchus gilae apache) is one of America’s most endangered trout species. Unfortunately, their numbers have decreased drastically over time due to overfishing, habitat degradation, and stocking with nonnative species of trout.

Since the 1940s, several recovery initiatives have been undertaken to safeguard this endangered species. These measures include eliminating non-native species, construction of barriers that block upstream migration of non-native fish, habitat improvement and reintroducing native Apache trout into historically occupied streams.

FWCO biologists remain dedicated to conserving native trout in Arizona. To monitor stream populations and restock them with native trout, FWCO utilizes backpack-mounted electrofishing gear that stuns and nets unwanted non-native fish in high mountain streams.

Additionally, they use environmental DNA technology to detect streams with unwanted non-native fishes and then fence those areas off to prevent their upstream migration into pure Apache trout reaches as well as other downstream stream sections.

Aside from habitat degradation, other threats facing Apache trout include climate change and wildfires. Large wildfires pollute waters with sediment and ash, making it harder for trout to reproduce. Furthermore, droughts in Western U.S. have resulted in reduced snowpacks which could cause overgrazing by livestock or erosion of watersheds – thus decreasing clean water sources for trout. Thus, restocking and habitat protection are paramount measures that need to be taken.

Marble trout

Marble trout are freshwater fish commonly found in cold, swift-flowing rivers and streams. These large species of fish possess a head that takes up almost one quarter of their overall size.

Anglers frequently catch trout in streams around the world. Unfortunately, these creatures reproduce slowly and typically mature slowly as well.

Their body is somewhat elongated, reaching 6 to 40 inches long. Generally bright with red spots but sometimes duller in hue.

The Marble trout is a native species of Europe and the Caucasus that has been introduced worldwide. It’s widely popular as a sport fish and often bred in hatcheries to replenish rivers.

The genetic structure of the Marble trout Salmo trutta marmoratus was examined at both macro- and micro-scales using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellite data. Results indicate that hybridization between marble trout and brown trout has occurred, which could pose major threats for their future as they compete for habitat and food sources. Thus, it is essential to protect this fish population.

Brook Trout

Brook trout are native to North America and can be found throughout most of the US. They prefer small streams or ponds with sand or gravel bottoms and abundant vegetation, often near springs that feed into rivers.

In the Appalachian region of North America, brook trout are becoming increasingly confined to higher elevations. Here they often inhabit small mountain streams, rivers, spring-fed lakes, and ponds with abundant cover of large boulders and woody vegetation.

Opportunistic predators, they feed on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, particularly insects. Additionally, they will consume fish and smaller animals when available.

Female brook trout use their tails to construct small, 1- to 2-foot wide nests or “redds” out of gravel. During fall spawning, the female will lay 100 to 400 eggs in these redds; after fertilization and covering with gravel, the male incubates the eggs over winter.

The typical adult brook trout measures 6-13 inches long and weighs between 4-12 pounds. Some larger individuals can exceed 16 inches long.

Coloration may range from olive to blue-gray or black with wormlike markings along the back and sides. Breeding males display vibrant orange-red or reddish-orange on their bellies.

Brook trout populations thrive in clean, cold streams. But those found in polluted waters are at risk; pollutants such as nutrients or industrial chemicals may pose a danger.

Riparian buffers can safeguard brook trout from pollutants carried into streams by floodwater runoff or other storm events. These buffers are typically created with trees which prevent erosion and sedimentation, provide shade to the stream, filter pollutants and help cool it by providing leaf litter.

Brook trout depend heavily on the riparian zone for food during the growing season. Trees provide a steady source of insect prey that they consume as they move downstream.

Brook trout are sensitive to water pollution, so conservationists often use their population as a barometer. If the number of brook trout in an area is strong and growing, then this suggests the water is clean; on the other hand, if they’re weaker and declining it suggests contamination may exist.

Brook trout are a resilient species, but they are vulnerable to various stressors which could lead to population declines or even extinction. Some of these threats include:

Brown Trout

The Brown Trout, native to North America and widely found across the nation, is one of the most popular trout species. Not only that but it makes an excellent food fish too; either fresh or smoked!

The fish is commonly found in rivers, streams, lakes, and the ocean. It has a fast growth rate and can reach up to 20 inches long. It can be caught using various methods but most commonly uses soft plastics, hard bodies, or spoons for capture.

Anglers delight in fishing the Brown Trout, but it also plays an essential conservation role within the ecosystem. Not only does it filter toxins out of water and reduce algae growth, but it’s also a biomonitor for heavy metal pollution and an indicator of water quality.

As a fish, the Brown Trout is highly sensitive to its environment. It can detect changes in air pressure and the water’s surface vibrations. Furthermore, it can detect other fish and predators, which allows it to find food while avoiding being eaten.

Brown trout feed on a variety of things, such as insect larvae and nymphs, other fish species, frogs, mice, and birds; they also consume worms and crustaceans.

Brown trout are notoriously aggressive, often engaging in play-fights with other males. To communicate with other fish, brown trout produce pheromones which they use to communicate. Furthermore, their lateral line system detects other fish through changes to pressure, vibration, and temperature by sensing changes in water depth.

Brown Trout can be found in a variety of habitats, such as rivers, streams, lakes, and the ocean. Due to their rapid growth rate, these fish can be easily caught using soft plastics, hard bodies, or spoons.

Brown Trout are highly sensitive to their environment compared to other trout species. They can sense changes in air pressure, vibration, and temperature of the water and detect other animals and predators, allowing them to find safe water and avoid being eaten.

Brown Trout can be quite aggressive and will fight for territory. To communicate with other fish, they produce pheromones. Furthermore, their lateral line system allows them to detect other fish, animals, and predators.

Brown Trout can sense their environment and are quite active. They may be caught using a variety of lures and baits, including soft plastics, spoons, or bladed and winged lures.

The Brown Trout is an extremely fast-growing fish, capable of reaching up to 20 inches long. As such, it has become popular with anglers.

Bull Trout

Bull trout are native to North America and can be found in cold-water rivers throughout the region. Additionally, they may be found along coastal waters or tributaries of rivers draining into the ocean. As a protected species under federal laws, bull trout are considered an endangered species.

The Bull Trout is easily distinguished from other trout species in the United States by its dark olive or brown body with lighter yellowish spots and its large head. As a predatory fish, it can grow quite large when fully mature. Unfortunately, this species is highly endangered and a top priority for conservationists.

Piscivorous fish feed on other fish as well as aquatic insects. As such, these species have a very limited tolerance to pollution in water sources, making it particularly important to clean up our rivers.

This fish has been listed as a threatened species, with its population declining due to habitat degradation, the introduction of non-native fishes, and overfishing. As a result, this species has been extirpated from many streams, and its survival is at risk throughout all habitats where it once flourished.

Furthermore, dams and barriers built over time have restricted trout movement, while invasive species have caused competition for food resources. As a result, trout populations have declined in many areas of their range.

Climate change has posed one of the greatest threats to native fish species, causing drought in some regions and raising temperatures throughout their range. As a result, trout have had no choice but to migrate south in search of food and water.

The trout has a complex life cycle, and its survival depends on many factors. They spend the first few years of their development feeding on small aquatic invertebrates such as ephemeropterans and dipterans (Bjornn 1991). Once juveniles, these fish begin feeding on other salmonids and their eggs.

As trout grow older, they begin to feed on larger insects and fish. Unfortunately, trout are increasingly intolerant of polluted water and prefer colder temperatures; thus, areas with high levels of pollution pose a greater threat to them.

They spawn in the late summer and fall. They lay their eggs on gravel surfaces and incubate them for 210 days before hatching.

Bull Trout feed on a variety of prey, such as other trout, chinook salmon, dolly varden char, and other fish. These animals provide them with essential protein for growth and survival.

The Bull Trout has become a conservation priority across much of its range, and has an official recovery plan that includes objective, measurable criteria to assess its health. These criteria include the number of core areas and local populations where primary threats must be effectively managed, which is determined based on an assessment of how effective conservation measures taken by the Service to address those threats in each recovery unit and core area have been.

Cutbow Trout

Cutthroat trout are an iconic element of North America’s western landscape, drawing anglers from around the world to capture and release them in some of America’s most remote wilderness locations. Cutthroat trout have long been revered as a symbol of beauty and serenity in remote wilderness settings.

The distinctive orange slash running under their jaw can identify these majestic fish. This red-orange hue is common to all subspecies of cutthroat trout, though it may be more prominent in some subspecies than others.

The Bonneville cutthroat trout, commonly referred to as “Bonnies,” are one of the most widely distributed subspecies of cutthroat trout and were named Utah’s state fish in 1997. These vibrant fish can be found in tributaries to Great Salt Lake and Sevier Lake.

In their spawning season, these fish lay eggs in the shallow waters of a stream or lake. During this time they may also feed on insects and small fish like bugs. Fly fishers enjoy targeting these species with either a spinning rod or dry fly for an exciting challenge.

These majestic creatures can be found year-round in most alluvial and freestone streams. They may also be caught in clear, cold lakes with a moderate depth.

This vibrant trout belongs to the Pacific Trout group and can be found throughout Western North America and Canada. Native to the West Coast, they can be found in a variety of habitats across both countries.

As they age, their colors become more intense, and they begin to develop their characteristic hook shape. Males usually appear brighter while the females take on a duller hue.

Their tails are long, and their anal fins feature a forked design. Furthermore, they possess a small triangular projection around the base of their pelvic fins.

Their characteristic appetite and ability to consume all types of bugs make these fish an integral part of the American West landscape. Although they can be hard to spot, anglers will always get a thrilling fight with these fish.

These majestic creatures will be actively spawning in shallow streams or lakes in the springtime. Unlike rainbow trout, which are easily spotted during their spawning season, brown trout are more difficult to spot.

Rainbow trout and cutbow fish often get confused, but each species has distinct traits that set them apart. For instance, rainbow trout rarely have the orange slash under their jaw that gives them their name “cutbow.”

This fish is widely popular throughout the United States and can be caught in both alluvial and freestone trout streams. Additionally, they are native to clear, cold lakes of moderate depth, offering them a range of habitats during their spawning season.

Tiger Trout

The Tiger Trout is an intriguing hybrid fish created from the cross of brown trout and brook trout genes. Its stripes, resembling a tiger, gave it its name.

Tiger trouts are sterile hybrids bred primarily in hatcheries in the United States to control unwanted species. They’re created by fertilizing brown trout eggs with brook trout milt then heat shocking them, leading to an extra set of chromosomes, increasing their survival rate by around five percent and increasing their likelihood of producing fry.

Tiger trout are not native to the United States and only appear where they are stocked. You can find these fish in several states such as Utah, Colorado, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and West Virginia.

These fish typically range in color from light grayish-brown, with prominent vermiculations on their bodies and tail fin. Their bellys display a combination of orange and yellow, while the square tail fins appear lighter or brighter in hue.

The vermiculations on a brook trout’s back are much larger and more noticeable than their worm-like markings, giving this fish its name. It is an enchantingly beautiful species that can be caught by global anglers.

Trout fishermen love this fish for its aggressive nature and fast growth rate, making it a prime sport fish choice for anglers.

Tiger trout are often difficult to spot in the wild but can be found in freshwater lakes and rivers. Cold-water species thrive where there is abundant aquatic vegetation, such as freshwater algae.

Tiger trout are often referred to as “Frankenfish” due to their wavy, tiger-like markings on the sides. Not only is this fish an eye-catcher, but it’s also quite aggressive – they will eat almost anything you feed them!

When first introducing tiger trout into your aquarium, they need live foods like bloodworms until they feel secure in their new setting. Once they have adjusted, you can start feeding them frozen foods like krill and brine shrimp.

Tiger trout are not native to North America but can be found in several states nationwide. Stocked into reservoirs and high mountain streams where they often swim alongside native cutthroat trout, these fish make for excellent recreational fishing opportunities.

Tiger trout are larger and more muscular than regular brown trout, making them a favorite among fishing enthusiasts worldwide. These fish can reach trophy sizes within just a few years!

Lake Trout

North America boasts a variety of trout species, so it’s essential to identify which type you are targeting before beginning your fishing trip. Doing this will prevent any issues while on the water and increase your chances of success – fish more!

In North America, three trout species are widely popular: Lake Trout, Speckled Sea Trout, and Brown Trout. Each has distinctive features, which may make identifying them challenging.

These fish are native to the Northern United States and Canada, inhabiting a variety of habitats. As predators, they feed on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates – they’ll be at home in lakes, rivers, or even the ocean!

These cold-blooded creatures can grow to enormous sizes. They primarily feed on plankton and aquatic invertebrates, though they have also been known to consume other types of fish. Although they can be caught throughout North America, the Great Lakes are the most popular fishing spots (Great Lakes Fishery Commission, 1996).

Other fish may look similar, but their body size is one way to distinguish them. Size can range anywhere from a few inches up to over 80 pounds, with the biggest typically measuring 20 inches or more in length.

Another way to distinguish them is their color. They typically have a slate gray-green body with lighter undersides. Plus, they often sport cream or yellow spots on the top of their head, dorsal fins, and caudal tail fins.

Like most fish, angelfish possess two fang-like teeth in their upper jaw. Be wary when engaging in combat with other aquatic life; make sure to stay away from them!

These fish are primarily found in North America’s Great Lakes, such as Lake Superior. Although various governments have stocked there, their populations remain threatened due to overfishing and non-native species like sea lamprey.

They tend to inhabit waters that are shallow enough for boat access, though they can also be found at depths of 15 feet or deeper. Hardy and tenacious, these fish can be caught year-round with the proper gear and techniques. While their numbers have slowly recovered in recent years due to overfishing and habitat loss, continued control of non-native species and strict fishing regulations will be necessary for their long-term viability.

Splake Trout

The Splake Trout is a hybrid of brook trout and lake trout that possess all of the desirable traits from both parents. As such, it has become popular for sport fishing, with hybrid splake trout reaching up to 18 inches within two years of hatching.

The splake is the third most prevalent trout species in America, native to Canada and the United States. It can be found in lakes and rivers across America as part of the char family that also includes dolly varden trout and bull trout.

Splakes are medium-sized fish with brown bodies and light yellow or orange spots on its back and sides. In the summertime, these migratory fins move from body of water to another.

In some places, you can also catch splake in lakes during the fall. Fish for it using jigging techniques, trolling techniques, or ice jigging.

Its tail should be examined when distinguishing between a splake and brook trout. The former has a shallowly forked tail and an unforked one.

The splake can be distinguished from the brook trout by its color, with the former being lighter and more golden in hue. Additionally, this species features an elongated head with a small, rounded snout.

Splake are a common sport fish in some areas and often used as replacements for brook trout when those species fail to reproduce. Unfortunately, splake has not proven as successful at reproducing as brook trout regarding reproduction rates.

Splakes lay their eggs on the bottom of a lake over a rocky substrate during spawning, then clean up after themselves by rubbing their bodies against these rocks.

They typically spawn between October and November, depending on the temperature of the water. Spawning takes place over a three-week period in either daylight or darkness.

The splake is a common target in many lakes, though it can be challenging to catch during the spring and fall due to its tendency to hang around shorelines and rocky structure points compared to its parent lake trout. Furthermore, during summertime the splake often migrates away from its home lake in search of warmer waters with deeper depths.

Dolly Varden Trout

The Dolly Varden Trout is a species of trout native to North America that belongs to the genus Salvelinus, which includes 51 recognized species such as brook, lake, and bull trout along with Arctic char.

This fish resembles a trout but is smaller, has a wider body, and forked tail fin. Additionally, it has small scales, a pale pink or lilac spot along the side, and an hooked jaw (known as a kype).

They are typically found in cold water drainages of northwest North America, though they have spread throughout the Pacific and even Asia. They are a widely popular sportfish.

Landlocked Dolly Vardens have a dark olive-green back and sides, with light red-orange spots all over their body. During spawning season, an orange streak will appear on their belly, along with brighter spots on both sides.

On the other hand, an oceanic Dolly Varden has a silvery hue similar to Pacific salmon with a faint green sheen and light orange or red spots. They tend to be migratory, spending up to one year in the ocean before returning home to freshwater habitats.

Dolly Varden are commonly found in large lakes and inland rivers. They feed on various foods, such as eggs and fry of other fish in the river system, though they are sometimes preyed upon by northern river otters.

They typically spawn in gravel-bottomed streams and rivers, though they can spawn as early as September or late November. Males and females do not eat during this period.

Their diet changes during the summertime, when they feed on salmon eggs, and fry. Additionally, they consume a variety of aquatic insects, molluscs, and crustaceans.

Spawning for Dolly Vardens can be physically demanding, as males and females compete to claim the redds. On average, Dolly Vardens only spawn three times throughout their lifetime; however, some may skip up to two years between cycles depending on food availability that year.

Sportfishing for this fish can be an exhilarating experience! These aggressive sportfish will take almost anything put in front of them, but the most productive methods include using a small switch or spey rod, floating lines, and an egg pattern on a skater rod.

Speckled Sea Trout

The Speckled Sea Trout is a species of trout native to North America that can be found across the Atlantic Seaboard, Florida, and the Gulf states, along Mexico’s shoreline.

These bottom-dwelling fish feed on crustaceans, shrimp, mullet, and minnows. They make for popular gamefish species that can be caught through casting, trolling, jigging, or surf-casting techniques.

These fish can grow up to 18 pounds, but usually weigh 1 to 3 pounds. They’re commonly referred to as “specks,” “sea trout,” or “spotted seatrout.”

This fish can be found in a variety of coastal habitats, but they tend to favor marshes and estuaries. While they can survive a range of salinities, they typically move deeper into these water bodies during colder months.

This fish can be found in open bays and canals lined with oyster reefs or seagrass beds in the summer and fall. Additionally, they may inhabit estuaries, sandy beaches, and mud banks.

When fishing for these fish, using the appropriate bait and tackle is essential. Carolina rigs are a common option, consisting of an egg- or pyramid-shaped lead weight that secures the hook to the bottom and allows your bait to float in the water column above. Jig heads are another popular rigging type that imitates a fish head with a hook.

Shrimp are the most successful bait for catching these fish. As they swim through mudbanks and marshes in search of food, these predators will chase schools of shrimp through muddybanks and lagoons.

These fish will consume a variety of baitfish and crustaceans such as mullet, minnows, and pinfish. They may also be caught using plastic lures.

They tend to be family-friendly fish and provide an enjoyable introduction to fishing for children. Not only that, but they make for a delicious meal when prepared properly; depending on the season they can often be caught in large numbers or even plentifully in certain regions.

Rainbow Trout

The rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is a species native to North America that has since been introduced into many countries worldwide and widely farmed for food and sport purposes.

They belong to the Pacific Trout and Salmon subgroup within the family Salmonidae, along with redband trout and cutthroat trout. As a popular sport fish, these species are often stocked into rivers or lakes to attract fishermen and tourists.

Their range is vast, encompassing Alaska in the north to Mexico in the south, and Kamchatka Peninsula on Russia’s west coast. Additionally, they can be found throughout much of southern Canada, the Great Lakes region, as well as many parts of the USA.

These fish can be highly sought-after due to their vibrant colors. Generally silvery-gray or dark-green in color with pinkish or reddish lateral stripes and lavendar/orange overtones on the sides. Their fins usually sport multiple small dark spots, while they possess a dorsal fin with lots of spots.

Some rainbow trout, commonly referred to as steelhead, migrate to sea or a large lake to spawn and are considered migratory by anglers. They appear slightly silverier than freshwater rainbows.

Rainbow trout are a beloved fish among anglers, capable of growing to over 13 pounds and popular year-round in most parts of the country. This makes them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced anglers alike.

They are fast water fish that prefer fast runs and riffle areas of streams. They may also be found in the tailwaters of dams or lakes, and reservoirs.

Rainbow trout are not only an exciting sport to fish, but they also benefit the ecosystem. Not only do they provide us with protein, but they can help control aquatic weeds and algae as well.

They have become a highly sought-after sport fish in the US and have been widely introduced. Unfortunately, these introduced trout can pose a significant threat to some native trout species, posing problems for other fish species by preying upon them, out-competing them, or transmitting diseases.