They like living in streams, where they eat smaller fish, frogs, and insects.
They are native to the UK and to Ireland. They were introduced into America on 11 April 1884 in the Pere Marquette River in Michigan. They have also been introduced into Australia, New Zealand, South America, and Greece.
Their size varies by locale, anywhere from 2 to 45 pounds (1 to 20 kg) and live to be 6 to 8 years old.
Brown trout can start breeding when they are between 3 to 5 years old. The eggs are laid in the fall in a nest the female digs out using her tail, then covers it with gravel. The eggs slowly mature over winter, and hatch in the spring.
Some brown trout will spend the year in salt water, returning to fresh water to breed. In Britain, this fish can live either in fresh water or venture out in coastal waters.
Brown trout put up a good fight for sports fishermen.
Cooking Tips
Brown Trout are considered very good eating. Cook by baking, frying, grilling, microwaving.
History Notes
Brown Trout were introduced into New Zealand (South Island) via Tasmania in 1867.
Sources
Parker Bowles, Tom. The brown trout that got away. London: Daily Mail. 25 July 2009.