Learn about the Different Trout Species

Brook Trout

Brook trout are probably the most beautiful of all trout species. They are native to the North Eastern US and much of Canada. Brookies are also a member of the char family closely related to the Lake trout.

Gila Trout

The Gila trout is native to the South West US and is considered a threatened species. It is a close relative to the rainbow trout and cutthroat trout.

Salmon Species

Salmon are native to the North Atlantic and Pacific ocean. There are several species of salmon all of which being closely related to trout.

Apache Trout

The Apache trout is native to the cool clean streams of mountainous Arizona. It is one of two trout native to AZ, the other being the Gila trout.

Arctic Grayling

Arctic grayling are native to cold drainage’s of the Pacific and Arctic Oceans. They can be found in abundance in Siberia, Canada and Alaska. They are also in some areas of MT in limited numbers. The arctic grayling is not actually a trout species, but since they live in many areas that are abundant with trout and are considered a game fish, we’ve included them in this list.

Brown Trout

The brown trout is native to much of Europe. It can now be found throughout the world to to stocking programs. This species is one of the most sought after trout worldwide.

Bull Trout

The bull trout is another member of the char family. It can be found in healthy rivers in the Northwest portion of the US.

Cutthroat Trout

The cutthroat trout is native to the pacific ocean and rocky mountains. There are several sub species of this trout that have evolved in different areas of the US.

Dolly Varden

The Dolly Varden trout is actually a char. It is closely related to the brook trout. These fish are native to the pacific ocean and its tributaries. Dolly Varden trout are a major species for anglers to catch in coastal Alaska.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are native to the pacific ocean in parts of the US and Asia. They can currently be found all over the United states due to stocking efforts.

Golden Trout

Sub species of the Rainbow trout

The golden trout is native to California. It has a few healthy populations in MT and Wyoming. It prefers to live in cold high mountain streams.

Taimen

Taimen are a large member of the trout family. Most closely related to salmon. They are found in Eurasia, Mongolia and Russia. If you want to experience the ultimate dry fly fishing thrill, you should look closer at this species.

Mountain Whitefish

Mountain whitefish are most closely related to the Arctic Grayling (above). They are found in many areas in the Northwest where you might find various trout species. They inhabit clean rivers and lakes.

 Lake Trout

The lake trout is actually a char species. It can mainly be found in deep lakes in North America, but they are often caught in rivers near lakes ad dams.

Splake Trout

Splake trout are a hybrid between the brook trout and the lake trout. They are faster growing than either species and are a great game fish.