Brook trouts look quite a bit like lake trouts, but you can distinguish the brook trout
by its brighter colors. Another difference is that the lake trout has a forked tail
(v-notched edge), and the brook trout has a straight tail. Both fish have perfectly white
edging on all lower fins (anal, pelvic, and pectoral). The colors of the brook trout
intensify at spawning time, and the lower body of the male becomes an orange-red (like our
mascot fish at left).
An additional complication in identifying this fish is that Great Lakes brook trout
tend to be less colorful than inland lake brook trout.
 |
Great Lakes brook trout |
 |
inland lake brook trout |
Look for:
- Tail fin not forked
- Body with wavy dark lines on back (vermiculations)
- Sides with some reddish spots often encircled by light blue
- Spots on head and body light cream, pink, or red on darker background
- Pelvic and anal fins with snow-white leading edges
Complete brook trout
profile.
Main trouts and salmons page.
Sources: "Fishes of Isle Royale," by K.F. Lagler and C. R.
Goldman, Isle Royale Natural History Association, 1982.
Fishes of Wisconsin, by George C. Becker, University of Wisconsin
Press, 1983.
Freshwater Fishes of Canada, by W.B. Scott and E.J. Crossman, Fisheries Research
Board of Canada, 1973.
