Scientific Name: Salvelinus fontinalis
Nicknames: Brookie, Speckled Trout, Squaretail
State Record: 6 lbs., 22.6 inches, Silver Lake Wilderness Area, Hamilton County, 5/16/13
Identification: Lower fins (pectoral, pelvic, anal) fins have a white leading edge followed by a black stripe. Body covered with small red spots circled with blue halos. Arguably one of New York’s most colorful fish!
How to Fish: Brook trout are commonly found in small streams and headwaters of larger waters in the Adirondacks, Catskills, and other areas of the state. In Adirondack lakes and ponds, they may grow to five pounds or more. Brook trout are relatively easy to catch on worms or synthetic baits, as well as spinners, small spoons, and flies. Perhaps one of the most popular methods is using a Lake Clear Wabbler (spoon) with a trailing hook and worm, spinner, or fly. Fly fishing for brook trout is also popular. Try trolling a wooly bugger, mickey finn or gray ghost pattern. Using dry flies that imitate adult insects or nymphs that mimic immature insects can be very effective.
Safe Handling: With their soft fins and small scales, the best way to handle trout are to cradle them in your hand(s). To prevent removing the protective slime coating from their bodies, always wet your hands first. If possible, unhook trout in the water and consider using a rubber coated landing net to maximize survival.
Fish Fact: Brook trout are native to New York and the official state fish.
Brook trout populations have declined from historical levels in New York State due to habitat loss, competition with non-native fish species and acid precipitation.
How You Can Help: Follow baitfish regulations. Intentional or unintentional, the introduction of competitive fish species is a major threat to brook trout populations. Data suggests that brook trout grow faster and to larger sizes when no other fish (including baitfish) are present. (For example, the current state record brook trout was caught from a “brook trout only” pond.) As such, the use of baitfish is strictly prohibited in most brook trout ponds.
Do not move fish from one water body to another.
Do not release unused bait fish, even where using them is allowed.
