Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)

Description

The distinguishing features of the brook trout include pale blotches and wavy lines in the back, pinkish spots with blue halos on the sides, and a square or slightly forked tail. The color varies from greenish to dark brown on its back. Its mouth is large with strong teeth on the jaws, tongue and roof of its mouth. The male of the species can be distinguished at maturity by a larger lower jaw (hook-like). The fish was introduced to Saskatchewan in the 1920's and was originally found in northeastern North America. It inhabits cool, well-oxygenated streams and lakes. The usual maximum size is about 4.54 kg.

Diet

Its diet consists of insect larvae, adult insects and fish, including its own. They generally feed during the early morning or just before sunset. Fly fishing and spinning are used to catch this voracious eater.

Reproduction

Spawning takes place from October to November in the shallow headwaters of streams as the fishes migrate upstream. During this period, the male's coloring is the brightest it is all season. The female (usually) prepares a nest called a redd in the gravel. Eggs, from 150 to 2500 in number, are deposited and fertilized and then covered by gravel. The eggs hatch in time, depending primarily on water temperatures. The usual time of hatching occurs in the following spring as the water warms in temperature.

Value and Habitat

The meat of the brook trout has a delicate flavor and is probably considered the best-loved of all fresh-water game fish. Their range of location in Saskatchewan includes Fir River, Little Swan River, Echo Creek, Nipekamew River and other areas including some creeks in the Cypress Hills.