Bottom Line Up Front: Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) are North America's only native eastern trout, distinguished by olive-green bodies with white-edged fins, red spots with blue halos, and distinctive worm-like markings. These char require cold, clean water below 68°F and serve as critical indicators of ecosystem health.
The brook trout stands as one of North America's most iconic and beloved game fish, captivating anglers with their stunning beauty and aggressive feeding behavior. Despite their name, these remarkable fish are actually char, not true trout, belonging to the genus Salvelinus alongside lake trout and bull trout rather than rainbow or brown trout species.
Native to eastern North America from Georgia to Hudson Bay, brook trout have faced significant population declines due to habitat destruction, warming waters, and competition from non-native species. Understanding brook trout biology, habitat requirements, and conservation challenges helps anglers and conservationists protect this treasured species.
This comprehensive guide explores brook trout identification, native habitat requirements, comparisons with other trout species, proven fly fishing techniques, and the best locations to target these magnificent fish. Whether you're seeking brook trout facts for educational purposes or planning your next fishing adventure, you'll discover everything needed to appreciate and successfully pursue this remarkable species.
What Are Brook Trout? Essential Species Facts
Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) represent the only salmonid native to eastern North America, distinguishing them from all other trout species found in these waters. The scientific name "fontinalis" derives from Latin meaning "of a spring or fountain," reflecting their preference for cold, spring-fed waters.
Physical Characteristics and Identification
Brook trout display unmistakable identifying features that separate them from other fish. Their olive-green to dark brown backs feature distinctive vermiculations, worm-like patterns that create perfect camouflage against stream bottoms. These markings extend along the dorsal surface and upper sides, becoming more pronounced during spawning season.
The sides showcase yellow spots interspersed with red spots surrounded by bright blue halos, creating one of nature's most beautiful color combinations. Lower fins display striking white leading edges followed by black bands, making identification virtually foolproof even for novice anglers.
Adult brook trout typically measure 6-15 inches in most stream environments, though exceptional specimens in large lakes can exceed 20 inches and weigh several pounds. The world record brook trout weighed 14 pounds 8 ounces, caught from Ontario's Nipigon River in 1916.
Biological Classification
Unlike rainbow or brown trout, brook trout belong to the char subfamily (Salvelinus) within the salmon family Salmonidae. This classification groups them with lake trout, bull trout, and Arctic char rather than true trout species. Key biological differences include:
- Light spots on dark backgrounds (opposite of true trout)
- Fall spawning behavior (most trout spawn in spring)
- Slightly different skeletal structure and scale patterns
- Preference for colder water temperatures
Brook trout mature in 2-3 years depending on environmental conditions and food availability. They typically live 3-6 years in the wild, though exceptional individuals in ideal conditions may reach 8-10 years.
Brook Trout Habitat and Native Range
Brook trout habitat requirements make them excellent indicators of ecosystem health. These sensitive fish thrive only in pristine environments meeting specific water quality standards, making their presence a reliable sign of healthy aquatic ecosystems.
Water Temperature Requirements
Temperature represents the most critical habitat factor for brook trout success. They require water temperatures below 68°F for survival, with optimal feeding and growth occurring between 50-60°F. Temperatures exceeding 72°F become lethal, explaining their restriction to cold-water environments.
This temperature sensitivity drives their distribution patterns across North America. Brook trout inhabit high-elevation streams, spring-fed waters, and northern latitudes where cold temperatures persist year-round. Climate change poses significant threats as warming temperatures push suitable habitat northward and upward in elevation.
Native Habitat Characteristics
Ideal brook trout habitat features several essential components working together to support healthy populations:
Stream Structure: Brook trout prefer diverse stream morphology including pools, riffles, and runs. Deep pools provide refuge during harsh conditions, while shallow riffles create spawning habitat and insect production areas. Undercut banks, fallen logs, and boulder formations offer essential cover from predators.
Water Quality: Exceptional water quality remains non-negotiable for brook trout survival. They require high dissolved oxygen levels, typically above 7 parts per million. pH levels between 6.0-8.0 support optimal growth, while extremely acidic conditions below 5.5 pH prove fatal.
Substrate Composition: Clean gravel and cobble substrates support successful reproduction by providing suitable spawning sites and insect habitat. Excessive sedimentation from erosion or development destroys spawning areas and reduces food production.
Riparian Cover: Overhanging vegetation moderates water temperatures through shading while contributing terrestrial insects that form important dietary components. Mature forest canopy creates the cool, stable conditions brook trout require.
Original Distribution
Native brook trout originally inhabited waters throughout eastern North America, from the Maritime Provinces and Quebec south through the Appalachian Mountains to northern Georgia. Their range extended west to the Great Lakes region, including much of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
This extensive historical range has contracted significantly due to human activities. Today, native brook trout populations remain in fragmented refugia, primarily in headwater streams and remote areas with minimal human disturbance.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park protects some of the most genetically pure southern brook trout populations, representing the last remnants of subspecies adapted to southern climates. Similarly, Adirondack Park in New York maintains extensive native brook trout waters through wilderness protection.
For anglers seeking diverse trout species experiences, explore our comprehensive guide to types of trout species to understand how brook trout compare with other North American salmonids.
Brook Trout vs Other Trout Species: Key Differences
Understanding differences between brook trout and other common trout species helps anglers properly identify their catches while appreciating the unique characteristics of each species.
Brook Trout vs Lake Trout
Both species belong to the char family, but lake trout differ significantly in size, habitat, and appearance. Lake trout typically inhabit deep, cold lakes rather than streams, growing much larger than brook trout with specimens exceeding 40 pounds recorded.
Lake trout display deeply forked tails and more subdued coloration compared to brook trout's vibrant markings. Their light spots appear smaller and more numerous, lacking the distinctive blue halos surrounding brook trout's red spots.
Behaviorally, lake trout function as apex predators in deep lake environments, while brook trout occupy smaller stream niches as opportunistic feeders. This size and habitat separation prevents direct competition between the species in most waters.
Brook Trout vs Bull Trout
Bull trout represent another char species often confused with brook trout, particularly in western regions where ranges overlap. However, several key differences distinguish these species:
Size: Bull trout grow significantly larger, with specimens exceeding 20 pounds common in suitable habitat. Brook trout rarely exceed 5-6 pounds even in exceptional circumstances.
Coloration: Bull trout display olive-green bodies with white, yellow, or orange spots but lack the blue halos characteristic of brook trout. They also lack the distinctive vermiculations found on brook trout backs.
Distribution: Bull trout inhabit Pacific Northwest waters almost exclusively, while brook trout concentrate in eastern regions. Limited range overlap occurs in northern areas where both species may coexist.
Habitat Requirements: Both species require extremely cold, clean water, but bull trout often inhabit larger river systems and lakes compared to brook trout's preference for smaller streams.
Conservation efforts focus intensively on bull trout due to their federal threatened species status. Understanding these differences helps anglers comply with specific regulations protecting each species. Learn more about the rare tiger trout hybrid created when brown trout and brook trout interbreed.
Brook Trout vs Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout represent true trout (Oncorhynchus genus) rather than char, creating several distinguishing characteristics:
Spot Patterns: Rainbow trout display dark spots on lighter backgrounds, the opposite of brook trout's light spots on dark backgrounds. This difference provides the most reliable identification method.
Spawning Timing: Rainbow trout spawn in spring, while brook trout spawn in fall. This temporal separation reduces direct competition for spawning habitat.
Temperature Tolerance: Rainbow trout tolerate slightly warmer water than brook trout, allowing them to inhabit degraded environments where brook trout cannot survive.
Native Range: Rainbow trout originate from Pacific drainages, while brook trout evolved in eastern North America. Extensive stocking has created overlap zones where both species now coexist.
Brook Trout vs Brown Trout
Brown trout represent European natives (Salmo genus) introduced to North America in the 1880s. Key differences include:
Aggressiveness: Brown trout often outcompete brook trout for habitat and food resources due to their more aggressive nature and tolerance for degraded conditions.
Temperature Tolerance: Brown trout survive in warmer water than brook trout, allowing them to colonize waters unsuitable for native brook trout.
Growth Potential: Brown trout typically achieve larger maximum sizes than brook trout in comparable habitats.
Spawning Behavior: Brown trout spawn in fall like brook trout but often utilize different microhabitats, reducing direct competition.
Competition from non-native brown trout has contributed significantly to native brook trout population declines throughout their range. Understanding these competitive dynamics helps explain current distribution patterns and conservation priorities.
Brook Trout Biology and Life Cycle Facts
Brook trout exhibit fascinating biological adaptations that enabled them to thrive in eastern North America's cold-water environments for thousands of years. Understanding their life cycle and behavior patterns enhances appreciation for these remarkable fish.
Spawning and Reproduction
Brook trout spawn during fall months, typically between September and November depending on latitude and elevation. This timing ensures eggs develop through winter when water temperatures remain consistently cold.
Males arrive at spawning areas first, establishing territories in suitable gravel beds. They develop pronounced breeding colors, with bellies turning bright orange-red and fins displaying intensified white edges. Females follow shortly after, selecting nesting sites with upwelling groundwater that maintains stable temperatures.
The spawning process begins with females using their tails to excavate shallow depressions called redds in clean gravel substrates. These nests measure 1-2 feet in diameter and several inches deep. Females deposit 100-1,500 eggs depending on their size and condition, with larger females producing more eggs.
Males fertilize eggs externally as females release them into the redd. After fertilization, females cover eggs with gravel to protect them from predators and environmental disturbances. This parental care increases survival rates significantly compared to broadcast spawning methods.
Egg Development and Hatching
Brook trout eggs require approximately 100-150 days to hatch, depending on water temperature. Cold winter temperatures slow development, with hatching typically occurring between February and April.
Newly hatched brook trout, called alevins, remain in gravel for several weeks while absorbing their yolk sacs. This protected development period provides essential nutrients before young fish must begin feeding independently.
Fry emerge from gravel during late spring when water temperatures warm and food availability increases. They initially feed on microscopic organisms like zooplankton and aquatic insect larvae before gradually incorporating larger prey items.
Growth Patterns and Maturity
Brook trout growth rates vary dramatically based on habitat quality, food availability, and population density. Fish in productive lake environments often achieve remarkable sizes, while those in marginal stream habitats may remain small throughout their lives.
Stream populations typically mature at 2-3 years of age when fish reach 6-8 inches in length. Lake populations may delay maturity until 4-5 years but achieve much larger sizes due to abundant food resources.
Maximum lifespans reach 6-8 years in most environments, though exceptional individuals in ideal conditions may live longer. Growth slows significantly after maturity as energy shifts from somatic growth to reproductive investment.
Feeding Behavior and Diet
Brook trout function as opportunistic predators, adapting their feeding behavior to available food sources. Their diet varies seasonally and by habitat type, demonstrating remarkable feeding flexibility.
Aquatic Insects: Mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, and midges form the backbone of brook trout diets in most stream environments. They consume both nymphal and adult forms, adjusting feeding behavior to match insect life cycles.
Terrestrial Insects: During summer months, terrestrial insects like ants, beetles, and grasshoppers become important food sources. Brook trout actively feed on insects that fall into the water from overhanging vegetation.
Crustaceans: Freshwater shrimp, crayfish, and other crustaceans provide high-energy meals when available. These prey items support rapid growth and excellent body condition.
Fish: Larger brook trout readily consume smaller fish, including their own species. This piscivorous behavior becomes more pronounced with increasing fish size and in food-limited environments.
Other Prey: Brook trout occasionally consume amphibians, worms, and other available organisms. Their opportunistic nature allows them to exploit diverse food sources as conditions change.
Understanding these brook trout facts helps anglers select appropriate flies and fishing techniques. Check our guide to fishing hook sizes to match tackle appropriately for brook trout fishing.
Brook Trout Fly Fishing: Techniques and Patterns
Brook trout fly fishing provides some of the most rewarding experiences in freshwater angling. Their aggressive feeding behavior and stunning beauty create memorable encounters that keep anglers returning to pristine mountain streams year after year.
Essential Fly Patterns for Brook Trout
Successful brook trout fly fishing relies on matching patterns to local food sources and seasonal conditions. These proven flies consistently produce results across diverse brook trout waters:
Dry Flies: Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Royal Coachman, and Parachute Patterns in sizes 12-16 work excellently during surface feeding periods. Brook trout readily take terrestrial patterns like ants and beetles during summer months.
Nymphs: Pheasant Tail Nymphs, Hare's Ear Nymphs, and Prince Nymphs in sizes 12-16 prove effective year-round. Weighted patterns help reach fish in deeper pools and runs.
Streamers: Woolly Buggers, Mickey Finns, and small minnow patterns trigger aggressive strikes from larger brook trout. Black, olive, and brown color combinations work well in most conditions.
Emergers: Patterns imitating insects transitioning from nymph to adult stages prove deadly during hatches. Soft hackle flies and CDC emergers excel during these feeding periods.
Presentation Techniques
Brook trout streams typically feature pocket water with short drifts between obstacles. Adapt presentation techniques to these challenging conditions:
Accuracy Over Distance: Focus on placing flies precisely in small target areas rather than achieving long casts. Brook trout often hold in tight spots requiring surgical fly placement.
Quick Setup: Prepare for rapid-fire casting situations where multiple targets present themselves quickly. Keep false casting to a minimum to avoid spooking fish in clear water.
Natural Drift: Even in turbulent pocket water, achieve drag-free drifts by managing line and mending appropriately. Brook trout detect unnatural fly movement instantly.
Stealth Approach: Move carefully through brook trout habitat to avoid vibrations that spook fish. Low profiles and deliberate movements prevent detection in clear water conditions.
Seasonal Strategies
Adapt fly selection and techniques to seasonal conditions for consistent brook trout success:
Spring (March-May): Focus on nymphs and streamers as brook trout feed actively after winter dormancy. Early mayfly hatches provide excellent dry fly opportunities.
Summer (June-August): Terrestrial patterns become crucial as land-based insects fall into streams. Fish during cooler morning and evening periods when surface activity peaks.
Fall (September-November): Pre-spawn feeding creates aggressive behavior toward streamers and large nymphs. Spawning colors make brook trout particularly striking during this period.
Winter (December-February): Small nymphs fished slowly in deeper pools produce results during this challenging season. Focus on midday periods when water temperatures peak.
Tackle Recommendations
Appropriate tackle enhances brook trout fly fishing success while providing adequate control in tight quarters:
Rods: 7-8 foot rods rated for 3-4 weight lines provide ideal balance between accuracy and fish-fighting capability. Shorter rods help in brushy environments.
Lines: Floating lines work best for most brook trout fishing situations. Weight-forward tapers aid accuracy when casting in confined spaces.
Leaders: 9-foot leaders tapered to 4X-6X provide adequate strength while maintaining stealth. Shorter leaders may be necessary in extremely tight quarters.
Flies: Carry varied sizes and colors of proven patterns to match changing conditions. Focus on sizes 12-16 for most situations.
For comprehensive fly fishing knowledge, explore our detailed Colorado fly hatch chart to understand seasonal insect emergence patterns that apply to brook trout waters.
Conservation Status and Environmental Threats
Brook trout face mounting environmental pressures throughout their native range, making conservation efforts increasingly critical for species persistence. Understanding these threats helps anglers and conservationists focus protection efforts effectively.
Current Population Status
Native brook trout populations have declined dramatically from historical levels, with many local extinctions documented across their range. The Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture estimates that brook trout now occupy only 5-10% of their historical habitat, representing one of North America's most significant freshwater fish conservation challenges.
Primary Threats to Brook Trout
Climate Change: Rising temperatures represent the most significant long-term threat to brook trout persistence. As air temperatures increase, stream temperatures follow, pushing brook trout habitat northward and upward in elevation. Studies predict 68% of suitable brook trout habitat in some regions could disappear by 2050 under current warming trends.
Habitat Fragmentation: Roads, dams, and development projects fragment continuous brook trout habitat into isolated populations. These isolated groups become vulnerable to local extinctions from disturbances that wouldn't threaten connected populations.
Water Quality Degradation: Agricultural runoff, urban development, and industrial activities degrade water quality below levels brook trout can tolerate. Sedimentation from erosion smothers spawning gravels and reduces insect production.
Invasive Species Competition: Non-native brown trout, rainbow trout, and other species outcompete brook trout for habitat and food resources. These introductions often result in brook trout displacement or hybridization.
Acid Rain: Historical acid rain inputs acidified many brook trout waters, particularly in the northeastern United States. While improving, legacy effects continue impacting some populations.
Research and Conservation Efforts
Universities and conservation organizations conduct extensive research to inform brook trout conservation strategies. Penn State University research demonstrates that protecting larger stream corridors proves essential for maintaining genetic connectivity between isolated populations.
The Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture coordinates range-wide conservation efforts, providing scientific guidance for restoration projects and habitat protection initiatives. Their research identifies priority watersheds and effective restoration techniques.
Trout Unlimited has developed comprehensive conservation portfolios using the 3-R framework (Representation, Resiliency, and Redundancy) to prioritize conservation actions across the species' range.
Success Stories
Despite challenges, several conservation success stories demonstrate the potential for brook trout recovery:
Watershed Restoration: Removing obsolete dams and restoring natural stream flows has reconnected fragmented populations and improved habitat quality in numerous watersheds.
Acid Rain Recovery: Implementation of the Clean Air Act has reduced acid rain inputs, allowing natural pH recovery in many previously impacted waters.
Non-native Removal: Strategic removal of competing species has restored brook trout to previously occupied habitats, demonstrating the species' resilience when threats are eliminated.
Habitat Protection: Acquisition and protection of critical watersheds ensures long-term habitat security for priority brook trout populations.
How Anglers Can Help
Responsible anglers play crucial roles in brook trout conservation through their actions and advocacy:
Practice Catch-and-Release: Native brook trout populations benefit significantly from harvest restrictions. Release wild brook trout to maintain breeding populations.
Minimize Habitat Impact: Use established trails and campsites to reduce erosion and habitat degradation. Follow Leave No Trace principles in sensitive areas.
Report Violations: Report habitat destruction, illegal stocking, or other conservation violations to appropriate authorities.
Support Conservation Organizations: Join groups like Trout Unlimited or local watershed associations that work to protect brook trout habitat.
Educate Others: Share conservation knowledge with fellow anglers and promote responsible fishing practices that benefit native trout populations.
Best Brook Trout Fishing Locations
Brook trout fishing opportunities span from remote wilderness streams to accessible mountain waters, each offering unique experiences for dedicated anglers. Understanding regional differences helps plan successful fishing adventures.
Eastern United States Hotspots
The eastern United States harbors the most diverse brook trout fishing opportunities, from tiny mountain streams to pristine lakes:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park protects exceptional brook trout waters along the Tennessee-North Carolina border. Hazel Creek, Forney Creek, and numerous headwater tributaries offer excellent fishing for both rainbow trout and native brook trout populations.
Adirondack Park, New York contains hundreds of brook trout ponds and streams, many accessible only by hiking or canoeing. These waters produce some of the largest brook trout in the eastern United States, with fish exceeding 3-4 pounds possible.
Maine's North Woods features classic brook trout fishing in pristine lake and stream environments. The Rangeley Lakes region and Baxter State Park provide excellent opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers.
Pennsylvania's Mountain Streams offer accessible brook trout fishing within hours of major metropolitan areas. The Pocono Mountains and north-central regions contain numerous productive waters.
West Virginia's Headwaters provide excellent native brook trout fishing in the Monongahela National Forest. These high-elevation streams maintain cold temperatures through summer months.
For detailed information about specific waters, consult our guide to trout streams in North Carolina which covers many premier brook trout destinations.
Canadian Destinations
Canada offers world-class brook trout fishing in relatively pristine environments:
Quebec's Wilderness Lakes produce massive brook trout in remote fly-in locations. Some outfitters report average fish sizes exceeding 3-4 pounds with exceptional specimens reaching 6-8 pounds.
Ontario's Algonquin Park provides excellent brook trout fishing within driving distance of major cities. The park's numerous lakes and streams offer diverse angling opportunities.
Maritime Provinces feature sea-run brook trout populations that grow larger than their freshwater counterparts. These "salters" provide unique angling challenges in coastal environments.
Western Introductions
Brook trout introductions in western North America created excellent fishing opportunities outside their native range:
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado contains several brook trout populations in high-elevation lakes and streams. These fish display classic characteristics while adapting to western environments.
Yellowstone National Park harbors brook trout in select waters, though management policies favor native species restoration in most areas.
California's Sierra Nevada contains isolated brook trout populations in remote alpine lakes. These fish often display exceptional coloration in pristine mountain environments.
Planning Your Brook Trout Adventure
Successful brook trout trips require careful planning and preparation:
Seasonal Timing: Plan trips during optimal periods when water temperatures remain suitable and access conditions allow safe travel to remote locations.
Gear Selection: Pack appropriate clothing and equipment for mountain environments where weather can change rapidly.
Regulations Research: Verify current fishing regulations, as many brook trout waters have special rules protecting native populations.
Access Information: Research access routes and permits required for fishing specific waters, particularly those in wilderness areas or parks.
Alternative Species: Consider targeting multiple species during your trip by exploring our guides to the best fishing lakes in New Mexico and trout fishing in Tennessee for diverse angling opportunities.
Conclusion: Preserving Brook Trout for Future Generations
Brook trout represent far more than just another game fish; they embody the pristine aquatic ecosystems that once defined eastern North America. Their presence indicates healthy watersheds, while their absence often signals environmental degradation that affects entire aquatic communities.
Understanding brook trout biology, habitat requirements, and conservation challenges empowers anglers to become effective stewards of these remarkable fish. Every angler who practices catch-and-release with native brook trout, supports habitat protection efforts, and educates others about conservation contributes to species persistence.
The future of brook trout depends on maintaining cold, clean water in an era of climate change and increasing development pressure. Strategic habitat protection, restoration of degraded waters, and removal of invasive species offer hope for population recovery in suitable areas.
Key Takeaways:
- Brook trout are char, not true trout, requiring extremely cold, clean water for survival
- Native populations have declined to 5-10% of historical levels due to multiple threats
- Successful fly fishing focuses on accurate presentations with appropriate seasonal patterns
- Conservation efforts show promise when properly implemented and supported
Brook trout fishing provides unmatched rewards for those willing to seek out pristine waters and practice responsible angling. Whether you're pursuing wild fish in remote wilderness streams or stocked brook trout in accessible waters, these experiences connect us to North America's aquatic heritage.
Plan your next brook trout adventure by researching regulations, preparing appropriate gear, and committing to conservation-minded fishing practices. Every released brook trout contributes to population persistence, ensuring future generations can experience the thrill of hooking these living jewels of North American waters.
For comprehensive fishing planning resources, explore our complete guide to fishing licenses and discover whether kids need fishing licenses for family-friendly brook trout adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between brook trout and lake trout? Brook trout and lake trout are both char species, but lake trout grow much larger (often exceeding 20 pounds), inhabit deep lake environments, and have deeply forked tails. Brook trout prefer streams and small lakes, rarely exceed 5 pounds, and display more vibrant coloration with distinctive white-edged fins.
Where do native brook trout live naturally? Native brook trout habitat extends throughout eastern North America from Georgia north to Hudson Bay and west to the Great Lakes region. They inhabit cold, spring-fed streams, high-elevation waters, and pristine lakes with temperatures consistently below 68°F.
What flies work best for brook trout fishing? Effective brook trout fly patterns include Adams dry flies, Pheasant Tail nymphs, Woolly Buggers streamers, and terrestrial patterns like ants and beetles. Sizes 12-16 work well in most situations, with pattern selection depending on seasonal insect activity and feeding behavior.
Are brook trout endangered or threatened? While not federally listed as endangered, native brook trout populations have declined dramatically, occupying only 5-10% of their historical habitat. Many state and regional conservation programs focus on protecting remaining populations and restoring degraded habitats.
What water temperature do brook trout need to survive? Brook trout require water temperatures below 68°F for survival, with optimal conditions between 50-60°F. Temperatures exceeding 72°F become lethal, making them extremely sensitive to climate change and habitat degradation.
How big do brook trout grow in different waters? Stream brook trout typically measure 6-15 inches, while lake populations often reach 16-20 inches or larger. The world record brook trout weighed 14 pounds 8 ounces, caught in Ontario's Nipigon River. Growth rates depend heavily on habitat quality and food availability.
When do brook trout spawn and reproduce? Brook trout spawn during fall months (September-November) in clean gravel beds. Females create nests called redds where they deposit 100-1,500 eggs depending on their size. Eggs develop through winter and hatch in late winter to early spring.
What do brook trout eat in their natural habitat? Brook trout consume aquatic insects (mayflies, caddisflies, midges), terrestrial insects (ants, beetles), crustaceans, and small fish. Larger brook trout become increasingly piscivorous, eating smaller fish including their own species when available.
