Brown trout

Salmo trutta

A native Welsh fish since the ice age and perhaps our most widespread species.

Brown trout require cold, clear water and gravel in order to breed. Brown trout are found in most rivers and streams in Wales, as well as natural lakes and reservoirs.

Typical size ranges from 20cm to 40cm although much larger fish can be found in the lower reaches of our rivers and in large lakes – up to 70cm.

Brown trout can live up to 20 years and eat a wide variety of invertebrates and small fish. Wales is one of the best places in the UK for wild brown trout fishing.

Find places to go trout fishing in Wales here.