Sea Trout (Salmo trutta)

Specimen weight: 2.268 kg (5 lb).
Record weight: 16lb 6oz Shimna River - Co. Down, 1983.

A very gamey fish which is a smaller cousin of the salmon. But whereas salmon remain in freshwater once they run a river seatrout may run in and out a number of times. Often a microscopic examination of scales is needed to differentiate a salmon from a seatrout. Finnock (fish which spend a few months at sea) or 1 Sea winter trout (fish that spend a full year at sea) dominate catches in Ireland. Lough Currane in Co. Kerry is one of the best sea trout waters in Europe.

Features:Similar to salmon in colour but more thickset and often heavily spotted on flanks.

Spawning: Eggs laid in redds (gravel nests) om flwoing water in winter.

Fecundity:
600 eggs per lb.

Longevity (age):
They have a maximum life-span of 12 to 15 years.

Diet:
Sandeels, prawns and shrimp at sea, insects in freshwater.

Best Angling Methods:
Dependant on water conditions. The best flyfishing is often after dark. Are regularly caught at sea and estuaries are popular locations in some areas (Rivver Moy, Erne).

Best Baits:
Traditonal flies, spinners and worm as conditions and rules allow.