Trout (Salmo trutta)

LAKE
Specimen weight: 4.536 kg (10 lb).
Record weight: 26lb 2oz Lough Ennel, 1894.

RIVER
Specimen weight: 2.268 kg (5 lb).
Record weight: 20lb River Shannon - Corbally, 1957.

The brown trout is a native Irish species, and the most widely distributed freshwater fish in Ireland. It thrives in rivers and lakes of all types, from small mountain streams and upland lakes to broad limestone rivers such as the Boyne or the lower Liffey and the famous limestone lakes of the west. Lough Corrib has been very prolific for specimen trout in recent years.

Features:
The average size and colour is variable. Limestone rivers and lakes produce larger fish which can vary from all silver to gold with numerous black and red spots. In more acid waters trout tend to be smaller and darker.

Spawning:
In redds (gravel nests) in flowing water in winter.

Fecundity:
400 eggs per lb.

Longevity (age):
River trout can be up to 8 years old, while lake trout can live to between 12 and possibly 15 years of age.

Diet:
Seasonal variations in diet occur. Insects form the mainstay of the trout's diet with all stages (larva to adult) being taken at some time during the season, minnows and other small fish are also taken. Large lake trout may be exculusively pisciverous.

Best Angling Methods:
Fly fishing, spinning, worming and trolling.

Best Baits:
Dry and wet flies in tradtional and more imitative patterns. Large lake trout fall to trolled dead baits, spoons and plugs.