Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)

Even though they’re non-native to the United States, Brown Trout are one of the most plentiful fish in Grand Teton National Park; if you see a nearly invisible shape at the bottom of a stream or river, chances are, you’re looking at one of these common fish. Brown trout are not especially skittish, and if you’re really careful you can occasionally touch one with your bare hands while they’re still swimming. In fact, it’s been said you can even catch one like that, too… Just make sure you have a permit before trying!

These trout are not only valuable to anglers looking for a big catch, they also have advantageous scientific uses. They won’t breed in highly polluted waters, so researchers sometimes observe them to determine the level of pollution in rivers and streams.

Written by Shawna Wolf
PC: USFWS Mountain-Prairie on Flickr https://flic.kr/p/2hpYLxX

Other Sources: https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=931