The brown trout is a large fish that can be easily recognised by the many dark spots along its body. The spots on its side are reddish with lighter edges.
The belly of the trout is yellow-white in appearance.
The brown trout is often found in the larger New Forest streams but can be well camouflaged against the stream bed.
The trout’s spotted appearance provides excellent camouflage against the stream bed and the spots on its side help to break up its silhouette. This makes it especially good at creeping up on prey.
Carnivore - Eats water insects and their larvae as well as other small water animals. Larger brown trout also eat small fish.
The New Forest rivers and streams provide a fantastic habitat for brown trout and other fish. Unfortunately there are lots of pressures being placed on these habitats. When drinking water is taken from the rivers this reduces their flow and has an impact on the plants and animals that can survive in the river. Fish are particularly vulnerable to low flows.
Help save water - why not turn taps off when cleaning your teeth or install a water butt in the garden?