Features: Brook trout are easily identified by the worm-like pale yellow markings on their backs and red dots with blue halos and white borders on their lower fins. In small streams brook trout are often 5- to 7-inches long but can reach 25 inches or more in large rivers or lakes.

Habitat: Brook trout are an introduced species, first stocked in the early 1900s. They are widely distributed from high mountain lakes to headwater tributaries, and thrive in cold, mountainous streams and lakes where other species are unable to do well. Many barren lakes have been stocked with brook trout, providing fishing opportunity where none was previously available.

Techniques: Because insect larvae and nymphs make up a large part of brook trouts' diet (especially when the fish are small), they are a favorite of fly-fishers who use flies mimicking these insects. However, brook trout are aggressive biters and will go after a variety of bait and lures.