Species

Brown trout

A native trout with red spots, the key species of clear, cool streams and a classic for fly fishing.

Salmo trutta fario

Photo: Karelj, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain, adjusted to 3:2

Spawning: October to January (general guide, varies by region)
German Red List: threatened
Typical method: Fly fishing
Top bait: Dry fly

Plan a day fishing for Brown trout

How to recognise it

Red spots with a pale ring, plus black spots
Olive-brown back, white-yellow belly
Small adipose fin between the dorsal and tail fins

Easily confused with: Looks like the rainbow trout, but has red spots with a pale ring and no reddish side band.

How to catch it

Methods: Fly fishing, Lure fishing with a light rod, Float fishing

Baits: Dry fly, Wet fly, Inline spinner, Spoon

At dusk and in dull light, when it hunts more actively; good in spring and early summer during insect hatches.

Habitat and food

Fast-flowing, cool, clear and oxygen-rich streams and rivers with a gravel or sandy bed. It is very loyal to its spot and defends its own territory.

Mainly insects and their larvae, plus small fish such as the bullhead, crustaceans and snails.

Size and age

Depending on food 20 to 80 cm, usually up to 2 kg; in exceptional cases 1 m and over 15 kg. Can live up to 18 years (Wikipedia).

Protection and rules

Conservation status: German Red List (freshwater fish 2023, species Salmo trutta): threatened, in 2009 still not threatened. IUCN (Salmo trutta): not threatened (Least Concern, 2022).

Check the rules

Closed seasons and minimum sizes are set by each German state (and by each country abroad) and can be stricter on individual waters. We are building an overview with sources and check dates. Until then, check the local fishing regulations and the rules of the club or permit for your water.

In the kitchen

An excellent food fish with a delicate flavour, classically pan-fried (à la meunière) or smoked.

Sources (3)

Last checked 2026-10-10. Found a mistake? Write to [email protected].

Know more?

Additions, photos of your catches or a mistake in the text: write to us and we will gladly credit you as a helper.

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