![]() Brook trout prefer streams with stable water flows, silt-free gravel for spawning and an abundance of pools and riffles with sufficient in-stream cover, such as logs and boulders. Wild brook trout are most abundant in isolated, high-altitude headwater streams where the water is free of pollution and rich in oxygen. The lower fins are orange with a narrow black band next to a leading white edge. ![]() The lower sides are lighter with yellow spots interspersed with fewer spots of bright red surrounded by blue. Descriptionīrook trout can be distinguished by the olive-green coloration of the upper sides with mottled, dark green “worm-like” markings on their backs and tails. State and federal agencies are developing strategies to identify, maintain and expand existing wild brook trout populations to ensure their survival in their native range. With continued development of the mountain region and further encroachment on habitat by man and non-native species, the future of the wild brook trout is of concern, and since 1900, the brook trout range is thought to have declined by about 80 percent. In addition, alterations to native brook trout population genetics have occurred due to interactions with Northern strain brook trout. Resident brook trout were often unable to compete with rainbow and brown trout for available food, habitat and spawning sites within the altered landscape of the southeast. Northern strain brook trout (from the northeastern U.S), rainbow trout (from the western U.S.) and brown trout (from Europe) were stocked around 1900 to replace brook trout populations lost due to logging operations. Extensive erosion and siltation from land disturbing activities limited spawning success by smothering eggs and restricting their oxygen supply, and streams that historically supported coldwater fishes were warmed due to lost canopy cover. These activities caused significant damage to stream habitats. Early logging practices included the construction of roads and rail lines up river valleys, intensive tree cuttings on steep slopes, and the usage of splash dams to transport logs downstream. In the late 1800s, logging companies began to cut the vast stands of virgin timber in the mountains of the state. North Carolina mountain streams once teemed with Southern Appalachian brook trout (the strain of brook trout native to North Carolina) where abundant rainfall, cool climate, cold groundwater and dense forest cover provided optimum living conditions. Several varieties of brook trout exist within its indigenous range from the mountains of Georgia to the coastal rivers of Canada. The brook trout is the only trout native to western North Carolina. Here in North Carolina, local anglers often call them “specks,” “speckled trout,” or “brookies.” Recent genetic studies suggest that the native brook trout found in the southern Appalachians, including the mountains of western North Carolina, represent a unique strain called Southern Appalachian brook trout. The brook trout is regarded as one of North America’s most beautiful native fish species. Genetic studies indicate that brook trout native to North Carolina represent a unique strain called Southern Appalachian brook trout. Wild brook trout are often restricted to small headwater streams in the mountains of North Carolina. Generally short-lived, seldom longer than 4 years in the wild. Most reach sexual maturity at approximately two years Life Expectancy Remain in nest (redd) until yolk sac is absorbed, then emerge as free-swimming fry. Females will construct a nest (redd) in gravel, and incubation period varies depending upon water temperature. Occurs in fall, generally September through November. PDF: Īdults eat a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial insects, as well as crustaceans, fish and other small vertebrates, while young feed on small aquatic and terrestrial insects. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, 2010. The General Assembly of 2005 named the Southern Appalachian Brook Trout as the official Freshwater Trout for the State of North Carolina ( Session Laws, 2005, c. See also: North Carolina State Symbols and Official Adoptions main page State Freshwater Trout of North Carolina: Southern Appalachian Brook Trout
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