Interesting fish facts about all the major trout species.
Commonly found along the entire East Coast of America, the speckled trout has an average length of 15 to 22 inches and an average weight of 1 to 3 lbs. The maximum size of speckled trout is about 33 to 35 inches and 15 to 18 lbs.
Most steelhead in the US spawn sometime between January and April in water temperatures of about 40 to 50ºF. They prefer shallow water of up to 4 feet and build their nests on gravel or cobble beds.
Rainbow trout typically spawn in the springtime, between February and May. As their eggs need cold and well-oxygenated water, the optimal water temperature range for their spawning is 40 to 55°F (4.5 to 10°C).
Both juvenile and adult brook trout eat a large variety of aquatic and terrestrial insects. They also feed on small fish like minnows and shads. Cannibalism amongst brook trout is not very common but does occur.
While they can reach a maximum size of 30 inches and 15lb, the vast majority of brook trout will have a length of about 5 to 15 inches and a weight of 1 to 5lb.
Brook trout will spawn during the fall. Generally, their spawning period is sometime between September and November, when water temperatures are between 42 and 52F.