Brown Trout

A man holding a large with with black spots
Brown trout

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The brown trout (Salmo trutta) is the only nonnative fish species in Yellowstone that is not native to North America. This European species was introduced to Yellowstone in the later part of the 19th century, and was recorded as two different species—the Von Behr and the Loch Leven brown trout. These are now thought to be two varieties of the same species and most of the populations in Yellowstone are indistinguishable.

 
 

Resources

Bigelow, P.E. 2009. Predicting areas of lake trout spawning habitat within Yellowstone Lake, Wyoming. Doctoral dissertation, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY.

Gresswell, R.E. 2009. Scientific review panel evaluation of the National Park Service lake trout suppression program in Yellowstone Lake, August 25–29, 2008: Final report, October 2009, Edited by USGS Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center. Bozeman, MT.

Koel, T.M., P.E. Bigelow, P.D. Doepke, B.D. Ertel, and D.L. Mahony. 2005. Nonnative lake trout result in Yellowstone cutthroat trout decline and impacts to bears and anglers. Fisheries 30(11):10–19.

Koel, T.M., P.E. Bigelow, P.D. Doepke, B.D. Ertel, and D.L. Mahony. 2006. Conserving Yellowstone cutthroat trout for the future of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem: Yellowstone’s Aquatic Sciences Program. Yellowstone Science 14(2).

Middleton, A.D., T.A. Morrison, J.K. Fortin, M.J. Kauffman, C.T. Robbins, K.M. Proffitt, P.J. White, D.E. McWhirter, T.M. Koel, D. Brimeyer, and W.S. Fairbanks. 2013. Grizzly bears link non-native trout to migratory elk in Yellowstone. Proceedings of the Royal Society B 280:20130870.

Munro, A.R., T.E. McMahon, and J.R. Ruzycki. 2006. Where did they come from?: Natural chemical markers identify source and date of lake trout introduction in Yellowstone Lake. Yellowstone Science 14(2).

Wyoming Water Project. 2014. Science supporting management of Yellowstone Lake fisheries: Responses to frequently asked questions. Trout Unlimited: Lander, WY.

Ruzycki, J.R., D.A. Beauchamp, and D.L. Yule. 2003. Effects of introduced lake trout on native cutthroat trout in Yellowstone Lake. Ecological Applications 13:23–37.

 
An underwater view of a spotted fish with a red slash on its neck and side swims above pebbles
Native Fish Species

Native fish underpin natural food webs and have great local economic significance.

Young cutthroat trout swimming in shallow water
Native Fish Conservation Program

Learn how the Native Fish Conservation Program works to preserve Yellowstone Lake cutthroat trout and to restore fluvial trout populations.

Underwater photo of white-spotted lake trout
Lake Trout

Lake trout prey on Yellowstone cutthroat trout.

Rainbow trout in the hands of an angler
Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are native to North America in waters which drain to the Pacific Ocean from northern Mexico to Alaska.

Eastern brook trout swimming
Eastern Brook Trout

Eastern brook trout was the first nonnative species introduced in Yellowstone—stocked in the (then fishless) Firehole River in 1889.

Lake chub held in hand
Lake Chub

Native to the Missouri and Yellowstone river drainages in Montana and Wyoming, the lake chub is not native to Yellowstone National Park.

Two shells sit on a dime and are about the same height as the coin
New Zealand Mud Snails

New Zealand mudsnails are invasive and have a significant detrimental effect on Yellowstone.

Two speckled fish with black tails swim in a colorful streambed
Whirling Disease

Whirling disease can infect some trout and salmon.

Brightly-clothed people in a river near a steaming thermal feature
Red-rimmed Melania

Red-rimmed melania, a small snail, was discovered in a warm swimming area.

Angler fishing in Yellowstone during a golden morning.
Catch a Fish

Be a responsible angler and understand the regulations before you come.

Photo of a park employee cleaning a boat with a power washer.
Clean, Drain, and Dry

Protect park waters by preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Fisheries staff member holds a 36-pound spawning lake trout removed from Yellowstone Lake.
Nonnative Fish

Lake trout and other invasive species pose many threats to Yellowstone's aquatic ecosystem.

Last updated: May 8, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190-0168

Phone:

307-344-7381

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