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| Brook Trout |
The brook trout, or speckled trout as it is called locally, is the only trout
native to North Carolina. Considered an Ice Age relict, this member of the char
family is found only in cold water streams of the mountains. Often a brilliantly
colored fish, it is readily identifiable by the white leading edge, backed by
black, on its lower fins. Brook trout are scarce except in relatively remote
headwater streams. Because of the concern about declining brook trout numbers
and habitat, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has placed special
emphasis on protecting and enhancing wild brook trout populations as a special
resource. Rainbow and brown trout are not stocked into streams which contain only
wild brook trout. The brook trout is easy to catch and when a stream is made easily
accessible by new roads, or other development, their numbers can be reduced by
fishing, or eliminated by accompanying habitat changes. The typical brook trout
caught today is eight inches or less in length. A 12-inch or longer fish is a
rarity. Because of their small size and tendency to be found in small, overgrown
streams, brook trout seldom get to put up much of a fight when hooked. |
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