Lake Trout and Similar Species
Salvelinus namaycush
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Open the appSeveral fish can be confused with Lake Trout. Here are the key differences.
Species often confused with {name}
Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis
Key differences: Brook trout have a less-forked tail, vermiculations (worm-like markings) on the back and dorsal fin, and red spots with blue halos (areolae) on their sides. They are generally smaller and prefer shallower, colder streams and small lakes.
Arctic Char
Salvelinus alpinus
Key differences: Arctic char typically have a less-forked tail than lake trout and often exhibit vibrant orange or red coloration on their bellies, especially during spawning. Their spots are generally smaller and more numerous. They are also found in more northerly, often anadromous, environments.
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
Key differences: Brown trout have a square or slightly emarginate (not deeply forked) tail, and typically have dark spots (often with red halos) on a lighter background. They lack an adipose fin and have teeth on the vomerine shaft. Their body shape is generally more robust and less elongated than lake trout.
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Key differences: Rainbow trout have a square or slightly emarginate tail, a prominent red or pink lateral stripe, and numerous small dark spots on a lighter background. They lack an adipose fin and have teeth on the vomerine shaft. Their spots are typically more uniform and smaller than those of lake trout.
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