The Differences Between Brown Trout and Atlantic Salmon

Brown Trout vs. Atlantic Salmon – these two fish are not the same species but are related to each other. Their appearances are very similar, which often leads to them being confused with each other. However, if you pay close attention to their appearance, you will be able to spot the differences between them.

In this post, we will cover the differences between Brown Trout and Atlantic Salmon, so you flex that fishing knowledge to your friends next time you are out fishing.

Brown Trout vs Atlantic Salmon Appearance

Average Size

Brown Trout typically weighs about 1 – 5 pounds and is between 10 – 20 inches long. In Europe, brown trout are typically larger weighing between 4 – 10 pounds. The major factor in the size difference between Europe and North America is the different environments and types of food. Brown trout have the ability to grow pretty large, weighing about 45 pounds and 45 inches long.

Atlantic Salmon typically weighs about 8 – 12 pounds and is between 28 – 30 inches long. The majority of their growth will occur once the salmon goes into saltwater for 2 years.

Identification – Spots

Brown Trout has three major differences in their appearance, making them easy to identify.

1. The colour of the body is typically olive green, brown, or a golden brown hue with a whitish or yellowish belly colour.
2. Dark spots can be found on the upper half of the body starting from the head to the tail.
3. Red spots can also be found on the bodies of brown trout. The halos around these red spots are typically a pale-like colour or no colour at all.

Atlantic Salmon has several differences in their appearance that you can use to tell them apart from brown trout.

1. Colour: When Atlantic Salmon is found in saltwater their body colour is typically silver with black spots scattered all other the upper half of the body. However, when their are found in freshwater or when spawning their colour turns into dark bronze or brown colour and their spots will turn red similar to brown trout.
2. The spots often form a X or Y pattern along the body.

Brown Trout vs Atlantic Salmon Habitat

Brown Trout are much pickier with their habitats. Their preference is to live in cooler conditions typically found in the north. That being said, brown trout can easily survive in warmer temperatures as well. Brown trout can be found in:

• small steams
• large rivers
• and lakes

They typically can be found hiding under overhanging vegetation, undercut banks, debris and deep pockets protecting themselves from the current.

Atlantic Salmon are like any other type of salmon. Young Atlantic Salmon can be found in lakes and streams. Once they mature they make their way out to the ocean where they live out their remaining life. Atlantic Salmon can be found along along the North America and Europe atlantic ocean coasts.

Brown Trout vs Atlantic Trout Taste

Brown Trout is known to have a strong fishy taste to it, and it gets even stronger with the larger brown trout. The after-note of flavour of brown trout will change depending on the fish’s diet.

Brown trout have a high-fat content that contributes to the fishy flavour. Many chefs and anglers recommend soaking a fillet of brown trout in milk overnight, which helps reduce the fishy flavour and oil content.

Atlantic Salmon tastes like a milder version of other types of salmon. Most Atlantic Salmon that you can cuy are farm raised and their taste and fat content will depend greatly on their diet.

Brown Trout vs Atlantic Trout Nutrition

Serving Size: 100g

Brown Trout vs Atlantic Salmon Baits

Before heading out to the water to start fishing, always check with your local regulations to see if there are any restrictions using certain baits.

Brown Trout Artificial Baits:

• Spinners
• Spoons
• Jigs
• Flies
• Lures

Brown Trout Live Baits:

• Insects
• Bugs
• Small Baitfish

Atlantic Salmon Artificial Baits:

• Flies
• Plugs
• Spoons
• Spinners

Atlantic Salmon Live Bait:

• Insects
• Bugs
• Baitfish

Brown Trout vs Atlantic Salmon Fishing Techniques

Always check with your local fishing regulations to see if there are any restrictions on certain fishing techniques.

Brown Trout Fishing Techniques:

• Fly Fishing
• Cast and Retrieve
• Drifting

Atlantic Salmon Fishing Techniques:

• Drifting
• Jigging
• Trolling
• Fly Fishing