What is Salmon Trout? A Closer Look at This Unique Fish

Salmon trout is a type of fish that often gets confused with regular salmon. While they may look similar, salmon trout is actually a distinct species with some key differences from traditional salmon. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at exactly what salmon trout is, how it compares to salmon, and what makes this fish so unique.

Defining Salmon Trout

To start, salmon trout is not actually a true trout at all. Instead, it belongs to a group of fish called char that are part of the salmon family. The most common type of salmon trout is the Lake Trout, also known as Siscowet, which lives primarily in the Great Lakes region of North America.

While salmon trout may resemble salmon in appearance they belong to entirely different genus and species. Salmon are of the genus Oncorhynchus while salmon trout belong to the genus Salvelinus.

Characteristics of Salmon Trout

Salmon trout share some similarities with salmon but have some distinctive characteristics as well. Here are some of the defining features of salmon trout:

• Flesh Color – Unlike the trademark pink/orange flesh of salmon, salmon trout has a lighter pink colored flesh with white spots throughout.

• Flavor – While both fish have a rich, delicious flavor, salmon trout tends to taste slightly milder than traditional salmon.

• Size – Salmon trout are much smaller than salmon, growing to around 2 feet long while salmon can reach up to 4 feet in length.

• Habitat – Salmon trout live exclusively in freshwater lakes while salmon migrate and spend part of their lives in the ocean.

• Bones – Salmon trout has a thicker, heavier bone structure compared to the more delicate bones of salmon.

Comparing Salmon Trout to Salmon

While salmon trout share the name “salmon”, they differ from true salmon in a few key ways:

• Genus – Salmon are Oncorhynchus while salmon trout are Salvelinus.

• Habitat – Salmon trout live entirely in freshwater while salmon migrate to the ocean.

• Size – Salmon grow much larger than salmon trout. A Chinook salmon can reach 100 pounds while salmon trout max out around 15 pounds.

• Lifespan – Most salmon species die after spawning while salmon trout can continue living and breeding for many years.

• Flesh Color – Salmon have that iconic pink/orange hue while salmon trout flesh is lighter pink with white spots.

• Flavor – Salmon trout tend to taste mildly compared to the rich, robust flavor of salmon.

So while salmon trout may look like salmon, they have some definite distinctions when it comes to genetics, habitat, size, lifespan, color, and taste.

Unique Attributes of Salmon Trout

What makes salmon trout special compared to other fish? Here are some of the unique attributes of this species:

• Two Forms – Salmon trout have a lake-dwelling form and a migratory sea-run form called steelhead trout. Steelhead migrate to the ocean then return to freshwater to spawn like salmon.

• Cold Water Lovers – Salmon trout thrive in extremely cold waters – they are often the only fish found in the coldest lakes.

• Long Living – Unlike Pacific salmon, salmon trout can live for decades and continue reproducing. Some have been recorded living over 20 years.

• Late Maturing – Salmon trout usually don’t begin spawning until around age 4-7 while salmon spawn at age 2-3.

• Impressive Jumps – During spawning season, salmon trout can leap several feet out of the water while swimming upstream.

• Oily Flesh – The high oil content of salmon trout gives it a rich flavor and smooth, buttery texture when cooked.

• Sport Fishing Prize – The fighting spirit and tasty flesh of salmon trout make them a popular target for anglers around the world.

Confusion With Other Fish

Due to the name, salmon trout are often confused with a few other fish varieties:

• Rainbow Trout – Rainbow trout are sometimes called steelhead salmon but they are a different species. However, rainbow trout do have an anadromous, ocean-migrating form called steelhead trout.

• Brown Trout -Brown trout are a European trout species that is closely related to Atlantic salmon but they are not the same as salmon trout.

• Arctic Char – Salmon trout are sometimes called blueback trout, which is confusing since that name also refers to Arctic char. But Arctic char are a separate species.

• Atlantic Salmon – Atlantic salmon belong to the genus Salmo along with brown trout, but they are a distinct species from salmon trout.

So while several fish may have “salmon” or “trout” in their names, remember that only one is the true salmon trout.

Fishing for Salmon Trout

Salmon trout are a popular target for recreational fishermen as well as Native Americans who have traditionally depended on these fish for survival. Here are some tips for catching salmon trout:

• Fish during early morning, evening, or at night when they are most active.

• Look for them in very deep, cold waters near drop-offs and slopes.

• Use bait like nightcrawlers, minnows, or smelts fished near the bottom on a slip bobber rig.

• Try jigs, spoons, spinners, and plugs in bright colors to mimic baitfish.

• Fly fishing with streamers, wet flies, and nymphs can also be productive.

• Focus on spring and fall during spawning runs when salmon trout enter tributaries.

With their rich flavor, salmon trout are a delicious fish for the table. They can be baked, pan-fried, grilled, smoked, or used in chowders and dips. The flesh holds up well to a variety of cooking methods.