Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus)

Bull Trout or Salvelinus confluentus are found exclusively in North America in places like British Columbia, Washington State, Oregon, Montana, Idaho and parts of Nevada. These fish used to be known as Dolly Varden, but around 1980 the Dolly Varden was re-classified as Salvelinus malma. Unfortunately, like many other species on our planet, Bull Trouts are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.Bull Trout are a species of Char that can grow to about 41" (103cm) in length and can weigh up to 32lbs (14.5kg). These fish can be distinguished from other Char by their rather large head and mouth. They also lack the spots on their dorsal fins that their close relative the Brook Trout has. Bull Trout also have yellow or orange spots on their backs and don't have a forked tail fin like the Lake Trout. You can check out a more footage of the Bull Trout as well as some fantastic scenery from Western Canada in the video below...

One of the reasons that the Bull Trout is listed as endangered, is that they have a very specific habitat demand. Water temperatures of below 55F (14C) is required as well as clean gravel beds and nice deep pools. Cold lakes and large rivers are they favorite areas to inhabit. Since these fish will often migrate to spawn, man made dams have severely hampered their ability to reproduce. These freshwater fish begin their lives feeding on zooplankton, but as they grow larger their diet turns mostly to small fish and Salmon eggs. If you have any additional information about the Bull Trout leave us a comment below!

Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush)

The Lake Trout or Salvelinus namaycush is one of the most popular Trout species and is renowned for its fine flavor. This freshwater fish is found in many deep lakes in the northern parts of North America including the Great Lakes. Lake Trout go by many different names depending on where you are, these include Salmon Trout, Mackinaw, Lake Charr, Touladi, Togue, Grey Trou, Siscowet, Paperbellies and Leans.

These fish can reach weights exceeding 100lbs, but they rarely reach these sizes, because Lake Trout are slow growers that don't reach sexual maturity until about 6 years old, living to over 25 years old. They have two dorsal fins and light spots on their dark gray bodies. The Lake Trout's lower fins have white on their edges. You can check out a large Lake Trout in the video below..

If you are fishing for Lake Trout keep in mind that this species of Charr are found in shallow waters of about 13 feet in the spring and fall, but are found much deeper in the summer and winter. They have even been caught at depths exceeding 150'! Lake Trout will feed on smelt, crustaceans, insects and other small fish depending on where they are in this huge range in depth. If you have any additional information about Lake Trout including fishing tips and recipes feel free to share with the world...

Arctic Charr (Salvelinus alpinus)

The Arctic Charr or Salvelinus alpinus not only has the ability to survive in both freshwater and saltwater, but it also can survive EXTREME cold.  Living farther north then any other known fish, these edible fish are native to the Arctic and Sub-Arctic areas.  They have also been reported in deep, cold glacial lakes in Scotland, Iceland and even Siberia, where they are known as Golets. Other names including Charr, Blueback Trout, Ilkalupik, Martson Trout, Quebec Red Trout, Silver Trout, Sunapee Trout, and White Trout.  They can weigh in at about 20lbs maximum. 

Arctic Charr are part of the Salmon and Trout family Salmonidae sharing a lot of the same characteristics. They are usually dark with a lighter belly. Their tail's are forked, and during spawning these fish will become brightly colored. Turning pink or orange on their bellies, with blue or brown backs. Their fins will also be brightly colored during the spawning process.

Arctic Charr are commercially farmed and easily caught in the wild as well. Once caught or bought it at the store, you will find out that the Arctic Charr has a delicious flavor. The Monterey Bay Aquarium "Seafood Watch" program has recently added farmed Arctic char as an environmentally sustainable Best Choice for consumers, stating: "Arctic char use only a moderate amount of marine resources for feed. In addition, Arctic char are farmed in land-based, closed systems that minimize the risk of escape into the wild."  You can watch some Arctic Charr underwater below in the video.


If you have any additional information about the Arctic Charr that you would like to share please leave us a comment below...