How to Identify the Bull Trout

No Black, Put it Back!
Bull trout and brook trout look very much alike; it is crucial for anglers to know the difference. Brook trout have black dots on the dorsal fin while bull trout do not. Bull trout have a white leading edge on their fins while brook trout have a white edge set off with a black line. Bull trout have pale yellow spots on the back and red or orange spots on the sides. The tail is slightly forked while brook trout tails are nearly square. Brook trout have wavy lines on the back and dorsal fin and red spots with blue halos on the sides. Remember--be fish friendly--always fish with barbless hooks, do not use treble hooks.