LEAPING HUNTER ON THE WATER

A fierce predator of smaller fish and invertebrates, the Brown trout, Salmo trutta, can often be glimpsed in spring and summer, its shimmering body surging from the water as it attempts to catch a mayfly from the air. The populations are confined to freshwater habitats, such as streams, rivers and lakes, while Sea trout migrates to oceans for much of its life, returning to fresh water to spawn. In recent years, the Brown trout and Sea trout have been recognised as the same species, the difference being that only the latter is migratory. They are easily identified by their silvery-brown or golden hue, with darker, reddish-brown spots on their back and sides, and a creamy yellow underbelly. The Brown trout can live for up to 20 years and can weigh up to 2st 4lb (15kg) when fully matured.