This information is for educational purposes only. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824.
Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
TROUT VS SALMON FULL
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Michigan Sea Grant has a brochure and video that go into more detail on salmon and trout ID, along with a printable fact sheet for quick reference. Atlantic salmon have a single, straight row of poorly-developed vomerine teeth while brown trout have two staggered rows of vomerine teeth (see photo). This is not usually the case for Atlantic salmon, but the jaws of male Atlantic salmon change shape as they mature and maxillas of spawning-phase male Atlantics can be confused with brown trout.Ī more definitive characteristic for all seasons is the pattern of teeth in the middle of the roof of the mouth. Like largemouth bass, the maxilla of a brown trout extends beyond the eye. The length of the maxilla (upper jaw bone) is a good characteristic to use in spring. Brown or Atlantic?īoth brown trout and Atlantic salmon display quite a bit of variation in coloration and spotting, making it difficult for anglers to ID their catch. This separates them from coho salmon and all other Great Lakes salmon and trout, making it an important characteristic to use when identifying salmonines. Even small Age 1 Chinook salmon exhibit an elongated anal fin with a short first ray (less than 2/3 of the length of the base of the anal fin). Small Age 1 Chinook salmon have deeply forked, unspotted tails that gradually develop into square, spotted tails as they grow (see photos).įortunately, the shape of the anal fin remains consistent throughout a Chinook salmon’s life in the big lake.
Adult Chinook salmon have spotting on both lobes of the caudal fin, while coho salmon typically have spots only on the upper lobe (although spotting on both lobes is sometimes seen in coho, as well). To add to the confusion, tail spotting is not fully developed in small salmon. Note the lighter grey lower gums of the smaller fish. Gums of a 10.5-inch Chinook salmon (left) and an 11.75-inch Chinook salmon (right). However, very small Age 1 Chinook salmon may exhibit a lighter coloration in the lower jaw and could be mistaken for cohos (see photos). In adults, the gums of the lower jaw are typically black in Chinook salmon and white in coho salmon. The coloration of gums and spotting pattern on the caudal (tail) fin are often used to distinguish adult Chinook salmon (kings) from coho salmon. Spring fishing offers special challenges since brown trout are easily confused with Atlantic salmon, and small Age 1 Chinook salmon can be mistaken for cohos. For both of these projects, it is very important to correctly identify what species of fish you have caught.
On Lake Huron, Atlantic salmon are becoming a popular target following the expansion of stocking efforts in recent years.Īnglers on both lakes have been contributing to community science efforts including the Huron-Michigan Predator Diet Study and Great Lakes Angler Diary. Brown trout are a popular target at many northern and central Lake Michigan ports, while coho salmon are a big draw farther south. Pier, small boat, and surf fishing can be especially productive at this time of year since the shallows warm more quickly than offshore waters. April offers some fantastic fishing for salmon and trout.
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