All About Michigan

The Brook Trout: Michigan's State Fish

Michigan designated the Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) as the official state fish in 1988. They have a long, streamlined body with a large mouth that extends past its eye. Colors include olive, blue-gray or black above with a silvery white belly and wormlike markings (called vermiculations) along the back. They have red spots sometimes surrounded by bluish halos on their sides. The lower fins have a white front edge with black and the remainder being a reddish orange. The tail fin is square or rarely slightly forked.

The brook trout is native to Michigan’s waters. They can be found throughout most of the state in many creeks, streams, rivers, lakes and in the Great Lakes.

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