What is Salmon Trout? Unraveling the Mystery of this Unique Hybrid Fish

Salmon trout are fish that are a cross between the salmon and trout species. Salmon trout do exist naturally in some places where salmon and trout’s habitats overlap, but they are not very common. The resulting fish combines physical and behavioral traits of both parent species.

In this article we’ll uncover the details around these unique salmon-trout hybrids including

• How salmon trout occur in the wild
• Characteristics of salmon trout
• Differences between salmon trout and tiger trout
• Places salmon trout are found
• Salmon trout behavior
• Salmon trout as a game fish
• Raising salmon trout in fish hatcheries

Let’s dive in and demystify this fascinating cross between two iconic fish species

How Do Salmon Trout Occur Naturally?

Salmon trout are born when two different species, usually a female salmon and a male trout, spawn together and have babies. It doesn’t happen often, but salmon and trout can mate in places where their spawning grounds overlap.

For fertilization to occur, the salmon and trout need to be spawning at the same place and time. Trout typically spawn in smaller streams and rivers in the fall, while salmon enter larger rivers and tributaries in the spring and fall to spawn.

If conditions align, a female salmon could deposit her eggs in a stream where a male trout later fertilizes them, or vice versa. The resulting offspring exhibit a mix of characteristics from both parents.

Unique Characteristics of Salmon Trout

The look and behavior of salmon trout are a mix of trout and salmon traits.

Some key characteristics of salmon trout include:

• Streamlined, torpedo-shaped body of salmon
• Smaller average size compared to salmon parents
• Ability to thrive in both freshwater and saltwater
• Migratory behavior, moving between fresh and saltwater
• Spotting patterns that resemble trout
• Pink to orange colored flesh like salmon
• High omega-3 fatty acid content

Essentially, salmon trout combine the smaller size, migratory urge, and ocean survival of salmon with the appearance and behaviors of trout. Their varied characteristics reflect the diversity of their parental lineages.

How Do Salmon Trout Differ from Tiger Trout?

Tiger trout are another salmonid hybrid, however they are produced by crossing brook trout and brown trout – both trout species. Tiger trout do not have any salmon parentage.

While tiger trout occur naturally on very rare occasions, most are bred intentionally in hatcheries. Salmon trout, in contrast, occur naturally where salmon and trout habitat overlaps.

Unlike tiger trout, salmon trout exhibit migratory behaviors and the ability to thrive in both fresh and saltwater. Their pink-hued flesh also comes from their salmon ancestry, whereas tiger trout retain the white/pale flesh of trout.

Where Are Salmon Trout Found?

Salmon trout occur primarily where trout and salmon both spawn in the same streams and rivers. This includes areas like:

• Coastal streams along the Pacific Northwest
• Great Lakes tributaries
• Northern Atlantic rivers in Canada and the U.S.

The most common salmon trout hybrids are crosses between brown trout or brook trout and Atlantic salmon. However, Pacific salmon like coho and pink salmon may also occasionally spawn with native trout such as cutthroat, rainbow, and Dolly Varden.

Most salmon trout are the result of natural hybridization in the wild, although some intentional crosses are made in hatcheries as well. Overall, wild salmon trout remain relatively uncommon compared to pure trout and salmon species.

Behavioral Traits of Salmon Trout

Salmon trout exhibit a mix of behavioral traits passed down from their parental lineages.

Like salmon, salmon trout are migratory – they hatch in small freshwater streams before migrating to larger rivers, lakes, or the ocean to feed and mature. When ready to spawn, they will return to their natal streams.

During their time in rivers and the ocean, salmon trout display aggressive feeding behaviors similar to trout, ambushing and pursuing prey. They primarily eat other fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans.

In terms of spawning behavior, salmon trout create redds and deposit eggs in gravel areas the same as salmon do. This sets them apart from trout that broadcast their eggs across the stream bed.

Salmon Trout as a Popular Game Fish

The hybrid vigor of salmon trout makes them a popular game fish for anglers in areas where they occur. They put up an impressive fight compared to their size and are known for making powerful runs when hooked.

Average salmon trout caught by anglers are around 12-20 inches long and 1-5 pounds. However, the migratory strains that travel to lakes and the ocean can reach larger sizes upwards of 10+ pounds.

Salmon trout will take a variety of bait, flies, and lures, adding to their appeal as sport fish. Local fishing regulations apply for catch limits and seasons.

Raising Salmon Trout in Fish Hatcheries

While salmon trout occur naturally, they are also bred intentionally in some fish hatcheries. By crossing salmon and trout lines, hatcheries aim to produce a fish that combines the best traits of both species.

Hatchery-raised salmon trout tend to be more uniform in appearance and behavior than wild salmon trout, since pure genetic lines are used for breeding.

Typical hatchery crosses include brook trout x Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout x kokanee salmon. The resulting salmon trout are stocked in lakes and streams for anglers to catch.