At one point, PEI was world renowned for its brook trout and related recreational fishery.
Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) are commonly found in small streams, creeks, lakes, and spring ponds, particularly those that are clean and well-oxygenated.
Brook trout display a range of colours, from green to brown, with red dots circled by blue halos on the flank, and bright red or orange on the belly area. At full size, they can be anywhere from seven to 20 inches and weigh up to seven pounds or more.
Brook trout spawn in late summer or early autumn, typically in a river area with loose gravel. After clearing a spot in the gravel, the female releases anywhere from 700 to 900 eggs per lb. of fish weight. Once the male fertilizes the eggs, the female covers them with more gravel for protection. In the spring, the eggs hatch and release the tiny fish, known as fry. These fry get nutrients from their yolk sac before retreating to an area of shallow water where they seek protection from aquatic plants until they can mature.
