Brown trout are native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa.
As a result, it has had a longer association with anglers than any other trout. It is a favorite species and has a reputation for being difficult to catch. Because of its enormous popularity as a sports fish in Europe, the brown trout has been heavily transplanted throughout the world, following European expansion and settlement. It is now found on every continent except Antarctica. The brown trout was first introduced into Alberta in 1924, and now occurs in many foothill streams and lakes throughout the province.