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.
Brown trout are reasonably distinct and easy to identify.
They are light brown or golden overall, darker on the back and lighter towards the belly. This species is unique as it has both dark spots and red spots on the body, distinguishing it from other species of trout and char in the area. Rainbow and cutthroat have black spots only, while brook and bull trout have pink spots only. Other distinguishing characters of brown trout are the square tail with few spots and the upper jaw extending to the back edge of the eye. Brown trout feed on small invertebrates and insects initially, taking larger food items as they grow, and feeding increasingly on small fish.