Brook trout is the only trout native to Maryland waters.
Key distinguishing markings are cream colored spots on a dark background. All other trout species in Maryland have dark spots on a light background. They have a white leading edge followed by a black streak with the rest of the fin displaying various shades of red, orange and yellow. Brook trout are native to eastern Canada and northeastern United States and extended as far west as eastern Minnesota. Their original range also included the Appalachian Mountains where they are still found in many high elevation streams as far south as Georgia.