Connecticut western news., 1895-07-11
THE BROWN OR GERMAN TROUT.

It Has Thriven Since It's Introduction In
 American StreamA.
 The first specimens of the von Behr, or brown, trout were planted about ten years ago in New York state streams after prolonged opposition and with considerable misgivings on the part of the most enthusiastic friends of the fish. From their native land in continental Europe came reports of the cannibalistic inclinations of these trout; how they killed and ate other species and their own young; how fish eggs were their favorite diet; how sluggish they were at maturity, and how unwilling to rise at a fly. In spite of discouraging reports the late Professor Baird secured ship ment of 25,000 eggs from Germany. About 10, 900 of these fell to the share of New York state and were planted in streams at Caledonia The same year some of the fry were liberated in the Pore Marquette river, in the far north ern part of Michigan.
 From the first the introduction of these trout was marked success. The specimens caught within two years after PIONO0 db ANthot th4 CO LII tiAC qualities claimed for the von Behr- that 1t grew with marvellous rapidity, throve on the food in American waters and was quick rising, savage fighting fish. In general shape the German trout resembles S. fontinalis very closely, but is not so deep from back to belly, and its tail is not so square, being we'll rounded at the corners. With its green ish brown, bronzed back, boldly dotted with black, it is a handsome if not Q brilliantly colored fish. One at least of its bad qualities seems to have been proved-that it will in short time ex- terminate the native brook trout from any stream in which both are found One reason for this is that the Won Behr grows to far greater size and weight than the s. fontinalis, full grown speci- mems sometimes reaching a weight of 80 pounds.
 Twelve pounds is the weight of the biggest yet caught in this country. Clear, fast flowing, cool streams are the natural haunts of this trout and pref erably such as have their outlet in a deep water lake. It is swift swimmer, powerful and very bold in pursuit of prey. In it's high leaps over rifts or log Instructions it resembles the salmon, though far less venturesome than the latter. During the early hours of morn ing and the twilight time all its feeding is done, and at noon it lies, seemingly dormant, hidden under overhanging banks and rocks. Like the native trout, it feeds on insects and their larv8, worms, small fish and tiny crustaceans.
 From April to October the fishing sea- son extends, and May, June and Sep tember are the best months. The fish rise freely to fly, small spoons, worms and minnows and are not fickle. Unless the river be too high or low or too muddy or violent storm is on you may always depend on fair creel of brown trout. They love the shadows of over hanging trees and seem never to be at home in an open, treeless meadow creek. They bite eagerly and must be hooked on the instant. A moments delay and it is an empty strike, but the fish will try for the bait again and again where s. fontinalis would bid you a scornful farewell
 For stocking preserves these trout are growing more and more in favor each year. In spring fed ponds and streams running water is best-having tenn perature not higher than 60 degrees F. they are sure to thrive. They must not be put in with the native brook trout, but they seem to get along on good terms with the big rainbow trout. To show how popular the Von Behr trout have have become in the few years since their arrival, one has only to scan the list of states in which they are now found New York, Pennsylvania, Mas. sachusetts, Missouri, Michigan, Mary. land, Virginia, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Colorado have streams stocked with them and several other states are experi. menting with them. As a food fish the Won Behr has no superior. Its flesh is firm and very digestible and nourishing, and its flavor, when insect fed, even more delicate than that of salmon. Its meat is deeper red than salmon, and being firmer keeps longer after killing. New York Sun.