Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) live in regions throughout New England, including Connecticut. These trout have gray and green scales with cream or yellow spots. Large lake trout weigh up to 60 lbs., but most specimens reach weights around 6 lbs. Lake trout grow over 2 feet when fully mature. These fish may also be identified by their forked caudal fin and orangish or red lower fins. For reproduction, lake trout lay eggs on substrate -- cobblestones and gravel -- at the bottom of lakes. Lake trout eggs take approximately four to six months to hatch.
Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) dwell in the state's streams and rivers. Most brook trout grow up to 13 inches, while the largest specimens reach lengths of 16 inches. This trout species has a dark brown or black color base with pale spots all over the top half of its body. A brook trout's lower body features bright orange and olive-yellow scales. Brook trout breed in the late fall when water temperatures decrease. Most brook trout live between four to six years; brook trout fully mature by the time they are 2 years old.
Brown trout (Salmo trutta) are native to Europe and Great Britain, but were introduced to most states in the United States, including Connecticut. The top half of brown trout is dark brown or olive green, while the sides are cream or yellow. Black spots cover this fish's upper half; however, this fish does not have spots on its tail. The average length of brown trout is 12 to 14 inches long. Similarly to brook trout, the brown trout mates and breeds in the autumn. Brown trout are able to tolerate more types of habitats than brook trout, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
All three Connecticut trout species have similar eating habits. They are carnivorous and eat fish eggs, insects and crustaceans. Larger trout include frogs and small fish in their diets. Trout feed at night and retreat to deeper waters during the day. Trout species are cold-water fish and live in bodies of water with temperatures ranging below 65 degrees.