Sea Trout (Salmo trutta)

Sea Trout (Salmo trutta)

Liam Ellis fishing Lough Currane had the heaviest specimen Sea Trout of 2010

Liam Ellis fishing Lough Currane had the heaviest specimen Sea Trout of 2010

Specimen weight: 2.722 kg (6 lb).
Record weight: 16lb 6oz Shimna River, Co. Down, 1983.

A very gamey fish which is a smaller cousin of the salmon. But whereas salmon remain in freshwater once they run a river seatrout may run in and out a number of times. Often a microscopic examination of scales is needed to differentiate a salmon from a seatrout. Finnock (fish which spend a few months at sea) or 1 Sea winter trout (fish that spend a full year at sea) dominate catches in Ireland. Lough Currane in Co. Kerry is one of the best sea trout waters in Europe.

Features:

Similar to salmon in colour but more thickset and often heavily spotted on flanks.

Spawning:

Eggs laid in redds (gravel nests) om flwoing water in winter.

Fecundity:

600 eggs per lb.

Longevity (age):

They have a maximum life-span of 12 to 15 years.

Diet:

Sandeels, prawns and shrimp at sea, insects in freshwater.

Best Angling Methods:

Dependant on water conditions. The best flyfishing is often after dark. Are regularly caught at sea and estuaries are popular locations in some areas (Rivver Moy, Erne).

Best Baits:

Traditonal flies, spinners and worm as conditions and rules allow.

Best Times to Fish Sea Trout
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
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Note: ★ Good time to fish Sea Trout      ★ ★Very good time to fish Sea Trout