wild trout

Wild trout are trout that reproduce naturally in streams, rivers, or lakes, as opposed to hatchery-raised fish stocked by wildlife agencies.

The distinction matters to anglers, who often prize wild trout for their wariness and the quality of habitat they indicate: This stretch holds only wild trout.

Wild trout populations serve as indicators of ecosystem health, since the fish require clean, cold, well-oxygenated water to thrive.