| Bull Trout |
Appearance: |
Bull Trout can weigh up to ten kilograms and measure 30 to 70 centimeters in length. The name was inspired by the large head and jaws in comparison to its body. The key to identifying this species is the absence of black spots on its dorsal fin. |
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Food and Lifespan: |
The bull trout feeds on insects and other fish species, especially Rocky Mountain Whitefish. They live up to twenty years of age. |
| Status: |
At one time, Bull Trout were common to all the major river systems flowing from the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains as far as Alberta's prairie and parkland. |
When anglers began stocking streams with new species in the early 1900's, many saw Bull Trout as unwanted predators that fed on the more flavoured species. They removed large Bull Trout to improve the survival of other fish. |
During the last 25 years, Bull Trout numbers have declined even more, primarily as a result of overfishing. |
This species is not in immediate danger of extinction in Alberta but could easily disappear from some lakes and streams. If a Bull Trout is caught here in Alberta, it must be released unharmed. |
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