Many folks have reached out to me as of late. They will send me a photo with a simple question. First let me say that I am not a fishing expert. Nor did I qualify for ICHTHYOLOGY 345 at Lycoming College. I do know the major differences between the Pennsylvania trouts, but it is getting awfully difficult to determine whether a Brown is wild or stocked. The online forums are no different. The posts and threads are rather interesting. Many times, the responses are split 50/50. Some of their reasonings are downright hilarious.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, as well as several others, have gotten quite good at their craft and have stocked some gorgeous trout. Yes. It is very difficult to know what’s wild or stocked. Honestly a fish is a fish. And I don’t really care. But catching a wild brown on a fly is pretty neat.

Here are a few things to look for to help you make the call.

Location is key. Perhaps it is the most obvious. Wild browns are usually only found in healthy waterways. Some have migratory natures, and they will travel some distances. But your location is a good clue to whether it’s wild or stocked. They can and will grow big. But most of the wilds I catch are small. Like the photo above.

A majority of the wild Browns will have a black spot behind the eye. Take it to the bank. If it has one, then this fish was born in the stream. Please don’t confuse this with a blue spot. These markings are common in both wild and stocked trout. A holdover or a seasoned fish may develop these characteristics over time. Again. It is very difficult.

Wild trout are generally firm and lack the ‘belly’ seen in stocked fish. Hatchery trout are fed high protein and fat pellets that help them grow. They feed them well and will sometimes look more robust.

Take a good look at the fins. Hatchery fish get beat up in the raceways where they live. Their fins will sometimes grow in a distorted manner. They appear thick and almost rubbery. A wild stream bred brown will generally have near perfect fins.

A stocked brown will have many gray tones throughout its body. A wild fish exhibits more vivid colors. They will tend to have a yellowish belly, bright red spots, a distinct, red-tipped adipose fin. But be careful. Once a stocked brown gets acclimated, their colors will start to mature within a few months after stocking. It is always important to look at the overall coloration of the fish. Not just one part in particular.

Please remember that no two trout streams are the same. Determining whether a fish is wild or stocked is easier said than done. Continue to keep sending me those photos. And hopefully this article will help. Cheers.