Native Trout of Pennsylvania: Protecting Our Coldwater Heritage
Pennsylvania is home to one of the most iconic freshwater species in North America: the Eastern Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). As the state’s only native trout, the brook trout is more than just a beautiful fish—it’s a symbol of clean water, healthy forests, and a thriving natural heritage.
A Keystone Species
Brook trout require the coldest, cleanest, and clearest waters to survive. They thrive in small headwater streams shaded by healthy riparian forests and cooled by underground springs. Because of their sensitivity to temperature and pollution, brook trout are considered an important indicator of overall stream health.
Current Challenges
Once widespread throughout Pennsylvania, native brook trout populations have declined significantly due to:
- Habitat fragmentation from roads, culverts, and dams
- Deforestation and loss of streamside vegetation
- Abandoned mine drainage (AMD) and pollution
- Development and stormwater runoff
- Competition from non-native trout species
Despite these challenges, brook trout continue to persist in hundreds of miles of headwater streams across the state—especially in the northern and central Appalachian regions.
Our Commitment to Brook Trout
At Pennsylvania Trout Unlimited, protecting native brook trout is at the heart of our mission. Our members and chapters engage in:
- Stream habitat restoration
- Riparian tree plantings
- Water quality monitoring
- Advocacy for better land-use practices
- Education and outreach about native species conservation
By safeguarding brook trout habitat, we’re not just protecting a single species—we’re preserving entire ecosystems and clean water resources for future generations.