Danish anglers love sea trout and salmon - we understand that. We also understand that it can be difficult to tell the two apart if you are new to fishing. That is why we have created this guide, which describes the similarities and differences between the fish.
The spawning season of sea trout and salmon
The sea trout is an anadromous salmonid that migrates from saltwater to freshwater. When the fish migrates up the river, it begins to change appearance and assumes its spawning plumage.
The sea trout goes from being shiny and glossy to becoming more brownish with red hues.
The same applies to the salmon's spawning plumage, where the red and purple colors are even more pronounced.
There is also a difference between males and females. The females' spawning color is less pronounced than the males'.
Sea trout vs salmon
Characteristics of the sea trout: The sea trout is a more compact fish than the salmon, the base of the tail is thicker and it has dots below the lateral line.
The salmon's characteristics: the forked tail, a narrow tail and no dots or very few dots below the lateral line.
There are distinct differences between sea trout and salmon, which make them quite easy to tell apart. Salmon's spots are also often more square, while sea trout's are often round.
During salmon fishing in West Jutland , you will certainly experience catching both species, which is why it is important to be able to tell the difference.
Many of the salmon streams operate with special protection for sea trout, as the number of catches has decreased significantly in recent years - this applies to almost all systems, but remember to check the rules for the water you are going to fish in.
Dots below the sideline
Sea trout have dots below the lateral line, salmon rarely do.
There are other differences between sea trout and salmon, but this one is very pronounced.
The tail
The tail itself and the rudder are a good way to tell the difference between sea trout and salmon.
If you're just starting out with salmon fishing, you may need more characteristics to be able to tell the difference.
Even with larger salmon, you can relatively easily get wood around the tail, while this is more difficult with sea trout, which are typically stronger in the body and around the tail. However, it is also possible to lift larger sea trout by the tail.
The rudder itself is split on a salmon, as seen in the picture below. Although the tail here is "held together", it can be seen that it forms a V.
The sea trout's tail rudder likes to form a D.
Other differences between salmon and sea trout
We have fished a lot for both sea trout and salmon, and there are many differences between the two fish that you can't immediately see.
The fish are in different places and generally act differently.
Salmon are very rarely caught on the Danish coast, but they do happen. However, both fish migrate up many of the same rivers and they like to take the same flies.
They fight differently
The sea trout likes to roll on the surface as soon as you hook it. The salmon acts completely differently and likes to start the fight with a run.
Typically, a fight with a sea trout in a stream is that it goes deep and then jerks quite a lot. In contrast, the salmon often makes a more even pull and with more explosive exits. Typically, the salmon will feel significantly stronger/wilder than a sea trout.
Both fish are good fighters, but the salmon is the one of the two known for the longest runs - not surprising when you look at its streamlined body.
The body of the salmon looks completely different in some foreign rivers, especially where the current is stronger. Here the streamlined shape is even more pronounced. In the Bjerkreimselven the salmon body is very slender, while in the slowly flowing Björa (a tributary to the Namsen) it is very compact.
Sea trout also like to spawn, especially during fly fishing on the coast You will experience them "running away" and jumping free of the water.
They hide in different places.
IN In our guide to salmon fishing in Denmark , we explain in depth where the salmon hide in the stream.
The difference between salmon and sea trout hiding places is often where in the stream they are located. Sea trout will typically be in calmer water than salmon.
However, that doesn't mean they can't choose the same pitches.
You may want to watch our video below, which goes into the salmon's locations.
What is a skipper?
A skipper is a sea trout that skips a spawning period, hence the name.
When we talk about skippers, they are large, shiny fish that are typically caught on the outer coast.
To be a real jumper, the fish must be over 60 centimeters long and in good condition.
What is a Greenlander then?
A Greenlander is an immature sea trout, which therefore does not spawn that year.
Greenland halibut are caught both on the coast and in the stream, and are basically similar to skipjack tuna, only much smaller.
Both Greenlanders and skippers place high demands on anglers, their patience and clothing .
They must be "hunted" during the cold months, when there are longer intervals between the willing fish, but if you find them, there is the possibility of a unique experience.
Crack and break
We hope you were able to use our guide.
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