Unique and rare, Aurora trout are known to be native to only two small lakes (Whitepine and Whirlygig) in Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada.
These trout look very similar to brook trout (size, color, etc.), except that they lack spots on their body.
Aurora trout were first identified as a separate species in 1925 by an American scientist. However in 1967, the original classification material was reviewed by taxonomists who determined that aurora trout were really a subspecies of brook trout (and not a distinct species). This reclassification has been generally accepted by all taxonomists today.
In the 1950's, these trout were close to extinction due to acid rains caused by the smelting industry. But a manager of a local hatchery captured nine aurora trout hoping to breed them and reintroduce them back into the lakes. Lime was added to the lakes to mitigate the acid rain problem (this raised the pH of the lake).
The plan was successful and aurora trout are not only bred and released into the Whitepine and Whirlygig lakes, but also 12 other lakes in the Ontario region - two of which now reproduce aurora trout naturally!
In 2000, aurora trout were designated an Endangered specie at risk by Environment Canada. They are protected under the federal Fisheries Act, which states that harassment, capture, trade and killing in Ontario are illegal activities.
The 12 lakes mentioned earlier that were stocked with aurora trout have been designated Fish Sanctuaries. As such, fishing is prohibited in these lakes, as well as in three non-native lakes.
However, anglers can enjoy limited fishing (with a license) in the nine other non-native lakes, although the use of live bait is strictly prohibited.
To learn more about aurora trout, click here.
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