The Aurora Trout, (Salvelinus fontinalis timagamiensis), is a variant or subspecies of the brook trout native and found in two lakes in the Temagami District of Ontario, Canada, part of northern Canada. The Aurora Trout is the rarest trout or all trout and considered to be one of the rarest fish species.

The Aurora Trout is considered the most beautiful trout in the world.

Its rarity is a result of its limited distribution. In fact, it can only be found in a few lakes and rivers in northern Ontario, Canada.

Until 1923, no one had any clue that the Aurora Trout even existed until four anglers from the United States were on a fishing trip. They were fishing the Lady Evelyn River system. Being experienced fisherman, they recognized that the Aurora Trout was different from other trout species, but they were unsure what species it was. After all, it has a distinctive look.

They brought the Aurora Trout back to Pittsburgh where Dr. Arthur Henn was employedto identify the Aurora Trout as a separate species (Salvelinus timagamiensis).

However, in 1967, the Aurora Trout was identified as a sub species of the Brook Trout so there is some literature that refers to the Aurora Trout under its first name identified by Dr. Arthur.

Aurora Trout Extinction Status

Normally, any species with such a limited distribution would be considered on the verge of extinction. But, as the Aurora Trout is only a subspecies, it took until 2000 for Environment Canada to classify this subspecies and endangered. However, very few literature even recognises this status outside of Canada.

Furthermore, the federal Ministry of Natural Resources has classified Whitepine Lake and Whirlygig Lake as fish sanctuaries so no fishing is not permitted.

The Aurora Trout can is found in other lakes and rivers in Ontario, but due to its endangered status, please practice catch and release techniques when fishing in their distribution.

Aurora Trout All Tackle Record

The World Record Aurora Trout was taken out of Carol Lake, northern Ontario in 2002. The lake has been closed since then and stocking has continued every year. The lake reopened in August, 2008 before closing again until 2012.

Aurora Trout Food Preferences

Aurora Trout have the same food preferences as Brook Trout. They will eat whatever is available. Common foods include various species of minnows like fathead minnows and golden shiners. They will even eat young bass, trout and even their own species.

Insects also make up an important part of their diet. They will eat any winged insect from mayflies to mosquitoes. They will eat grasshoppers and snails.

They will also eat small mammals that are found in the water including small mice or rats. Frogs also make up their diet, though a very small part of it and even snakes have been found in their stomachs. Bait fish and insects make up the bulk of their diet.

Aurora Trout Habitat

Aurora Trout are not found in water that exceeds 68F/C. If water goes above that, they will head deeper in to pool and rifts in rivers and deeper into lakes and ponds.

While they can tolerate temperatures just above 68F, they can’t survive in it for one periods of time, which is why they are found in northern Ontario.

Aurora Trout Fishing Techniques

As Aurora Trout are a sub species of the Brook Trout, they can be aught with the sae fishing techniques as Brook Trout, please see our Brook Trout pages for fishing techniques.