Land O' Sky TU would like to extend special thanks to Duane Raver for the use of his beautiful and realistic trout illustrations on this website.


Brook Trout is the only species of trout native to Western North Carolina. Known as "spec" or "speckled trout" by mountain folk, the brook is not a true trout, but a "char." Historically this species was found from Canada south to north Georgia. Brook trout in WNC rarely live more than 4 years, and seldom exceed 8-9 inches.

Brown trout attain the largest size of any of the game species in the area. They usually inhabit streams in lower elevations and prefer slower waters and areas with good cover. This species was brought to the United States from Europe. Brown trout can live 8-12 years. Most brown trout caught by anglers are 6-12 inches. However, fish occasionally reach a maximum size of 29-30 inches and 9-11 pounds.

This trout is native to western North America, primarily the Northwest. Logging companies began stocking rainbow trout in area streams in 1910 Rainbow trout live 3-5 years. Most rainbow caught by anglers in the area are between 6-10 inches. Fish over 12 inches are rare.



About the Artist
Duane Raver has combined his interest in biology and art throughout his lifetime. He began working for the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission as a fisheries biologist in 1950 and was soon a regular contributor of artwork to Wildlife in North Carolina magazine. He joined the staff of the magazine in 1960 and in 1979 retired as editor of the publication to pursue a full-time freelance career in wildlife art. Raver paints all types of wildlife, but he is best known for his fishes. His paintings have been selected for the North Carolina Sportsman Stamp and prints in 1984, 1986, 1988, 1992 and 1997. His work has also served as illustration for several guidebooks on fish species. The N.C. Wildlife Federation has named him "Wildlife Artist of the Year" four times. Information about his prints and originals is available from Duane Raver, 910 Washington St., Cary, N.C. 27511.