During the last ice ages, trout exhibited migratory behavior similar to that of salmon and steelhead in the Pacific Ocean, moving between freshwater streams and larger bodies of water. This migration facilitated gene flow among trout populations. However, as the ice age ended and waters warmed, trout became confined to their respective streams of origin, leading to their genetic divergence.
Today, Türkiye is home to at least 6 notable species within the Salmo genus and approximately 15 recognized subspecies of trout fish. This incredible diversity makes the country a fascinating location for scientific research and an exciting destination for dedicated sport fisherman.
Salmonids, a family of fish comprising over 200 species, hold significant economic value due to their esteemed taste and sporting appeal. Among these, the genus Salmo is particularly well-represented in Türkiye, inhabiting rivers and streams across the Marmara, Black, Aegean, and Mediterranean basins. In Türkiye alone, Salmo is represented by 22 distinct species, making the country a hotspot for trout diversity.
Salmonids are predominantly found in mountain lakes, headwaters, and the upper reaches of rivers and streams. However, some trout species exhibit an anadromous lifestyle, meaning they spend a considerable portion of their lives in the sea but return to freshwater to reproduce. These predatory fish primarily feed on small crustaceans, aquatic insects, and smaller fish, playing a crucial role in their ecosystems.
Throughout the northern hemisphere, trout streams are celebrated for their scenic beauty and abundant fishing opportunities. The Rocky Mountains, European Alps, Balkans, and Scandinavian Peninsula are well-known among anglers. However, Türkiye’s geographical and ecological diversity surpasses these famous locations in terms of trout species variety.
Türkiye is home to some of the richest diversity of trout in the world. Its unique geography has led to more rapid speciation of its endemic trout species compared to other regions. With a handful of verified trout species and over a dozen subspecies that may receive species classification in the coming years, the opportunities to discover one-of-a-kind trout are plentiful.
Despite being an underrated trout fishing destination, Türkiye’s unique hydrology has fostered an exceptional level of trout speciation. With river systems draining into the Black Sea, Caspian Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Sea of Marmara, and Persian Gulf, trout populations have been isolated for millennia, leading to the development of distinct species and subspecies.
In addition to its rich trout diversity, Türkiye also boasts an impressive variety of streams. From low-gradient spring creeks to streams meandering over sandstone bedrock and deep canyon ravines of the Taurus Mountains, each waterway presents a unique challenge to visiting anglers. While fly fishing remains relatively uncommon in Türkiye, the country’s diverse river systems provide ample opportunities for anglers of all skill levels, from small creeks to larger rivers teeming with trout fish.
Before we dive into the species, we need to explain the regions of the country so you can get a better overview of each species locations. Türkiye is geographically divided into seven distinct regions, each offering unique habitats for its diverse trout species.
The Aegean and Mediterranean regions are home to trout thriving in clear, cool streams and rivers flowing from mountainous areas.
The Black Sea region, with its lush, rain-fed rivers, supports species like the Rize trout.
Central Anatolia hosts trout in its high-altitude streams and reservoirs, while Eastern Anatolia is known for its cold, fast-flowing rivers, ideal for species such as the Caspian trout.
The Marmara region, though more urbanized, still has pockets of freshwater ecosystems supporting trout.
Lastly, Southeastern Anatolia provides unique habitats in its warmer, arid climate, where trout adapt to specific river systems. These regions collectively highlight Türkiye’s rich diversity of trout and their unique environments.
The Black Sea Region of Turkey is home to unique and diverse trout species, thriving in its river systems and high-altitude lakes. The region’s northern drainages feed into the Black Sea, supporting several distinct trout lineages, each adapted to its specific habitat. Steep canyons protect many of these streams from excessive angling pressure, while reservoirs and dams have altered some of the larger rivers, segmenting their populations.
The region remains a haven for trout, particularly in the pristine headwaters of the Çoruh, Güneysu and Karasu Rivers, as well as the alpine lakes that sustain populations of native and stocked trout. The four most notable trout fish species found in the Black Sea drainages are the Coruh Trout (Salmo coruhensis), the Rize Trout (Salmo rizeensis), the Abant Trout (Salmo abanticus) and the newly discovered Fahrettin Trout (Salmo fahrettini). Each species possesses distinctive characteristics and behaviors, making them valuable to Türkiye’s aquatic biodiversity.
The Coruh Trout is one of the most visually striking members of the Salmo genus, featuring an array of vibrant red spots speckled across its dorsal fin and body. This species is primarily found in the headwaters of the Çoruh River, just north of Erzurum, Türkiye. The Çoruh River, which carves through steep canyons, hosts a network of narrow reservoirs and smaller tributary streams where the trout thrive.
The Çoruh Trout favors the smaller creeks and upper tributaries of the Çoruh River, which are characterized by an endless series of plunge pools, cascades, and small waterfalls. These waters provide ideal conditions for the trout to ambush prey. Unlike many other Turkish trout species, the Coruh Trout is highly responsive to dry flies and readily feeds on the surface throughout the day, particularly during hatches of caddisflies and mayflies in the warmer months.
Sharing the Çoruh River drainage with the Coruh Trout, the Rize Trout also inhabits the headwaters of the Fırtına, Ovit and Güneysu Rivers. Although the two species are morphologically similar and may be subspecies of one another, there are subtle distinctions in their coloration and behavior.
Like the Coruh Trout, Rize Trout thrive in high-gradient streams with clear, cold waters and abundant oxygen. They are often found in the same stretches of water as Coruh Trout, exhibiting similar feeding patterns. Their diet consists largely of aquatic insects, with caddisflies playing a significant role in their seasonal feeding frenzies. The pristine, rugged environments of the Black Sea tributaries provide sanctuary for these trout, allowing them to maintain stable populations despite human disturbances such as dam construction.
Unlike the Coruh and Rize Trout, which inhabit flowing waters, the Abant Trout is a lake-dwelling species originally native to Lake Abant, a small freshwater body southeast of Istanbul. Although it was historically confined to this location, it has been successfully introduced to several alpine lakes across northern Türkiye, where it has established stable populations.
The Abant Trout differs significantly from its river-dwelling relatives in both appearance and feeding habits. This species is known for growing to much larger sizes due to its diverse diet, which includes smaller fish, amphibians (frogs and salamanders), freshwater shrimp, and aquatic insects such as caddisflies and mayflies.
A newly recognized species, the Fahrettin Trout is found in select high-altitude Ömertepesuyu streams, a tributary of Karasu Stream and Euphrates River drainage in central Black Sea region. It is distinguished by its unique coloration and body shape, differing from other trout species in the region.
Fahrettin Trout inhabit cold, fast-flowing mountain streams with rocky substrates. They are highly adapted to harsh conditions and have a diet primarily consisting of aquatic insects and crustaceans. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the survival of this rare species.
Eastern Anatolia in Türkiye is home to five distinct trout species thriving in lush, vegetated rivers and headwater streams. The Caspian Sea drainages are desert oasis-like habitats, filled with blooming plants and aromatic herbs, are particularly prominent in spring and summer. The Aras River, originating near Kars, forms part of the Türkiye-Armenia border and supports Aras Trout (Salmo araxensis), while smaller streams in the north are home to pure-strain Caspian Trout (Salmo caspius). The region’s sandstone bedrock and fertile, vegetated streams create unique ecosystems for these trout.
Further east, the Kura River and its tributaries, flowing into the Caspian Sea, provide essential habitat for Ardahan Trout (Salmo ardahanensis). These waters feature a mix of slow-moving sections and fast-flowing rocky stretches, offering diverse conditions for trout to thrive. The upper Aras tributaries, resembling verdant gardens, are rich in scuds, mayflies, and caddisflies, providing abundant food sources. Meanwhile, the low-gradient streams of northeastern Türkiye, with their rolling green hills, host sparse but migratory trout populations that adapt to seasonal changes in water conditions.
Caspian Trout is a migratory species found in rivers that drain into the Caspian Sea. It is one of the largest trout species in Turkey and is known for its long-distance migrations and significant ecological role in the region.
Caspian Trout are anadromous, meaning they migrate between freshwater rivers and the Caspian Sea. Their lifecycle includes long-distance migrations, and they are often found in deep, fast-flowing waters. Due to overfishing and habitat destruction, their population has declined in recent years.
Native to the Aras River basin, is one of the most distinct trout species in the eastern Anatolia region, exhibiting a unique color pattern compared to its relatives. This species thrives in the cold, fast-flowing waters of eastern Anatolia. However, its population has declined due to habitat degradation and overfishing.
Aras Trout prefer the cooler, oxygen-rich waters of the Kırkpınar Stream, a tributary of Kars Stream, Aras River drainage. They are aggressive feeders, primarily preying on aquatic insects and small fish. Their populations remain stable due to the remote nature of their habitat. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect this species.
Endemic to select tributaries in the Caspian drainage, the Baliki Trout is a rare and isolated species with a limited range. It is described from Sinek stream, a tributary of Murat River, Euphrates River drainage.
Baliki Trout are found in small, well-vegetated streams like Stream Sinek, a tributary of Murat River, Euphrates River drainage with slow to moderate currents. Their diet consists mainly of freshwater shrimp, caddisflies, and small fish.
The Ardahan Trout gets its name from the Ardahan province, where it predominantly inhabits high-altitude streams such as the Toros stream, characterized by cold and well-oxygenated waters.
The Ardahan Trout is commonly residing in deep pools and beneath undercut banks within the mountain streams of Ardahan. Its diet comprises a diverse range of insects and crustaceans, and it exhibits a notable sensitivity to environmental shifts. Salmo ardahanensis is primarily found in the upper reaches of the Kura River drainage system. This species thrives in clear, fast-flowing waters with a substrate rich in stones and pebbles, offering optimal conditions for its survival.
Named after the Murat River, this trout species has developed remarkable adaptations to endure the extreme seasonal variations of its environment. Its body exhibits a grayish hue along the back and upper flank, transitioning to a yellowish tone on the lower flank and belly.
Murat Trout typically inhabit moderate-gradient streams with rocky substrates. Their diet largely depends on seasonal food sources, including insect hatches and drifting terrestrial insects. The species, Salmo murathani, is found in the streams of Keklik, Kızılçubuk, Arpaçay, and Maksutçuk (the Kars watershed) near the Sarıkamış district, as well as in Lake Çıldır.
In the remote southeast of Türkiye, the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers offer some of the world’s most unique trout habitats. These rivers, known as the cradle of human civilization, are home to four distinct trout species, including those native to the Indian Ocean drainage. The Tigris River, originating near Mount Ararat, flows through desolate, rolling hills with minimal human presence, creating a serene and inspiring environment. Despite the region’s historical challenges, trout populations persist in these pristine headwaters, though they remain scarce and elusive, making them a prized catch for dedicated anglers.
To the west, the Euphrates watershed, larger and more diverse, supports thriving trout populations in its tributaries. The Munzur River, a key tributary, is particularly renowned for its cold, clean waters and abundant trout. Daily hatches of mayflies and caddisflies provide ample food, while deep runs and swift currents challenge even experienced anglers. Despite habitat loss due to dam construction, the Munzur River remains a popular destination for both anglers and local tourists, offering some of the most productive trout fishing in the region.
The Tigris Trout is an exceptionally rare species, found only in select sections of the Tigris River. Due to the remote nature of the region, very few anglers have had the opportunity to fish for this species. Overfishing and habitat degradation have significantly reduced their population, making them one of the most elusive trout species in Türkiye.
The Tigris Trout prefers the cold, high-altitude waters of the river’s upper plateau, particularly in the steep and rugged gorges near Van and Catak. Their habitat is characterized by fast-moving, deep waters where they take refuge in pockets along the rocky riverbed. They are difficult to locate and even more challenging to catch. Salmo tigridis diet consists of aquatic insects and small fish, and they are most active during the early morning and late evening hours when hatches are abundant.
The Euphrates Trout is native to the headwaters and tributaries of the Euphrates River, where it has historically thrived. However, Salmo euphrateus population has been in decline due to dam construction and habitat destruction, making it an increasingly difficult species to find.
This trout species prefers deep pools and swift currents of the Kuzgun Stream, a tributary of Karasu Stream, Euphrates River drainage. Often lurking near submerged rocks and overhanging vegetation. They exhibit a highly opportunistic feeding pattern, preying on both aquatic insects and small fish. However, the Munzur River remains one of the best places to target Euphrates Trout, particularly during the morning and evening hatches when caddisflies and mayflies are in abundance.
The Munzur Trout is a unique subspecies of the Euphrates Trout, distinguished by its distinct coloration and adaptations to the Munzur River’s fast-flowing waters. This species attracts the most attention from anglers due to its relatively higher abundance in the region compared to other trout species.
The Munzur Trout is well-adapted to the cold, clear waters of the Munzur River. They thrive in deep, fast-moving stretches where they can hide from predators and ambush prey. Salmo munzuricus feeds on aquatic insects, mayflies and caddisflies forming the bulk of their diet. Anglers targeting Munzur Trout often find success during the early morning and evening hatch periods when insect activity is at its peak.
The Okumuş Trout, a relatively obscure species, thrives in the secluded, high-altitude streams of northeastern Türkiye. Scientifically identified as Salmo okumusi, this newly described species is found in the western tributaries of the Euphrates River. It is characterized by its greyish body, adorned with an array of irregularly shaped black spots and dots across its flanks and back, giving it a subtly marbled appearance.
Okumus Trout flourish in the clear, spring-fed waters of Sürgü Streams within the Euphrates River system, thriving among submerged vegetation. Feeding mainly on small aquatic invertebrates, they are elusive and inhabit the cold, high-altitude pools of upper streams. Their behavior mirrors other high-mountain trout, relying on aquatic insects and invertebrates for sustenance. Due to their isolation and minimal human impact, they hold significant value for research and conservation.
The central part of the country is home to the Turkish Trout, Salmo platycephalus. The Zamantı River runs through the highland plateau of central Anatolia. Several sections of the river still possess healthy populations of these fish, which are heavily protected by the locals that hold them in high regard. The river is incredibly scenic, resembling both the spring creeks of the Northern Rockies and gin-clear, cerulean streams of the Balkans.
In the uppermost reaches of the Seyhan River, anglers can seek out the Ecemiş Trout Salmo labecula. Unfortunately, a significant portion of the high–elevation streams feeding into this river has been compromised due to poor land management and erosion. Yet, amid this degradation, there remain pockets of refuge for these trout in small rural streams winding through apricot and plum orchards. These streams harbor crucial shelter in the form of undercut banks and fallen woody debris, providing a safe haven for this unique species.
The Turkish Trout, also known as the Flathead Trout, is an endemic species found primarily in the high-altitude streams of the Zamantı River. This species was once widespread throughout the upper reaches of the river but now survives only in carefully preserved sections where local conservation efforts have helped maintain stable populations.
The Turkish Trout thrives in cold, clear, fast-flowing streams with dense aquatic vegetation that provides cover from predators. The Zamantı River, characterized by its crystal-clear waters and dense underwater plant life, offers an ideal environment for this species. Turkish Trout are known for their surface-feeding tendencies, particularly during the evening hatches of mayflies and caddisflies, when they aggressively rise to take insects off the water’s surface.
The Ecemiş Trout is another rare and endemic trout species found in Central Anatolia, particularly in the Ecemiş Stream, Seyhan River drainage. Like the Turkish Trout, it has suffered habitat fragmentation but remains present in isolated stretches of pristine waters.
The Ecemiş Trout inhabits cold, oxygen-rich, fast-flowing waters with an abundance of rocky pools and submerged vegetation that offer shelter and food sources. This species demonstrates a strong predatory instinct, feeding on a mix of aquatic insects and smaller fish. Its feeding activity peaks during warmer months, particularly during seasonal hatches of caddisflies and stoneflies. The Ecemiş Trout’s ability to adapt to different microhabitats within the river system has helped sustain its population despite environmental pressures.