Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush) is found from Alaska to New England and south into the northern United States. This fine fish has been introduced into numerous worldwide countries. The Lake Trout prefers deep lakes and cool clear water. This fish can become quite large almost up to 50 inches in length. This fish used to support large fleets of commercial fishing boats in the Great Lakes of North America. However, pollution and the sea lamprey have destroyed the Great Lakes populations.

The Siglers note in their book on Utah fishes that the lake trout is a highly prized sport fish in their state based on their potentially large size. They also note that although they are present in several large lakes, all are introduced populations.

Trout and char genus (Salvelinus) is represented in North America by six species. The Salmo, Salvelinus, and Oncorhynchus genera are closely related. Many of the species in these genera are easily recognizable by their color patterns.

Salmon Family, Salmonidae, is known for the trout and the salmon groups, both of which are considered good sport and table fish. Recently several hybrids have been introduced into the Great Lakes, especially Lake Michigan, with great success as a sport and commercial fish. Salmon and trout are primitive fish and lack bony spines in their fins.

Salmon Group, Order Salmoniformes, is found worldwide in oceans. It is also found in freshwater in many places in North America. A great number of the large game and sport fish are found in this order.

Bony fish, Class Teleostomi, are a class of chordates that include the majority of fish-like animals found on earth. They are characterized by a bony jaw and a bony skeleton. They are found in both fresh and marine waters.

Backboned Animals (Phylum Chordata) are the most advanced group of animals on earth. These animals are characterized by having a spinal cord or backbone. Most members have a clearly defined brain that controls the organism through a spinal cord. Fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals are in this phylum.

Currently, some taxonomists believe that the fish should be divided into two groups (sharks and regular fishes) and that there are some other primitive groups in the phylum such as hagfish or lampreys.

Animal Kingdom contains numerous organisms that feed on other animals or plants. Included in the animal kingdom are the lower marine invertebrates such as sponges and corals, the jointed legged animals such as insects and spiders, and the backboned animals such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

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