Dolly Varden Trout

Dolly Varden trout (Salvelinus malma malma) are anadromous fish in the char sub group of the salmon family.

Dolly Varden have olive green to gray backs and sides and white on the belly. The fish are marked with a pattern of light yellow or pinkish-yellow spots above with small red spots on the lower sides.

Dolly Varden can grow quite large. Typical adult fish are 2-5 pounds; trophy fish may reach 10 pounds.

Dolly Varden and other members of the char sub-group can be distinguished from the true freshwater trout by their very fine scales and a reverse coloration. Char have dark-colored bodies with light spots while trout and salmon have light-colored bodies with dark spots.

Another distinguishing feature is the size of the adipose fin ( the small fin on the back between the dorsal fin and the tail). The adipose fin of the Dolly Varden is larger than most other species of trout.

Dolly Varden are most often confused with the bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) a char native to northwestern North America. Both species sometimes inhabit the same environments and are very similar in appearance.