Trout River: Located just south of Rocky Harbour, while not a very large community, Trout River has a long history with the fishing industry and is a very interesting town to visit.

According to the material presented in the ENL, as late as 1994, Trout River was the only inhabited place between Bonne Bay and the Bay of Islands, and as such "the community was quite isolated even by Newfoundland standards and developed a reputation of being very much "a word unto itself", with characteristic accents, customs and even facial features.

Although there was a rough track overland to Woody Point (through Wallace's Gulch and the barren Tablelands) it was primitive enough that one candidate for St. Barbe district in 1900 arrived in Woody Point and declared that he deserved to be returned [ie, elected] on the strength of having "just walked from Trout River".

The first settler was believed to be George Crocker, who most likely "began fishing for herring and cod there before his marriage, in 1829, to Katherine Blanchard of Meadows in the Bay of Islands".

There is an interesting comment attributed to Bishop Edward Field who visiting the Crockers in 1849. He wrote that "Crocker has a good deal of land under cultivation. ... His garden is well cultivated, and apparently he is in very comfortable circumstances, but grumbles like an Englishman, and declares he has a hard matter to keep his family."

From the NP website comes the following up-date: Many of the town's residents now work at Gros Morne National Park or are involved in the tourist industry.

But the town continues to preserve its traditional fishing heritage while at the same time developing the local tourism industry.

Trout River has built three great attractions on its waterfront boardwalk. They are; the Fisherman's Museum, the Jacob A. Crocker House and the Fisheries Interpretation Centre.

The Fisherman's Museum displays the local fishing heritage. The museum contains many artifacts such as lobster traps, cod traps, splitting tables, ropes, and hooks which tell the story of the fishing industry in Trout River.

A monument to local fishermen lost at sea is also on display. This monument serves as a reminder of the enormous risks associated with the fishing industry.

The Jacob A. Crocker House, a saltbox structure represents the type of architecture originally from England and made popular in Newfoundland from the 1860s to the early 1900s.

Crocker House was built in 1898 and was the first saltbox house in Trout River. The first owner was Jacob Arthur Crocker, the grandson of the first settler, George Crocker.

A walk through the premises will take a visitor back in time to experience life in a typical fisherman's home.

Finally, the Fishing Interpretation Centre displays artifacts and photos of the local fishing industry and those who make their living from the sea.... A number of fishing enterprises work out of Trout River and their fishing stores/sheds are located along the town's shoreline/waterfront.

The town of Trout River had a population of 552 in 2016, reflecting a 4.2% decrease from the 576 recorded in 2011.

While trout fishing is not as well known as cod or salmon fishing, Newfoundland is known worldwide by avid trout anglers.

From the "Fishing Booker" website comes the following description; Gorgeous Newfoundland doesn't get nearly as much attention as it deserves. With its expanses of awe-inspiring wilderness and the oldest city in North America as its capital, the island has something for everyone.

However, it's the Newfoundland fishing scene, unique as it is abundant, which makes all the difference among passionate anglers.... Freshwater or saltwater fishing, take your pick, you won't be disappointed either way.

Newfoundland's culture is built on fishing and locals here are more than capable of showing you unforgettable angling action. While the island is only accessible for non-residents via sea or air, the trip will be worth it.

There's no time like the present to add a new fishing destination to your bucket list, so read on....

Superb Trout fishing adds even more spice to the already exciting fishing scene of Newfoundland. Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout are all there for the taking.

Sea-run Trout enter the inland waters several times over the year. They're abundant in the island's numerous crystal clear rivers and lakes.

The season is usually open from February to September, though some of the species have a short closed season in the spring. Different areas have different closing dates, so make sure to double-check with your guide when the best time is to hit the water.

Brook Trout are a prized catch for local anglers, and you can easily hook 5-8 lb lunkers.

You can even land fish weighing in the double digits. Eastern Brook Trout, also known as "Mud Trout," is native to Newfoundland waters and could easily find its way to your line.

Going after Lake Trout is no less interesting. These beauties like to hang out in fast-flowing streams and rivers. This is a huge advantage to fly fishermen, who love going after massive Lakers in spring.

And when we say big, we mean in the 20 lb ballpark! That's enough to have any passionate angler reaching for their rod

Used with permission from "Uncovering the Origin of 1001 Unique Place Names in Newfoundland and Labrador" 2021 Jennifer Leigh Hill

Address of this page: http://nl.ruralroutes.com/TroutRiverNL