Endangered Fur Bearing Trout Caught in New Hampshire Lake

A fur bearing trout was caught in early January 2026 by Bill Titan a well-known fishing guide from Belknap County, New Hampshire.

“I was ice fishing near Lake Winnipesaukee for brook trout when I got a tug on my line. I was super surprised to see I had hooked a furrie. It was in the winter of 1969 when I last saw one out here. My buddy Frank snapped a photo, weighed it and we quickly put it back in the hole.”

New Hampshire Fish and Game spokesperson Dan Webster said, “Used to have occasional sightings like this, but not for decades. As our winters warm over time, the temperature won’t be cold enough to trigger these fish to develop their winter fur.” 

Scientists have noted that the fur is dense, much like otter fur and provides the necessary insulation for the fish to remain active throughout winter.  As they are cold blooded, they tend to stay right below the ice to obtain any warmth from sunlight penetrating the ice layer.

In the early 1700s, fur bearing trout were found throughout eastern Canada and New England.  The population dwindled rapidly from over fishing making the survival of this unique species unlikely.  Today, the few specimens that remain are endangered due to global warming.