The beautiful brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) was designated official state fish of New York in 1975. Brook Trout live under water conditions that are cool, clean and pure. Also called speckled trout, the brook trout can be found in New York brooks, lakes and streams. Though small, brook trout are a prized game fish with a long history of fishing lore.

Brook trout prefer aquatic insects (nymphs) that live under the rocks and on the stream bottom, but will eat whatever they can find including land insects that fall into the water, small crayfish, and other small fish and minnows when they are easy to catch. See State Fish & Water Life Symbols for all 50 States.

Source:

New York State Symbols: NYS DOS Kids Facts about NY

Links:

Common Game Fish: US Fish & Wildlife Service
Code of Angling Ethics: National Marine Fisheries Service
State Fish & Water Life Symbols - 50 States