Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are considered a cold water fish, meaning they require low water temperatures and high levels of dissolved oxygen in order to survive.  The optimal temperature for an ideal trout habitat is between 50º and 65º F.  They begin to show signs of stress at temperatures exceeding 70º F, and will most likely die in 80º F water. Trout can tolerate pH as low as 4.1 and as high as 9.5.  In terms of general habitat, Trout live in many different situations.  Lakes ranging in size as found at Tenterden Trout Waters are ideal. The lakes are well-kept, fresh running water supply and enough healthy aquaculture to ensure adequate oxygenation.  

The lakes have reasonable overhead cover or bank-side vegetation.  The lakes are also abundant with natural aquatic organisms that make up a large part of a trout's diet.  Overhead cover and bank side vegetation play an essential role as they shade the lakes from the heating rays of the sun and provide shelter for insects and other organisms upon which trout feed.  Fallen leaves from overhanging trees support a stream's food chain by feeding aquatic organisms that are subsequently eaten by trout.  The typical trout lakes bed is primarily made up of gravel and pebbles mixed in with larger slabs and boulders.  The gravel is necessary for proper spawning, whereas the slabs and boulders are necessary for shelter and habitat for food organisms.    

Lakes as opposed to stream or brooks are ideal trout habitat because of their reduced flow rate, which allows the trout to expend less energy when holding in anticipation of drifting food.  They are also necessary because they provide shelter in times of high and low water.  Lakes also provide an essential structural element, for example a partially submerged fallen tree, exposed bankside tree roots, overhanging trees, in which the fish thrive. You will see for yourself, the condition of our fish, with few exceptions all the fish are in spectacular condition.