Live Trout (Salmo Species)

USDA APHIS requires health certification for live fish imports, and trout are subject to scrutiny for listed diseases including infectious hematopoietic necrosis (IHN), viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS), and whirling disease. The exporting country's competent authority must certify the fish are free of these pathogens. Many US states impose additional health certification requirements or outright bans on live trout imports from certain origins, so state fish and wildlife agency approval is often needed alongside federal clearance.

Generally no, without specific state and federal authorization. Releasing non-native or potentially disease-carrying trout into open waters can violate state fish and wildlife laws, the Lacey Act, and APHIS regulations. Importers intending to use live trout for stocking purposes must obtain the relevant state aquaculture permits and confirm that the specific Salmo species and strain are approved for release in the destination state.