Trout Species

Trout Species (con't)

Brown Trout

Brown trout were originally thought to have been  introduced from Europe in the 1880's, but scientist's have found them as far away as Greece. Like the Brook trout, Browns can be found in streams, rivers, ponds and lakes but, they are able to withstand warmer water temperatures than their contemporaries, the Brook trout.

Talk to most anyone who fishes for trout and they will tell you, brown's tend to be a smarter fish and more challenging to catch that a Brook or even Rainbow trout The Brown is considered a medium-sized fish but their actual size is dependent upon the habitat they grow up in. They have been known to live up to 20 years in the wild. But this alone depends upon their habitat for their eventual survival.

As a rule, Brown trout don't normally feed until late in the day and sometimes, not even until the early evening hours. But when the weather cools down? They will feed at any time of the day. The bigger Browns though are smarter and tend to feed under cover of darkness.

In my own experience, I have caught Brown's in shallow streams in the middle of nowhere in Eastern Oregon, using a variety of baits and/or lures. Now, depending upon the time of day, Browns can and will strike whatever drops into their pool. But remember, from experience, I can tell you, there is no way you can pull more than two and generally only one Brown out of a hole they are swimming in. They are indeed a crafty fish.....and they learn.

Trout Species

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are considered native to the Pacific Northwest and again are members of the Salmon family. In fact, Steelhead and Rainbow trout are from the same species and are often called Salmon Trout. Rainbows can be found in streams, rivers, lakes and ponds pretty much the same as Brown trout, because like Brown's, they can withstand warmer water temperatures. Steelhead however are their ocean going cousins.

Many people think of Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout as being from the same family, but it is far from true. DNA studies conducted show the Rainbow trout is a relative to the Pacific Salmon and that Brown trout is genetically like an Atlantic Salmon. How's that for a knowledge rocket?

 

As for what they feed on? A Rainbow will strike and eat anything. They are not selective eaters at all. If anyone tries to tell you otherwise? Take it from me it's only a legend......

Rainbow trout eat just about anything. That's why the Storm-WildEye-Minnow is such a stand out lure. Smaller Rainbow trout feed on smaller fish and crustaceans. Larger Rainbow trout feed on other fish. The Storm-Wild-Eye-Minnow is a great lure for either size Rainbow.

Ultimately, your success using lures can depend on a variety of factors. To include: water temperature, water clarity, what kind of plant life is there, etc. All of the above can change through the day. So here's a quick pointer about some common lures. If you're going Rainbow trout fishing in the spring, then spinners are the choice. Spinners movement through the water resemble the bait fish, chub. Also to be considered, "Spoons" for the cast and reel crowd and finally jigs for those with more experience.

Buy a Storm-Wild-Eye-Minnow....use it.

Next up....how to fish a stream