THE
RAINBOW TROUT
This trout was originally found in the lakes and streams draining from the Pacific slope, from Alaska to northern Baja Mexico, as well as the pacific coastal stream of Asia. The species now occurs in Great Britain and many countries of the world.
These spirited fish prefer swift flowing, well oxygenated rivers with clean rocky bottoms. They enjoy water temperatures remaining below 70 degrees F but will tolerate 80 degrees F. It is the Rainbow's tolerance for water warmer than many other trout that make it a good stocked fish.
The name Rainbow trout is derived from a broad band of pink or lavender that runs the length of the fish from the cheek to the tail. The upper sides and back are dark green, peppered with black spots that continue to the tail fin. Spots are sparse around the the midline and often absent from the silvery area below the lateral band.
In the wild the female lays her eggs in gravelly hollows
called a "redd". here up to 6, 000 eggs are dropped among the
rocks and then covered, leaving them to fend for themselves. The eggs must
stay under the gravel for up to 50 days after which the young fry appear.
They are very vulnerable to predation from larger fish, snakes, birds and
even some aquatic insects may eat very young trout. Of every 10,000 rainbow
trout that hatch, no more than two of them may live long enough to become
full grown adults!
Trafalgar Fisheries stock rainbow trout because they have a wide appeal.
The species is well known to fish eaters and all good restaurants prepare
and serve them.
