Dolly Varden
name: Dolly Varden
other names: N/A
The sea-run fish are silvery with an olive-green to brown color on the dorsal surface and numerous red to orange spots on their sides. Young Dolly Varden has about eight to ten wide, dark parr marks or oval blotches which contrast with the mottled olive-brown color of their body. The mature males become brilliant red on the lower body surface and the lower fins become reddish-black with white along the leading edges. Mature females are similar but are less brightly colored. Males develop an extended lower jaw which hooks upward, fitting into a groove which is formed in the upper jaw. A hook also forms in the females but is considerably less developed.
Dolly Varden's are found in small streams, rivers, reservoirs, lakes and are seldom found near the surface. They are likely to be found near reefs and drop-offs preferring to hide under rocks, logs and other debris.
Dolly Varden eat mainly small fish and fish eggs also insects and insect larvae. They often can been found feeding behind migrating salmon, eating their eggs.
Dolly Varden reach maturity at the age of 5 or 6. At this age they may be 12-16 inches long and may weigh from 1/2 to 1 pound. Mortality after spawning varies depending on the sex and age of the fish. Males suffer a much higher mortality rate after spawning, partly due to fighting and the subsequent damage inflicted on each other. It is doubtful that much more than 50 percent of the Dolly Varden live to spawn a second time. A small number may live to spawn more than twice.
Dolly Varden are fished from drift boats and from the shore with either fly rods or spinning rods. Just the same as fishing for Rainbow Trout in fact, when trout fishing you never know when a Dolly Varden will strike your fly. As Dolly Varden and Rainbow trout live in the same areas of the river and feed on the same foods.
