Trout Rainbow
name: Trout Rainbow
other names: Reds
Rainbow trout possess the well-known streamlined shape, although body shape and coloration can vary widely and reflect habitat, age, sex, and degree of maturity. The body shape may range from slender to thick. The back may shade from blue-green to olive. There is a reddish-pink band along each side about the midline that may range from faint to radiant. The lower sides are usually silver, fading to pure white beneath. Small black spots are present over the back above the lateral line, as well as on the upper fins and tail. River or stream residents normally display the most intense pink stripe coloration and heaviest spotting followed by rainbows from lake and lake-stream systems. Spawning trout are characterized by generally darker coloration.
They are stocked in many lakes and streams. Rainbows are happy in either fast flowing water of upper reach's of major river systems, but also equally happy in landlocked waters either of a natural nature or man made. In streams these fish can often be found enjoying the clean gravel, gliding gracefully in between streamer weed.
They feed primarily on aquatic and terrestrial insects and small first. Rainbows like most Trout are top and bottom feeders. Often seen at first light or as dusk sets taking the new hatch as it rises.
Sexual maturity varies markedly between individuals due primarily to such factors as population density, productivity of the aquatic environment, and genetic makeup. In the wild, male and female spawners as young as ages 3 and 5, respectively, have been found, but a majority of both sexes mature at age 6 to 7. Spawning frequency ranges from annually to once each three years. Rainbow up to age 11 have been observed spawning.
Fly fishermen spend a lot of time taking fishing trips around the world in pursuit of rainbow trout. But you can also use spinners, wobbling spoons, streamer flies, are all especially effective. Usually people use large lures and baits to catch the bigger fish.
