RAINBOW TROUT FULL

Rainbow trout tend to eat a varied menu, on the whole. However – the biggest-ever rainbow trout was truly enormous – at almost 26kg! 3.

What’s more, they generally grow to be as heavy as 9kg. They are truly hefty – and can get as long as 90cm in the wild. Rainbow trouts don’t mess around when it comes to bulking up. No, it’s not even a trout, and it doesn’t look like the rainbow – it’s an imposter! It’s actually part of the salmon gene pool, and it’s known as Oncorhynchus mykiss.

RAINBOW TROUT FULL

This super-diverse and eye-catching critter is full of surprises, too! Here are some fun facts about rainbow trout you might not be aware of. Consequently, a gradual expansion of the rainbow program is anticipated however, it will likely remain limited due to concerns regarding interspecific impacts with Maine’s native salmonid species.Better wear some shades – the rainbow trout’s swimming upstream! No, this famous fish isn’t exactly every shade of the rainbow, but it’s so-called thanks to the fact that it’s more colorful than most. The rainbow program has been well received by Maine anglers, and has provided some excellent fishing opportunities. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife established a regular, but relatively small rainbow trout stocking program in 2007. Management: Rainbow trout are nonnative to Maine, but have been periodically stocked by Federal and State agencies since the 1930’s. Unlike most of the other salmonids in Maine which spawn in the fall, rainbow trout spawn in the spring. However, due to their popularity they have been introduced to every continent except Antarctica. Rainbow trout are native only to western portions of North America located west of the Continental Divide. Jigging is typically far more effective than traps for this species. If you are fishing traps and getting a lot of hit-and-run activity then try smaller minnows or other forms of bait like worms or salmon eggs. Successful methods used while ice fishing include the use traps or jigging in water that is typically relatively shallow (under 15 feet) with the target depth being close to or on the bottom. In the summer, trolling, casting, and still fishing are all popular and effective ways to catch this species. Another successful method in spring time is still fishing with worms or minnows. In the spring and fall, rainbow trout can be caught close to shore casting with dry flies, streamers, and bright lures like spinners or spoons. Opportunistic and aggressive feeders, they may be found close to bottom or suspended off the bottom depending on where food is located, and are likely to attack a variety of lures, flies, or bait. Rainbow trout prefer cool water temperatures between 55-68oF but can tolerate a wider temperature range than other native coldwater species (i.e. Fish generally do not become an important part of the diet until adult rainbow trout reach approximately 12 inches in length. Rainbows, like other salmonids, generally shift their diet from smaller sized food items (i.e. Aquatic insects are the most common food item consumed, but zooplankton, terrestrial insects, crustaceans, mollusks, amphibians, leeches, and fish can be seasonally or locally important. Rainbow trout are often recognized by a vague pink to prominent red colored band, which extends from the cheek to the base of the caudal fin.ĭiet: Juvenile and adult rainbow trout are opportunistic feeders that consume a wide variety of food. Large numbers of relatively small black spots occur over the whole body, but spotting is generally heavier along dorsal areas. Dorsal surface ranges from a greenish yellow to a blue-gray color with silvery colored sides and the belly area is white to pale yellow in color. Identification: Coloration is highly variable depending upon size, sexual condition, and habitat. Rulemaking Proposals Open to Public CommentĪdult Size: Anglers normally catch fish in the 8 to 16-inch range, but occasionally fish up to 7 or 8 pounds are caught.