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Rainbow Trout

A native to the West Coast of North America from lower California to Alaska, the rainbow trout has been widely introduced throughout the southern Appalachians. In its native region, the sea-run (or anadromous) individuals are known as steelheads, while resident fish confined to fresh waters are known as rainbow trout. One of the most widely distributed trout species in the world, its adaptability to hatchery propagation is probably the single-most important factor determining its extensive use in stocking programs. Various strains of captive rainbow trout spawn at different times of the year from fall to late winter. Therefore, by selecting different rainbow strains, with different spawning times, culturists can “program” grow-out to match stocking needs throughout the year. A beautiful fish, the rainbow’s name refers to its colorful pinkish-red band, which extends from its gill plate along its sides. Numerous blackish or brownish spots mark the back as well as the dorsal, adipose and caudal or tail fin. These spots are better developed on the tail fin in this species than on the brown trout. Spots on rainbow trout are generally small and very numerous, unlike brown trout which have larger less numerous spots.

Credit National Wildlife Federation