Trout species

Trout is the common name given to a number of species of freshwater fish belonging to the salmon family, Salmonidae.

All fish called trout are members of the subfamily Salmoninae. The name is commonly used for species in three of the seven genera in the sub-family: Salmo, which includes Atlantic species; Oncorhynchus, which includes Pacific species; and Salvelinus, which includes fish also sometimes called char or charr. Fish referred to as trout include:

• Genus Salmo
• Adriatic trout, Salmo obtusirostris
• Brown trout, Salmo trutta
• Flathead trout, Salmo platycephalus
• Marmorata, Soca River trout or Soča trout - Salmo trutta marmoratus
• Ohrid trout, Salmo letnica
• Sevan trout, Salmo ischchan

• Genus Oncorhynchus
• Apache trout, Oncorhynchus apache
• Seema, Oncorhynchus masou
• Cutthroat trout, Oncorhynchus clarki
• Gila trout, Oncorhynchus gilae
• Golden trout, Oncorhynchus aguabonita
• Rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss
• Mexican Golden Trout, Oncorhynchus chrysogaster and as many as eight other species or sub-species in northwest Mexico, not yet formally named.

• Genus Salvelinus (Char)
• Arctic char, Salvelinus alpinus
• Aurora trout, Salvelinus fontinalis timagamiensis
• Brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis
• Bull trout, Salvelinus confluentus
• Dolly Varden trout, Salvelinus malma
• Lake trout, Salvelinus namaycush
• Silver trout, † Salvelinus fontinalis agassizi (extinct)

Trout are usually found in cool, clear streams and lakes, although many of the species have anadromous strains as well. They are distributed naturally throughout North America, northern Asia and Europe. Several species of trout were introduced to Australia and New Zealand by amateur fishing enthusiasts in the 19th century, effectively displacing and endangering several upland native fish species. The introduced species included brown trout from England and rainbow trout from California. The rainbow trout were a steelhead strain, generally accepted as coming from Sonoma Creek. The rainbow trout of New Zealand still show the steelhead tendency to run up rivers in winter to spawn.

Trout have fins entirely without spines, and all of them have a small adipose (fatty) fin along the back, near the tail. There are many species, and even more populations that are isolated from each other and morphologically different. However, since many of these distinct populations show no significant genetic differences, what may appear to be a large number of species is considered a much smaller number of distinct species by most ichthyologists.

The trout found in the eastern United States are a good example of this. The brook trout, the aurora trout, and the (extinct) silver trout all have physical characteristics and colourations that distinguish them, yet genetic analysis shows that they are one species, Salvelinus fontinalis.

Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush), like brook trout, actually belong to the char genus. Lake trout inhabit many of the larger lakes in North America, and live much longer than rainbow trout, which have an average maximum lifespan of 7 years. Lake trout can live many decades, and can grow to more than 30 kg (66 pounds).

Trout generally feed on soft bodied aquatic invertebrates, such as flies, mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, and dragonflies. In lakes, various species of zooplankton often form a large part of the diet. In general, trout longer than about 30 cm prey almost exclusively on fish, where they are available. Adult trout will devour fish exceeding 1/3 their length.

As a group, trout are somewhat bony, but the flesh is generally considered to be tasty. Additionally, they provide a good fight when caught with a hook and line, and are sought after recreationally. Because of their popularity, trout are often raised on fish farms and planted into heavily fished waters, in an effort to mask the effects of overfishing. While they can be caught with a normal rod and reel, fly fishing is a distinctive method developed primarily for trout, and now extended to other species. Farmed trout and char are also sold commercially as food fish.

Trout that live in different environments can have dramatically different colorations and patterns. Mostly, these colors and patterns form as camouflage, based on the surroundings, and will change as the fish moves to different habitats. Trout in, or newly returned from the sea, can look very silvery, while the same "genetic" fish living in a small stream or in an alpine lake could have pronounced markings and more vivid coloration. It is virtually impossible to define a particular color pattern as belonging to a specific breed; however, in general, wild fish are claimed to have more vivid colors and patterns.

The cutthroat trout has 14 recognized subspecies (depending on your sources), such as the Lahontan cutthroat trout, Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi, Bonneville cutthroat trout, Oncorhynchus clarki utah, Colorado River cutthroat trout, Yellowstone cutthroat trout.

Fishing By Moon Phase: Increase Your Catch

Every fisherman dreams of a bigger catch! Is it possible to know beforehand when you should plan a trip to enjoy some fishing, catch more than usual, and come home feeling 100% satisfied? Based on my own personal research around the best fishing times, I think it is.

When I first started fishing, the best fishing time for me was whatever time happened to suit me. I tried different lures, baits and techniques until I'd spent a small fortune in my quest to improve my fishing catch. When I finally heard about the "Solunar Theory"--or fishing by moon phase--like most anglers, I was skeptical.

What I'd read sounded too complicated. All sorts of factors needed to be checked and the determined angler needed to be at the water's edge at exactly the right time, TO THE MINUTE, in order to improve on his average catch. Was I really willing to take my hobby that seriously? Let's just say that curiosity got the better of me.

To help me determine whether there was any truth in the moon's effect on the best fishing times, I kept a record of every trip I made over a period of 18 months. All information related to the moon's phases, the weather conditions and the catches I made were carefully logged. What I discovered convinced me that moon phase fishing works. BUT, I also found that it isn't anywhere near as complicated as many would have us believe.

How Does Fishing By Moon Phase Work?

Every fisherman knows that the best fishing times are when the fish are feeding. This tends to be during dawn and dusk, but what often goes unnoticed are the two periods elsewhere in the day--moonrise and moonset. Because the moon has an effect on a variety of factors surrounding the fish--including the live fodder they hunt--these periods, combined with the moon's phase, are what trigger feeding.

By understanding this, and choosing times when sunrise/sunset and moonrise/moonset coincide with new or full moon phases, you'll increase you chance of a good fishing catch. Assuming there are fish in the area, of course.

Choosing The Best Fishing Times

There really is nothing complicated about this at all; it's just a matter of knowing ahead of time exactly when the sun and moon will rise and set. Fish are most active during 90-minute windows surrounding each of these four daily events; that's 45 minutes before and after these four daily points.

Fishing during these four periods will help increase your fishing catch, but if you plan wisely so as to ensure you're at the water's edge on the days of new or full moon, you can use these 'windows' to reel in a catch like you've never done before. If you have to choose between sunrise/set and moonrise/set, always go with the moon as the moon is the stronger influence.

Hunters have always known that fish and game are most active at dawn and dusk--sunrise and sunset--but their activity surrounding moonrise and moonset is less noticeable because these events are likely to occur without e­ffecting any change in the perceived light. The rise and set of a new moon is invisible anyway, and overcast weather often hides the moon. Without prior knowledge of setting and rising times, two of the best fishing times will be missed every day!

Other Considerations

When planning your fishing by moon phase, there are certain other factors that should also be considered.

Weather - Severe weather changes have an impact on the way fish feed. When a storm's brewing, or just after one has passed, is a good time. If this happens while you're in place, you'll be in for a treat! However, if there's a cold front approaching, the fish are likely to move deeper into the water and become inactive.

Season - Most fish are more likely to bite willingly during seasonal transitions with the transition from winter to spring and summer to fall being the two best fishing times.

Now that you know that moon phase fishing really works, there's no reason why you shouldn't utilize this knowledge to increase your own fishing catch by being at the ready with your rod during the best fishing times available. It's easy and it works!

Good luck!

Sometimes Catching Fish Isn't About Your Fishing Method

Many anglers don't realize that sometimes catching fish isn't about your fishing method, it's about something completely different. I don't care if you're a bait angler, fly fisherman, bank fisherman, prefer trolling, or are a bass fisherman chasing fish around lakes in a modified speed boat, sometimes catching fish isn't about the method you use or the way in which you get to the fish themselves. You might prefer wading, floating, canoeing, kayaking, walking along the bank, or a modified speed boat to get to the fish, the bottom line is that the forces of nature have as much to do with fishing as anything else.

That's right the forces of nature, specifically the weather and the moon, have as much to do with you catching fish as any method that you may be using. Have you ever seen the cows in a field all huddled together, rather than spread apart doing what cows do? Or been in the woods and noticed that it's eerily quiet? Both of these things have to do with pressure changes in the atmosphere, which is what causes weather. And these pressure changes effect fish as well as animals.

What about the moon? We all see it at night (or at least on many nights) right? But were you aware of the effect it has on fishing. Many people make a big deal about a full moon because people act weird, but I make a big deal about a full moon because of what it means to the fishing. And what about a new moon? Are you even aware of what a new moon means to fishing? The moon not only influences the tides in the ocean, it also influences the fish in all water. You should make yourself aware of how.

The great thing is that none of this information is hard to came by and is readily available to all of us. You don't have to be a meteorologist to understand how the weather and moon impact fishing, you just have to be willing to do a little research. That it. A great place to get the ball rolling is to get a free report such as this. Or you can simply search the internet for the weather, the moon, and fishing and you'll get all the information that you can handle.

The bottom line is that if you've ever had one of those epic days fishing, a day that you could do know wrong, when it seemed like the fish were just biting like crazy, it was probably due to the weather and/or moon. Why not try to recreate this situation more often by learning about how the weather and moon really effect fishing. I promise you, this type of situation happens a couple of times a month and you can be fishing when it occurs. Why not fish when the fish are the most active? That's when you'll have the most success.

How To Buy Fishing Waders

For many anglers, buying fishing waders can be a daunting task. That's why I decided to write an article about how to buy fishing waders. It's not as daunting as you might think, and there are some simple things to keep in mind, that you will know after reading this quick article. That's right, after reading this quick article, you'll never again wonder how to buy fishing waders…you'll know what you need to know. Making an informed decision is always a good idea, especially when it comes to fishing waders. Simply follow these three steps and you'll be on your way.

1. How Much Money Do You Want To Spend - The first thing to consider is how much money you're willing and/or able to spend on your fishing waders. Fishing waders will cost you from $30 at the low end of the spectrum to $300 at the high end of the spectrum. Obviously, if you've never purchased fishing waders before, I wouldn't saddest buying high end fishing waders. Start with waders that are in the middle to low end of the price spectrum and see how you like them. Then when a new pair is needed, you can step up on the price scale if need be.

2. Boots Or No Boots - Fishing waders come in two styles: boot foot and stocking foot. Boot Foot fishing waders are exactly what the name implies, waders with the boot attached to the foot. Stocking Foot waders are waders with a neoprene stocking sewn into them. Wading boots or shoes are then slipped over the foot for walking. The difference is in both comfort and money, because although you'll invest more money in stocking foot waders (because you then have to purchase boots), they are more comfortable if you move around much while fishing. If you choose to go with stocking foot waders and wading boots, don't forget the gravel guards. These help create a seam between your boots and waders so that gravel doesn't get into your shoes.

3. The Material - You want to pay attention to the kind of material that your fishing waders are made out of. These materials would include; Rubber. Neoprene, and Breathable material. On the price scale, fishing waders rank in the exact order listed above, with rubber being the least expensive and breathable material being the most expensive. The comfort level of each material varies as well, but the scale would be similar to the price scale, with rubber being at the bottom and breathable material being at the top. Neoprene is wonderful for cold water/weather situations and something worth keeping in mind if much of your fishing is done in cold conditions.

These three simple steps will help you make the right decision when it comes to buying fishing waders. A good pair of fishing waders can be your best friend or worst enemy, so take your time and choose wisely. It's always a great idea to stick with quality manufacturers such as Hodgeman, which has been making quality fishing waders for many years.

Basic Trout Fishing Tactics

For those of you who are new to trout fishing I figured I'd write an article on some basic trout fishing tactics, tactics that will help you catch more trout. From these basic trout fishing tactics, as you practice and refine them, comes all of the trout fishing tactics that are available today. For the purposes of this article, these tactics will have to due with spin fishing, simply because that's my area of expertise. For those of you who like to wave feathers in the air in an attempt to catch trout, this article probably isn't for you. These basic trout fishing tactics are for the spin fisherman.



Before we get down to the actual tactics themselves, lets discuss our gear for a minute. When fishing for trout, it's important to use gear that's not too heavy. You could be using the best trout fishing tactics in the world and if you're gear is too heavy, your success will be limited. I prefer ultra light action rods and reels, spooled with four pound test monofilament fishing line. When fishing for trout, your gear should almost never be heavier than light action and the heaviest line I would suggest would be six pound test. But again, I personally prefer ultra light action rods and reels, spooled with four pound test line. Now that our gear is covered, let's get down to the basic trout fishing tactics, shall we?

• Pay Attention To Your Hands - This is the most basic of trout fishing tactics, but also very important. Any scent on your hands will transfer to whatever bait you're using and will be detected by the trout. And when a foreign scent is detected by the trout, it will cost you bites. A great technique is to rub a handful of grass or dirt in your hands prior to baiting up. This will eliminate any unnatural odors that may be on your hands.
  


• Pay Attention To Nature - When I refer to the word nature, I'm referring specifically to the weather and moon. You see, paying attention to the weather and moon can have quite an impact on you trout fishing success (as a matter of fact all of your fishing success). That's way educating yourself as to the way the weather & moon impact fishing is so important. There's no need to get your doctorate on the subjects either, a free report such as this will do wonders. Doesn't it just make sense to fish when the fish (trout) are the most active? Once you start fishing when nature is helping you out, you'll wonder how you ever fished without knowing this information.

• Always Use Gang Hooks- When it comes to trout fishing, presenting your bait in a natural manner is key, especially where live worms are concerned. There is no better way to present a live worm while fishing like a set of pre-tied gang hooks. Gang hooks are so important because they enable you to present your live worms in a completely natural manner. This means that your worm will be outstretched, the way God intended, rather than "threaded" onto a hook, thus looking like some sort of worm ball.

These basic trout fishing tactics will get any angler on there way to becoming a trout fishing master. Now that you have the basic tactics, all that you have to do is practice your craft, by spending time on the water. Begin trout fishing while using these tactics, while fishing at the most opportune times of the day/month and you'll begin catching more trout than you ever though possible.