The rainbow trout is a fish originating from the North-West of America. This species was introduced on the French territory in 1879.
The rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), is a fish of the salmonid family. Its body is tapered, it has a small head. A rainbow colored band, hence its name, runs along its sides. The rainbow trout is often lighter in color in lake and darker in river.
It is a fish that adapts easily to different environments, we can find rainbow trout in rivers as well as on water bodies. The rainbow trout occupies most often territories neglected by the brown trout which tends to push it away from its living space.
It can exceed 8 kilos, approach 45 cm in rivers and exceed 70 cm in lakes. The rainbow trout has a lifespan of about 5 years.
Feeding and reproduction
The rainbow trout feeds mainly on larvae, eggs, small fish, molluscs or amphibians. Their diet varies according to the biotopes they frequent.
Coming from farms, in France, the rainbow trout does not manage to reproduce in a natural way except for some very rare exceptions (some Pyrenean mountain lakes).
Rainbow trout fishing
When you start fishing in the river, this is usually the species of fish most targeted by fishermen. It is true that during the releases these trout sometimes called "basin trout" are the first to throw themselves on the lure or the bait presented. Disliked by some fishermen, the rainbow trout allows novice fishermen to confront themselves with nice fish. Fishing can be done in a variety of ways, using baits, lures or flies. The number and size of catches can be regulated by the different departmental fishing federations.
New hours of glory
The rainbow trout is the subject of new consideration among lure fishing and competition enthusiasts. If for a long time fishermen have been fishing rainbow trout in reservoirs, new competitions dedicated to rainbow trout have been created, the Trout Area competitions. A nice way to give back some nobility to this fish which continues to have its place in the leisure fishing.
