Trout Tidbits    

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

They are usually found in cool, clear streams and lakes.

Trout have fins entirely without spines.

They are boney but the flesh is generally considered tasty.

Trout that live in different environments can have dramatically different colorations and patterns.  They form as camouflage based on the surroundings. 

Trout, especially wild trout, use their senses to great capacity.  They have great close-range vision which may be why imitation flies do not work very well.  They can see color and have a “cone of vision”  also called “trouts window”.  If something leaves their cone of vision, they will not go after it.  The deeper a trout is, the more they can see.  The cone extends up from the eye and expands.  

Trout also have an acute sense of hearing.  They have two sound receptors.  One runs along the length of the fish’s body.  It picks up frequency vibrations.  The second receptor picks up the movement of aquatic insects which the fish eats.  Trout cannot hear human voices outside of the water.  It’s the vibrations from any movement in the water which spooks them. 

Trout also have an acute sense of smell.  Anything foreign to them will make them sense danger.  Aftershave, deodorant, and the smell of your clothing can tip off a trout that you are near.