Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout are the most common in
some parts of New Zealand, particularly North Island areas. In our West Coast
region, whilst the brown trout are predominant, rainbow can be
found in some waterways. Fish up to 4 pounds are common, with
some exceeding 15 pounds. This fish is usually thickly speckled with black
spots on the head, sides and slightly notched tail. A broad pink to reddish
stripe runs lengthwise along the side of a rainbow trout.
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Rainbow Trout |
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Oncorhynchus mykiss, from the Greek roots oncos
(hook) and rhynchus (nose) and mykiss (a name for this fish in siberia).
OTHER COMMON NAMES: Steelhead, rainbow, bow, redsides
DESCRIPTION:
Generally metallic-blue above, shading to
silvery-white on the belly. Small black spots on the back side, dorsal and
caudal fins are more prominent in resident freshwater populations then in
sea-run rainbow (steelhead). Freshwater rainbows also exhibit a distinctive red
band on the sides that is not seen on fish fresh from the sea (but steelhead
assume this coloration after some time in fresh water). The absence of
orange-red slash marks on the underside of the jaw and lack of teeth near the
base of the tongue are good keys for distinguishing rainbows from cutthroat,
although cutthroat fresh from salt water often do not show slash marks.
SIZE: Length to 36 inches and weight to 20 pounds.
LIFE FACTS: In New Zealand they are both resident and migratory
and common to some coastal rivers as well as inland waterways. Rainbows prefer cool water, less then 70 degrees F.
and with
plenty of oxygen. If surface water temperature raises above 70 degrees they will
retreat to deeper and cooler water if enough oxygen is present. The anadromous
form (steelhead) spend 1 to 3 years in freshwater before going to the ocean for
2 to 3 more years (very rarely 4 years) before returning to spawn.
TACKLE / BAIT: Rainbow trout are taken on a wide range of artificial lures,
including dry and wet flies, spinners, plugs, and drift bobbers for steelhead.
Natural baits such as worms, terrestrial insects, aquatic and terrestrial insect
larvae, salmon and steelhead row, shrimp, crayfish, and artificial bait
preparations.
Rainbow Trout
More rainbow
trout information is available from NZ Fish & Game web site, see fishing
links page.
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