Facts

• Rainbow trout is distinguishable from other stream and lake trout by their distinctive appearance, most notably the shimmery rainbow effect on their flanks, the black spots on their back and tail and the bright pink or red line that runs across their sides. The rainbow trout is a part of the salmon family, and are widespread in lakes, streams and rivers in the better part of North America, including northwest Mexico, northern Canada, Alaska, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. They are not usually found in parts in the central and southern United States. Rainbow trout is a predacious fish, eating insects, mosquito larvae, dragonflies, fish eggs, and smaller fish like minnows. They can reach a length of 16 inches, with their saltwater counterparts, the steelhead salmon reaching up to 30 inches. In the wild, they can live from three years to 11 years, reaching sexual maturity around two years of age.