Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

 

There are many species, and subspecies of the trout clan, and all of them are in the Salmonidae family, which is the same family that salmon and char belong to. I chose to write about Rainbow Trout, because, commercially, it is the most widely farmed member of Trout.

 

There are 3 Genus that Trout are classified. Genus Salmo include: Adriatic, Brown, Flathead, Marmota, Ohrid & Seran. Genus Oncorhynchus include: Apache, Biwa, Cutthroat, Gila, Golden and Rainbow, and Genus Salvelinus (Char) include Brook, Bull, Dolly Varden, Lake and the Silver Trout, which is now extinct.

 

Trout are native to North America, Asia and Europe; however they have been introduced on every continent with the exception of Antarctica. They have actually become a nuisance in Australia and New Zealand, killing off many of the native fish.

 

Lake Trout are the largest species of trout. They can live for many decades, and can grow close to 70#. Most trout are about 12-24”, and normally weigh a couple of pounds. Trout are an interesting species, as they can live in fresh water, but often head out to sea. When this happens, they lose much of their coloration, and take on a steel-blue color. Steel head trout grow much larger, often reach 20-40”, and can weigh as much as 22#. Like salmon, all trout return to the place where they were born to spawn, which is always in fresh water, generally close to a body of water so that there is plenty of oxygenated water in the environment.

 

Trout fishing is a huge sport, particularly in the Rocky Mountain States. It is also a very important commercial fish. Commercially, trout are farm raised. Aquaculture is currently the fastest growing agriculture in the United States. It accounts for about 15% of the total market share. Trout need cold, clear, oxygenated water to prosper. Many states can provide this, but the leaders in the United States are Idaho, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Washington, California and Michigan. 70 Million pounds are grown in the United States annually. Although some are stocked in lakes for sport anglers, the vast majority are for commercial trade.

 

In the wild, trout can be found in lakes and streams close to timberline. They will usually reach 1# in 4 years. They can change their coloration based on their environment, and many subspecies have resulted in their isolation from other trout populations.

 

There is a lot of controversy about farm raised trout. Obviously, wild trout is better, but farm raised trout is fantastic as well. It is lower in omega 3 fatty acids than wild trout, and has a higher fat content. Like all things, eat it in moderation.

 

Trout are excellent fried, sauteed, baked and poached. They have a very delicate, slightly nutty flavor.

Gary's Source:  White, 9-11's from Colombia, Red 7-9's from Peru

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