I fished the Lower Yuba this weekend and among the fish I caught was this nice 15"-17" trout. I first thought it was a salmon but after showing this picture to some anglers that evening, I was told it was definitely a trout. I looked in Native Trout of North America by Robert H. Smith and found a resemblance to the Eagle Lake trout which are only native of California. Is this a young steelhead or a hybrid?
If someone knows which species of trout this is I’d be appreciative of them letting me know.
Nice fish and welcome to the board. I see it is your first post and you might not be use to our sense of humor. You have found a great place to hang out if you have tough enough skin to tolerate the guys giving you the business for fun, don’t take it too seriously.
Bluntly, I have no idea what kind of trout that is. When I look at species identification things like coloration is important of course, but when it gets picky then you start counting rays on fins and things like that. This site has all of the specifics of brook, brown, lake and rainbow since it is a Wis site. I fish for trout with a fly rod and can tell the difference between fish on my local waters with id ing fish like goldens and cuts in there, but I’m no fish specialist. Truth be know, I’m a carp guy so what do I know about trout.
The point was to welcome you to the board, continue to share experiences and maybe learn something along the way - it’s all good.
Lake trout that I’ve seen in the northeast are usually the reverse – dark with light spots – so if it weren’t for that “subtle” distinction, I’d say “Lake Trout”. Perhaps you’ve got a different type of Laker in California (heck, practically everything in California is a bit different )
I used to live very near Eagle Lake in N. CA… Caught a few E. L. trout, mostly they’re darker, or maybe richer in color than yours… It’s more silver, like steelhead.
Though I’ve seen many very dark steelies. I’m fer sure it’s a trout… maybe just a bit more silver than some. Also… Eagle Lake trout have pink meat…like salmon.
and wrapped in foil and baked with herbs and spices, served with a twist of lemon…
…superb…ModocDan…:) …Welcome to FAOL
First of all Cachi, welcome to FAOL and a big howdy from your So Cal neighbor.
I’m with modocdan on the color thing. The E.L trouts I’ve caught are a real rich brownish red color and they got teeth like you wouldn’t believe.
That is a purty fish though. Maybe we can name it Sally. Jimsnarocks
Well thank you Jim, I already feel part of the family.
One thing this fish is missing from E. L. trout is the pinkish lateral line. Its tail is forked though; usually found in younger trout of many species.
Thank you John. No pun intended on the handle.
Trout yes, rainbow nah. Its spots are just like the markings on salmon, x-shaped and a forked tail though rounded edges. Few spots below the lateral line , rounded nose. Fought like hell.
Thank you Clay. I quickly figured out what was to come after seeing J Castwell’s reply and he being the Administrator. That’s OK, I need to laugh but I do want to find out what is that I caught.
Thank you Mod ocDan. As you may recall, the Lower Yuba is quite far from Eagle Lake (unless these were transplanted) I’m hoping someone who fishes these waters will have seen trout like this one before. The x markings and forked tail threw me off. It is very silvery and feisty I should say.
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…Welcome to FAOL