Does anyone have a sure fine way of telling a male from a female trout? I don’t take home that many fish, but when I do and find out that I’ve kept a female, a little bit of guilt hits me. Did I just knock out some future stock? I’ve heard that much of the “farmed” trout don’t usually reproduce fish that survive even though they carry eggs. Some articles I’ve read mention that the female mouth has more of a rounded mouth compared to the males which has the “hook type” mouth.
Any input would be welcome…I know, catch and release would solve my dilemma, but I do enjoy a personal fish fry now and then!
When she slaps you in the face for accosting her in such a manner…:rolleyes:
Was wondering this myself the other day, after reading someone’s post about a hen they caught.
Kirk
was once taught by a guide that if the trout looks like it ran into a wall–nose sort of short, not a nice smooth snout shape–then it is female. my catch includes enough trout of both sorts to make me think this might be true, in a rough sort of way.
For Rainbows I was told the corner of the mouth will extend past the eye of the fish. So if the corner of mouth is in front of the eye its more than likely a female. Sometimes they fall into the questionable range.
Jet
dangle some jewelry in front of their eyes, and if they go ape-s*** it’s a female.
Males leap in the boat asking, “Please take me away!!! I’m married!!!”. Females, when caught, will complain that you smell of beer and fish and leap back into the lake.
it is easy to tell when they are bigger when they are small just got to look harder. the male trout will grow a bit longer mouth and a hooked bottom jaw.
I will use some googled examples;
Males:
Females:
After you hook a fermale ,she will spend a lot of time in Victoria secrets.
Great pics, DazWah! Did you take those yourself, if so you shouldn’t be shy about sharing more with us. Also a great lesson in the difference. As trout grow older it is much easier to determine sex, it’s the smaller kids I struggle with.
Kelly.
Sexist…
My wife would say through and through…
Kelly.
I know with bass it’s the male that tends the nest after eggs are laid and fertilized. Do trout guard the nest, uh I mean…said as snooty as I can…“redd”?
BBW, I needed a laugh today and you gave it, thanks!
Kelly
P.S.: no idea on redds.
…
Like everyone says its way easier to tell when they are bigger!!! Here are some ways you can tell… Males-tend to have a hump back, when big have a hook jaw, Males tend to be brighter in color, they are more aggressive, have a longer and more structured jaw. Females-not near aggressive, short stubby nose, and pale coloring. Maybe that will help you out a bit!!!
sounds like my ex wife!
Thanks, Normand! I snorted my lunch out of my nose when I read this. EZ’s up in Alaska for the Summer so anything female is catching his eye…
Kelly.
Thanks for all the responses! I enjoyed reading them all and will take a better look at what I’m catching! I had a feeling after posting the question that I would get both true and humorous answers. With all of today’s problems, we all need a good laugh too!
thanks and happy fishing!
DAFlymann
You know me all to well big pappa;) With the joys of the outdoors its not to bad
Thanks for choking me normand, hahahahahahaha:p
Correct me if I am wrong here but don’t male rainbows get red during the spawn(or do both?).