I know that Rainbows are awesome fish and beautiful to watch jump. They are great fish. I also know that the Brook Trout is the most colorful freshwater trout out there. Their colors change with the seasons and they are a prize to bring to the net. My favorite and in my opinion the most beautiful freshwater trout is the Native Westslope Cutthroat. No matter what the size of the prize, I always feel honored and privileged to bring one to hand. Like the saltwater Bone Fish, they seem to disappear into the color of water when you let them go. They always make me wonder where they came from when I tie into one. And make me wonder where they went when I turn them loose. I haven’t caught a California Golden Trout yet and don’t much expect to. So, the Westslope Cutty is my fav. How 'bout you. What’s your favorite freshwater trout quarry?
Westslope cutt is a beautiful fish. First nice sized one I caught was on the Blackfeet Reservation (I know that’s on the east slope of the Rockies but it was still a Westslope cutt - lol); looked completely different from all the ones I had taken on the Flathead drainages. Prettiest fish for me are the rainbows on the Madison; catch them in the evening and there is something about their colors, can’t describe it. Never have seen a Golden trout in person so I’m sure they’ll have their proponents, too.
Regards,
Scott
I don’t believe I can choose one, any one I can bring to net or hand is the purtiest at that moment. And that goes for any species of fish.
Gotta agree with Byron. The one in the net is the prettiest one.
If I am just looking at fish, a 15+" male brookie is it.
A male bluegill in full breeding colors:)
Sorry I just had to throw that one in since the only trout I get to catch are some rainbows and the occasional brown.
Jim
Years ago in the Uintas in Utah, I caught a small but very colorful trout that I believe was a young golden, reds and golds like I have never seen in any other trout.
Haveonly caught a few golden, but brook are my favorite. Actually chrome steelhead are my favorite but not look wise. Have you ever looked for golden in WA?
Prettiest trout? Got to be brookies.
That being said, a Yellowstone Cutthroat is still my favorite…
Now if you didn’t limit it to trout…
I’m not sure they even inhabit Washington. If they do, and they’re close, I’ll put them on my bucket list.
Beautiful longear, Poke’em! One of my favorites as well. My favorite fish is the one on the end of my line, and maybe it’s my lack of taste, but I even find appeal in catfish and drum. Having said that, this little guy I got last June is one of the prettier fish I’ve caught this year:
I think brookies in full spawning coloration like that one are the prettiest. I have never killed one and eaten it though. How did it taste?
They are GREAT, especially fresh out of the stream into the frypan, a little butter, maybe a litle breading, maybe not. Fry to a golden brown, nice and crispy, and enjoy!!
Browns…I like the browns.
Picked up this one a few weeks ago in a stream you could jump across…gotta love wild brookies…
Google is your friend! It will take a bit of googling/researching. Maybe just a quick call to WDFW. If Lost lake or sidely lake are near you I would start there.
I found one lake in Washington with Golden Trout, but it’s a long back pack hike into it and my back and legs say no more of that. RATS!
if ii had to choose it would be a brook trout, but brown trout do look cool