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This is a Bull Trout, and one of only 2 trout species actually Native to Western Montana. The Bull Trout is a perfect barometer of water quality as it requires perfect water conditions to live. The water must be clean and cold. It's kind of a "canary in the coal mine" so to speak. They are currently listed nationally as a "Species of Special Concern" due to their drop in numbers because of myriad environmental practices. They are, however, making a comeback thanks to concerted efforts! Its actually illegal to specifically fish for a Montana Bull Trout!
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Nice Brownie. Notice the wonderful red spots along the lateral line and on the adipose fin?
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This is a tremendously beautiful fish, although somewhat sad too. This is a Rainbow/Cutthroat hybrid or Cutbow. Rainbows and Cutthroats are similar enough to be able to cross-breed. Rainbows are NOT native Montanans and with their ability to cross breed with the Cutthroat, many of the native and pure strain Cutthroat trout species are being put at risk because of mistakes of the past. It doesn't mean that its not a GORGEOUS fish though!
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Another Non indigenous fish to Montana - the Brown Trout. Unlike the rainbows, brown trout are unable to hyrbidize with other species of trout in Montana. I recently heard the brown trout described as "the coyote of the trout world!" They can live anywhere, and in virtually any type of water. Water that is too polluted, or too warm for say the Bull Trout suits the Brownie just fine. Heidi's favorite fish, and as she says "Chicks dig the brown trout"!
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Always wonderful to see small fish in a stream. This is an indication that trout populations are healthy and self sustaining and will continue as long as we take care of their habitat.
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Think this little guy was hungry? It ate a stonefly pattern that was as big as its head!
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Brown trout come in a variety of colorations. This little guy is kind of a Buttery Brown. Others are almost bright silver!
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Another hyridized Rainbow/Cutthroat. You can see the orange/red cutthroat markings on the fish's jaw, but the definite 'rainbow' colorings and markings along the lateral line.
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Wild Rainbow. Check out all of the spots from the tip of her nose to the tip of her tail. How do I know its a female? You can use tell the sex of the fish by looking at the mandible. If it extends beyond the eye, its a male. If it only extends to the eye, or slightly in front of the eye, its a female. The big guy in #3? Definitely a male! Rainbow trout are indigenous to the PNW, AK, etc.
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The only other Native Montanan near Missoula - The Westslope Cutthroat. You can tell a purebred Cutthroat by the cutthroat markings under the jaw, a lack of spots along the belly and lateral line, and heavy spotting along the tail. I would say this is definitely a purebred Cuttie! Compare it to the Cutbow above. Cutties also spawn in the spring, and develop incredible coloration during the spawn. This is probably a prespawn fish as you can see the belly begining to take on some nice reddish hues.
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nice set
PEXRI · 2008-02-02: 10:30
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WOW!!!
peregol · 2008-02-02: 10:37
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Mat...this is a great set, and I learned more about trout in 10 minutes than I'd previously known in my whole life. Very interesting....and some beautiful, detailed photo's. My favorite shot is the one of the wild rainbow...I love the subtle colors in the fish with the rocks in the river and I also like when the fishing pole is in the shot. Thanks for all of the info...I read it to my husband as I was looking at your post and he found it interesting, too! No worries on the archives...they are all new to us!
aknor · 2008-02-02: 11:18
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Mat these are stunning!! I agree with aknor, what a great education about trout. I love the beauty of #3, that jaw line is gorgeous!! I also really appreciate the visual effect of your net, rod and reel #7. I agree with Heidi, I'm also a big fan of the Brown however the Rainbow/Cutthroat is also a favorite! Thanks so much for sharing these! Great way to start my day. ; )
pattyb · 2008-02-02: 11:32
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Great set Mat, as you know i'm a fishing man aswell can't wait to get out there again. I think fishing is very relaxing, just to be outside and enjoy the nature. Just have to wait to start again...
eljapa · 2008-02-02: 11:57
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wow Mat, I never knew how beautiful they all are .. you did an amazing job of capturing them.. I like the rainbow ones alot and the silver.. I really like 2 .. the whole set is well done ,it's not always easy to show shots that have so much reflection and shine but these are really good :)
Lindyart · 2008-02-02: 12:42
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These are beautiful and fun to read about. I once hooked a rub of a Northern Pike for a young mans Bar Mitzvah.... another beautiful fish. You can 'feed' us fish photos for a while.
DancingDolphin · 2008-02-02: 13:54
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Thanks for all of the interesting info, and great pictures. Me being a psudo-vegetarian still loves the taste of trout. Remindes me of home (Wyoming). You got some terrific pics.
soldotnamanda · 2008-02-02: 14:03
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wow - these are awesome! i like how you composed them with just the hands too. it is so neat to look at them closely - and also to know that they were not supper! although i'm a HUGE seafood fan... :-) here little trouty! come to lexi. i have a nice warm place you sit in and relax ;-)
lexlevans · 2008-02-02: 14:20
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Nice shots. I definitely got an in-depth education on trout today!
etodd80 · 2008-02-02: 15:02
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enjoyed the post...very interesting sharing!
sunshineand · 2008-02-02: 15:06
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Nice set - thanks for the lesson , Rainbow Trout excellent.
Queen911 · 2008-02-02: 15:44
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Wow, this is amazing Mat. These are all the exact same fish I caught on my sophisticated hand reel yesterday! I bet you didn't know that the Brown trout is sooo good at living anywhere it even made it's way to the Upper Yarra River in Australia :P Hahaha I wish! In all honesty, thank you for the wonderful trout lesson. These are amazingly beautiful fish to look at with so much color. I really love that #2nd shot.
focussed · 2008-02-02: 16:09
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These ARE very beautiful fish. I love the photos also. Have fun!
bamommy · 2008-02-02: 18:29
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Trout's good.Love all kind of fish.Nice pics :)
mintra · 2008-02-02: 18:30
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looks like you had alot of fun here not only catching but shooting them as well . you are so knowledgeable on this subject i have to say i'm impressed ! well done my friend
dkelly · 2008-02-02: 19:10
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Fantastic post,both in photos and info.Gorgeous fish and well caught..both ways.
signsnwonders · 2008-02-02: 19:54
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I feel a bit smarter after reading this post. Very clean shots.
ambersunsets · 2008-02-02: 20:05
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Trout are beautiful, I must admit I was savoring the taste while looking, I love brook trout with a little lemon fried in the skillet. Nothing better. Wonderful shots.
youlookmahvelous · 2008-02-02: 20:24
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awesome set! to be honest, my husband is not a picture guy, but he moves me out of the way to look at your sets and read your blog, well done!
picturemom · 2008-02-02: 22:35
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Great set! With all this fishing going on, I think a little fishing trip might be order for me and the man very soon :) Not that we ever really catch anything worthy of a photo. Number #2, it's colour and light, is just lovely :) Thank you for sharing.
Peche · 2008-02-02: 22:55
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The light is perfect!
agarison · 2008-02-03: 01:10
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I never knew there were so many varieties - fantastic post!
jet28 · 2008-02-03: 04:45
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BEAUTIFUL POST!!!
vterezia · 2008-02-03: 05:36
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GREAT SET... Beautiful and Informative... we only have rainbows and browns..
RossCo · 2008-02-03: 11:18
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Great set, Mat! I enjoyed despite my fish issues. I have to say that I did find them beautiful and you just MIGHT convert me!
vollenda · 2008-02-03: 15:25
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Wow Mat!! I didn't even know how much I didn't know about trout!! Awesome post! Fantastic trout shots!
Jannie · 2008-02-03: 16:09
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Your passion for these fish comes across in this post. They are beautiful fish.
rolpa · 2008-02-03: 16:35
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What great and interesting information! Your love of this sport shines through. It's wonderful you have such a passion for something outside of work that you share with your family.
TheCrazyCroat · 2008-02-03: 18:27
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I'm totally using your fish as a color palette to paint come spring.
mowestlan · 2008-02-03: 18:32
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Great looking fish-ez!! Nice color of the brownie.. In my eyes it was a day well spent!! Thanks for the education and for showing us your awesome day off!!
SheriJ · 2008-02-03: 21:55
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I can appreciate these photos because they are yours...but fish still creep me out sometimes! LOL!!!
mattandbranson · 2008-02-04: 10:48
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BEAUTIFUL! Great post!
mindysue · 2008-06-13: 23:04
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