Appearance: an attractive fish, primarily silver in colour with black spots and speckles. Pink and blue bands from the head and along the body give this fish its rainbow name.
The most distinguishing feature of the rainbow trout is its black spotted tail fin with a pale background. Other salmonids, like brown trout and salmon, have a darker and solid coloured tail fin.
British record: 33lb 4oz (British record committee 2015)
Lateral line scale count: 135-150 (this is the dark row of scales along the central length of the fish's body)
Lifespan: 4 to 6 years
We like trout because: they are an aggressive predator and will take most live baits.
How to catch a trout
Maggots and worms will catch trout easily but most anglers prefer the skill and challenge of catching game fish such as trout, salmon and grayling using fly fishing tactics. This is where the angler uses a fly (a hook dressed up to resemble an insect) to provoke a fish to bite.
Where to catch a trout
Rainbow trout can be caught in some of our reservoirs, such as Tringford, where the controlling clubs stock at regular intervals on a put in and take out basis.
