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trout

Trout

Click on each fish species for more detailed information.

 
Rainbow Trout
 
  • Has a streamlined body, an adipose fin, and large mouth
  • Distinguished from Brown Trout, Brook Trout and Cutthroat Trout by having many small black spots on the caudal fin and on the back and sides
  • Adults have a broad pink to red stripe along the side
  • Lacks the red/orange slash on each side of the lower jaw found on Cutthroat Trout
  • Adults usually reach 12-14 in. and less than 1 lb. in small to medium streams, but may attain larger sizes (over 10 lbs.) in rivers and tailwaters of reservoirs

 

Cutthroat Trout
 
  • Has a streamlined body and an adipose fin
  • Distinguished from Brown Trout, Brook Trout and Rainbow Trout by having a red/orange slash on each side of lower jaw
  • Also differs from other species by having few spots on the head and spots that are more dense towards the caudal fin
  • Only stocked in the Lake Cumberland Tailwater; may attain larger sizes (over 10 lbs.)

 

Brown Trout
 
  • Has a streamlined body, but slightly deeper than Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout
  • Distinguished from Rainbow Trout by having fewer but larger spots on the back, and red mixed with black spots surrounding by pale halos on the sides
  • Lacks the red/orange slash on each side of lower jaw found on Cutthroat Trout
  • Differs from Brook Trout by having dark round spots on a lighter colored body
  • Largest of the four trout species in Kentucky, reaching weights of more than 20 lbs. in larger streams and rivers

 

Brook Trout
 
  • Has a deeper body than Rainbow or Brown Trout
  • Distinguished from Rainbow and Brown Trout by having pale worm-like markings on a dark colored back and white leading edges of the lower fins
  • Lacks the red/orange slash on each side of lower jaw found on Cutthroat Trout
  • Breeding males develop bright orange-red with black color on the belly and lower fins
  • Adults usually range from 10-16 in. and 1-2 lbs.
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