04 Fish knowledge: The trout
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The trout – queen of clear waters
When you think of classic fishing—babbling streams, ice-cold, crystal-clear water, and fine rods with delicate lines—you automatically think of the trout. Hardly any other fish has such deep cultural roots in Europe as it does. For many of us, it was the first predatory fish we ever specifically targeted. For others, it remains the only reason to stand by a mountain stream early in the morning, fog on our faces, clammy fingers on the reel.
The trout isn't just a fish. It's a feeling. A symbol of originality, naturalness, and the beauty of our local waters.
Biodiversity – The trout family
When we talk about "the trout," we usually mean the brown trout —but it is just one of several closely related species. Worldwide, trout belong to the Salmonidae family (salmon-like fish) , and within it, to the genera Salmo and Oncorhynchus .
The most important species in German-speaking countries:
- Brown trout (Salmo trutta fario) : The classic fish in rivers and streams. Yellow-brown to olive-green with red and black spots.
- Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) : Native to North America, now naturalized in many waters. Robust, fast-growing, silvery body with pink stripes.
- Lake trout (Salmo trutta lacustris) : A migratory form of the brown trout found in large lakes. It grows to particularly large sizes.
- Sea trout (Salmo trutta trutta) : Another migratory form – it spends part of its life in the sea but returns to rivers to spawn.
Depending on the type of water and the environment, their size, coloration and behavior vary greatly – which makes them all the more exciting.
Size and weight – small but mighty
Trout appear dainty at first glance – but they can grow quite large, especially in large bodies of water with plenty of food.
- Brown trout usually reach 25–35 cm, maximum 50–60 cm and up to 3 kg.
- Rainbow trout grow faster and can reach up to 70 cm and weigh over 5 kg.
- Sea trout are among the giants: over 80 cm and more than 10 kg are not uncommon.
- The largest sea trout can even reach the size of salmon – record catches are over 15 kg.
Nevertheless, in a typical trout stream, fish over 40 cm are truly exceptional catches. Trout of this size are experienced, alert, and know exactly when danger is imminent.
Occurrence – Where trout feel at home
Trout love clean water. And they are sensitive – not only to pollutants, but also to temperature, oxygen levels, and structural richness.
The brown trout is a typical inhabitant of cold, oxygen-rich streams and rivers with gravelly bottoms. It is often found in low mountain ranges, in the foothills of the Alps, and wherever water still flows naturally. It is also native to the headwaters and tributaries of large river systems.
Rainbow trout, on the other hand, are more tolerant. They thrive in still waters , ponds, and managed lakes—which is why they are stocked in many trout ponds. There, they grow quickly and respond well to pellet feeding.
Lake trout live in deep, clear alpine lakes such as Lake Constance, Lake Traunsee, and Lake Chiemsee. They spend most of their lives in open water, but migrate to tributaries to spawn.
Finally, sea trout inhabit the estuaries and coastal waters of the North and Baltic Seas – and are therefore true adventurers among the trout.
Trout fishing – versatile, sensitive, rewarding
Trout fishing is more than just a technique. It's a combination of observation, patience, and intuition. Especially in flowing waters, it's an art to present the bait so that it behaves naturally in the current—just like the trout's food.
Spin fishing with small wobblers, spinners, or soft baits is particularly popular in streams. It's important to cast upstream or across the current and let the bait drift with the current. Trout will go against the current, so catching them from behind is your best bet.
Trout dough, spoons, and floating lures are often used in lakes and ponds. These are more about attraction and animation than natural presentation.
Fly fishing is arguably the most elegant way to catch trout. Dry mayflies, nymphs, or streamers perfectly mimic the natural food supply. Especially in rivers with a good insect population, this is probably the most challenging, but also the most rewarding, method.
What all methods have in common: If you want to fish successfully for trout, you have to adapt and learn to read currents, light conditions, and behavior. And sometimes you just have to get the timing right. Trout are especially active in light rain, overcast skies, or in the early morning hours.
Special features – Why trout are so fascinating
What makes trout so unique is their distinct territorial behavior. In streams, trout claim small sections for themselves – often just a few square meters. The best spots – shelters, eddies, deep pools – are occupied by the largest fish. Smaller trout move away and eat what's left.
A trout's metabolism is closely linked to water temperature. Temperatures above 20°C are critical – oxygen depletion threatens. Therefore, trout often disappear from shallow areas in hot weather or become noticeably passive. In midsummer, fishing for trout can not only be unsuccessful, but even harmful to the fish.
Trout are also extremely loyal to their habitat . They often return to the same spawning ground year after year. The spawning season is – depending on the species and the water – between October and February . During this time, targeted fishing should be avoided to avoid endangering these fragile stocks.
In the kitchen – The classic on the plate
Trout are not only interesting for anglers, but also a culinary delight. Their meat is:
- Fine and delicate
- White to slightly pink (especially in rainbow trout)
- Poor on bones
- Mild in taste
The classic preparation is trout "Müllerin style" – fried in butter with lemon and parsley. Also popular: smoked trout , poached, filleted, or whole, or prepared in a modern way as ceviche or tartar .
Trout has been an integral part of gastronomy for centuries – and it also always cuts a fine figure on the home grill.
Exciting facts about trout
- Trout can adapt their color pattern to the substrate – an ingenious protective mechanism.
- In particularly clean waters, their flesh is often firmer and their flavor much more intense.
- The Latin name Salmo trutta translates roughly as “salmon trout” – which highlights its close relationship to salmon.
- Lake trout sometimes travel long distances to spawn – up to 100 km upstream!
- The sea trout is considered to be the most demanding trout fish – it bites capriciously, jumps during the fight and demands a lot of equipment.
Conclusion – The trout remains a fish of the heart
Whether by a rushing stream, in a clear mountain lake, or on a windswept Baltic Sea beach – the trout is everywhere. It's not only a beautiful fish, but also a symbol of the state of our waters. Where trout live, nature is often still intact. And where they disappear, it's time to take a closer look.
For me, the trout is more than just a target fish. It's a reminder of my first days of fishing, of slippery rubber boots, of vibrating rod tips in the morning mist. It's proof that with patience, attention, and respect, you can still have true experiences in nature today.
Whether you catch it with dough in a trout lake or with a dry fly in a wild stream, every trout tells its own story. And that's precisely why, for many of us, it remains the epitome of fishing .