Most trout fishermen are familiar with the basic species they will encounter in their local streams and lakes. Rainbow (the most commonly stocked fish), lake trout, brown trout, Brook trout and even the rarer Cutthroat and Apache all have their own fisheries and public education programs. However, anglers may not be aware of the rarer and prized hybrids that are produced by hatcheries or occur rarely in nature.

One of the more prized and certainly most dramatic trout hybrid species is the Tiger trout. Tiger trout are notable because of their markings and their voracious appetites, but what exactly are they? Tiger trout are the result of a cross or hybridization between the brook and the brown trout. Although this hybrid can be produced easily in a hatchery, it is extremely rare (though not unheard of) in the wild. Tiger trout have been stocked in various locations all around the country. They are know for their aggressive feeding habits and stronger than average fighting ability. Also, because of their previously mentioned appetite, they can be used to control invasive species such as the Utah Chub. Adding to the benefit of stocking Tiger Trout is the fact that they are sterile. This allows them to skip the spawning stage and grow into their 4th and 5th year. The Tiger trout has a greenish “tint” under water that immediately makes it look unique. Its coloring pattern is almost leopard-like, with swirling stripes that give it the “tiger” name. Wild Tiger trout only inhabit streams and lakes where Brook trout and Brown trout share habitat. Stocked Tiger trout can be found in any environment that can support Brook trout and will often be added by state fishery managers to attract anglers or provide variety.

Another, and more common, hybrid is the “Splake”. The Splake is a cross between the Brook trout and the Lake trout. Splake were first produced in Canada in the 1870s, but now are common in the Great lakes and northern fisheries. While a Splake may look like a Brook trout, it is usually much larger and has a slight fork in the tail. The advantages of establishing a Splake fishery make them very attractive for anglers and for fishery management. Splake grow at a faster rate than stocked Brook trout and live longer than stocked trout. Also, they feed on other fish that out-compete with Brook trout such as yellow and white perch. This makes them a good control element to introduce to marginal fisheries. Splake survived to older ages than stocked brook trout.

A third species, gaining popularity in the mid-Atlantic region, is the Golden Rainbow trout. These were originally bred in Petersburg, West Virginia back in 1954 and Petersburg now calls itself the Golden Rainbow trout capital of the world. Golden Rainbows are, for all intents and purposes, Rainbow trout and will usually be included in a Rainbow stocking for variety. Trophy Golden’s make for great mountings and conversation pieces.

So, if you ever find yourself holding one of these prizes you won’t have to wonder what you’ve landed. The rare Tiger is sought after, the Golden Rainbow stands out like a nugget in the stream and the Splake is a sought after ice fishing target. As always, tight lines and leave no trace.

By: Jeffrey Gray
Jeffrey Gray, founder of TroutWorld.com, has been helping trout fishermen find their way to new and different fishing venues via the internet since 1999.

Fishing information courtesy of Resources For Attorneys, a legal resources and lifestyle directory for attorneys, lawyers and the internet public.