Rainbow Trout (Onchorhynchus Mykiss)
Game fish of the family Salmonidae, noted for its spectacular leaps and hard fighting even when hooked. It was introduced from western North America to many other countries. This brightly colored fish lives in cold water lakes and swift streams.
DEPENDABLE LIVE DELIVERY:
Crystal Lake Fisheries provides dependable live delivery of hard-fighting rainbow trout. Our experienced drivers deliver beautiful Rainbows during all twelve months of the year. The thrill of landing a hard-fighting Rainbow can bring customers back time after time. We can deliver the sizes you need, at the times you need them.
ALL SIZES AVAILABLE:
Specializing in catchable, other sizes are also available: lunkers, fingerlings, and fry. We program our feeding to have trout to deliver to you throughout the year.
RELIABLE SORTING:
Your need for specific sizes can be met. We carefully sort each order to assure that your delivery will be accurate.
CERTIFIED:
Our trout are registered with the United States Trout Farmers Association in the “Trout Production Quality Assurance Program” Level II and we have had certification inspections since 1969.
Golden Rainbow Trout (Onchorhynchus Mykiss)
The golden rainbow is a gold-orange rainbow trout raised under artificial fish culture conditions and stocked as a novelty for angling sport.
The golden rainbow trout is a different species than the golden trout (Oncorhynchus aguabonita). In fish hatcheries, the rainbow trout has occasionally produced other unusual genetic mutations, such as the blue rainbow, whose body color is sky-blue and some white rainbows.
IDENTIFICATION:
Golden rainbows are a deep golden-yellow in body color, with pinkish lower fins, pink or red tones on their cheeks and with the rainbow’s reddish lateral stripe. Generally, there is no spotting on the body or fins.
HABITAT:
The golden rainbow trout’s habitat and food preferences are similar to that of the normally colored rainbow trout.
LIFE HISTORY:
Our experience at Crystal Lake Fisheries was similar to that of West Virginia’s. In 1989, we had a “tiger striped” male that we spawned with a broad variety of our females. From these offspring, we have genetically selected for the gold color and have developed our current supply of golden rainbow trout. It is our understanding that the golden color is a recessive trait. Spawning in the wild is unlikely because golden rainbows are highly visible in streams both to anglers and predators. Blue herons, ospreys and other predators seem to target them.
A few golden rainbows are popular with many fishermen since they are so visible; therefore, we suggest a few for fishing purposes.
DO THE GOLDEN RAINBOWS BITE BETTER?:
Feedback from our customers shows about 80-85% think the golden rainbows do not bite as well and are more finicky eaters. They see the goldens go for the fly then stop short. 10-15% think they bite better and more aggressively. One thing is for sure, you can see them come to the hook and turn away. Maybe the green trout do the same thing but we just don’t see it. This might be a good lesson on how to present your fly or bait better.
Seasonal (Winter) Stocking of Rainbow Trout
Since the early 1990’s, winter stocking of rainbow trout has become increasingly popular in the central and especially the southern states. When the water temperature cools into the mid to low 60’s, rainbow trout can be stocked as a fun put-and-take sport fish into ponds, lakes and private streams. In the spring, invite your friends and neighbors over to catch as many rainbow trout as possible because as the water warms (“book lethal” temperature is 75 degrees) the rainbows will die. The good fishing falls off fast once the temperature reaches 70 degrees.
Crystal Lake Fisheries delivers live trout into most of the mid-western and southern states, even into southern Texas. For smaller orders, we work hard to combine several customers into a single delivery, thereby sharing the delivery charges.
Stocking rates vary depending on so many variables, but as a general guideline, stocking from 100 to 300 pounds per acre provides good fishing. In special circumstances, we have stocked more and even less than this suggestion. Smaller ponds will provide you with the opportunity to catch a larger percentage of the trout (fewer places to hide).
Usually, if other fish are living in the water, the trout will do fine. Remember, trout are used for water quality testing and are sensitive to poor water quality.
Feeding is not necessary, but it is a fun, recreational activity. If trout feed is not available from your local feed store, it is okay to use a high-protein catfish feed. This won’t totally balance their diet, but they will eat enough natural feed to do just fine. If you would like, Silver Cup Fish Feed can UPS single bags of trout feed to you. You can contact them at 800-521-9092.
Normally, stocking in private waters has no limitations, but stocking in public waters, if permissible, usually requires a permit. Some states have import and certification requirements. Check with your state Fish and Game Department or call us and we will share what information we have for your area.
Trout as Winter Bass Feed
More bass pond owners are stocking rainbow trout during the winter months as a supplemental food source. The omega 3’s and oils in the rainbows seem to provide a nutritional boost for bass during their slow feeding times. In the spring the bass appear to be larger and healthier.
We suggest stocking trout in the fall when water temperatures cool to an acceptable level for the trout to live. The bass will feed on the trout during the winter; then as water temperatures rise in the spring, the trout will become sluggish and the bass become active and the bass will really chow down on the remaining trout.
The stocking size of the rainbows can vary. Most customers prefer an 8-10 inch trout; some utilize 10-12 inch trout, especially if the bass are larger; then others like a smaller trout. The smaller rainbows will cost a little more.
As a side benefit, many bass fishermen enjoy catching the trout; and even keeping a few to eat.