What is a Trout ?

    The trout found in Missouri are very similar to salmon. The two species available in Missouri are the Rainbow Trout and The Brown Trout. Trout are restricted to cold water , below 75 degrees. There are numerous cold water springs and streams in Missouri that are perfect for trout.

   The Rainbow Trout is by far the most common. Although there is a good population of Rainbows in the state , the majority of the decent sized trout caught are raised in hatcheries. Hatchery trout spend about 15 months in rearing pools feeding on trout chow until they reach about 11 inches in legth. After reaching that legth they are stocked in streams across the state for anglers to enjoy.

 

  Recently released hatchery fish will bite on any number of baitslike corn marshmallows or dough bait because they were raised being hand fed. But once they have lived in the wild for a while they will learn to feed on insects and baitfish.

   The Brown Trout however , is a completely different animal. It looks and behaves differently from the Rainbow.Today they are a very popular and sought after fish.Mainly because they are a more selective feeder and present a greater challenge for the angler. The Department of Conservation hatch and raise less Browns than Rainbows. About 300,000 per year compared to the 1.5 - 2 million Raibows raised.

 

    Brown Trout feed much like Rainbows until they reach about 12 inched , then their diet changes to a bigger bait such as crayfish , minnows , and Sculpins. They are more aggressive by nature , require more protein , and engage in gorging to bulk up on fat to survive more dominant seasons. The world record Brownie was caught in Arkansas and was about 40 pounds but Missouri has a great chance to break that record with the many trophy trout management areas regulated by the Department of Conservation.

   So whatever you choose to go after in Missouri there is plenty of trout in the water so get out and catch some dinner.