There is something timeless about trout. Maybe it is the places they live, the way they rise to a dry fly, or the variety of tactics needed to catch them, but trout have a way of drawing anglers in and keeping them hooked for life. Recently, expert angler and author Phil Rowley sat down with us to share why trout remain his favorite species to fish, and why they continue to hold such a special place in the fly fishing world.
The Species That Started It All
Fly fishing as a sport was actually founded on trout. These fish were the original target for early fly anglers, and they remain at the heart of the sport today. One of the reasons trout are so appealing is their varied diet. They feed on everything from aquatic insects and invertebrates to scuds, leeches, and even small baitfish. This wide range of food sources means there are countless ways to catch them, making them an ideal species for experimenting with different fly patterns and techniques.
Trout are also known for their willingness to feed on the surface, offering anglers exciting opportunities for dry fly fishing. Seeing a trout rise to take a fly is a thrill that never gets old, no matter how many times you experience it.
Found Around the World
Trout are incredibly adaptable and can be found on every continent except Antarctica. From the crystal-clear lakes of New Zealand to the remote streams of Russia, they are a global species that continues to inspire anglers worldwide.
In the Americas, they thrive in places like Canada, the United States, and parts of South America, including Chile and Argentina. They live in lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds; basically any body of clean, cold water.
Not only do trout inhabit beautiful places, but those places often double as destinations for anglers looking to combine their love of fishing with the peace of nature. As Phil points out, it is easy to miss a take when you are lost in the scenery.
More Than Just One Kind
When people talk about trout, they are often referring to a wide range of species within the salmonid family. Common types include rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, and golden trout. Then there are hybrids, like the cutbow, which is a mix of rainbow and cutthroat trout that can grow to impressive sizes. Phil mentions Henry’s Lake in Idaho, where cutbows over 10 pounds are not uncommon.
Trout also have close relatives in the char family, such as brook trout, bull trout, lake trout, and arctic char. These species often live in the same waters as trout and can be identified by their bright coloration and distinctive white edges on their fins, especially when they are getting ready to spawn.
In addition, other salmonid relatives like arctic grayling and whitefish offer fantastic fly fishing opportunities. Grayling, known for their striking rainbow-colored dorsal fins, live in cooler northern climates. Whitefish are found in both rivers and lakes and provide exciting sport on light tackle.
A Perfect Species to Learn On
One of the best things about trout is that they are ideal for learning the foundations of fly fishing. Chasing trout teaches you how to read water, match the hatch, and understand fish behavior. You learn to fish in a variety of conditions, from small streams to large lakes, and those skills carry over into other types of fly fishing as well.
Whether you are targeting rising fish with dry flies or swinging streamers through a deep pool, trout will test your patience, timing, and technique, but they will also make you a better angler.
Learn More with Anchored Outdoors
Want to build your trout fishing skills? Anchored Outdoors is packed with resources to help you get started or improve your technique. Explore our growing library of classes, interviews, and articles from experts like Phil Rowley. Whether you are on your first cast or your thousandth, there is always something new to learn.
