Understanding Trout
and Salmon

• Trout & Salmon Basics
  
  "Trout and salmon have long been considered superior gamefish, the ultimate in wariness and fighting ability. In years past, many anglers regarded them as the only true gamefish. Unfortunately, this wary nature has led to the popular notion that the fish are superintelligent, and therefore extremely difficult for the average angler to catch. But there is no evidence to indicate they are more intelligent than other gamefish species.
  
  The notion is reinforced when anglers see feeding trout being "put down" by even the slightest movement or vibration. But this instinctive reaction should not be confused with intelligence. Like any other fish, trout become conditioned to flee for cover to avoid predators. As soon as they hatch, trout face attacks from predatory insects, crayfish and small fish.
  
  As they grow older, they are attacked by larger fish and by kingfishers, herons and other predatory birds. Most stream fishermen have seen dead trout along the bank with gaping beak wounds in their heads. The wariness of trout also results from natural selection; those that lack wariness do not live to reproduce.
  
  What distinguishes trout and salmon from other gamefish is their preference for cold water."
  
• Stream-Dwelling Trout & Salmon
• Senses
• Feeding & Growth
• Spawning Behavior
• Hatchery Trout vs. Wild Trout
• Habitat
• Understanding Moving Water
• Reading the Water
• Weather