illustration: rainbow trout

Rainbow trout were originally abundant only in North American rivers, then they were introduced to other waters around the world due to its delicious taste and challenge as a fighting game fish. Rainbow trout are generally a smaller cousin to the Salmon fish. They thrive in cold clear water. When you see the presence of trout in a river by you, it is a good indicator that the river is healthy, clean and pristine.

My rainbow trout illustration is done in watercolor.

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illustration: rainbow trout

Rainbow Trout are a cold water fish that live in the ocean for about three years. They return to river tributaries to spawn. They are identified by their polka dots and pinkish color at the lateral line.

illustration: rainbow trout (v2)

The Rainbow Trout is a species relative to the salmonid family. They are commonly found in the tributaries of North America, but are introduced around the world for sport and food.  Just like their cousin, the Steelhead, later in life, Rainbow Trout always return to their hatching area upriver to spawn.

painting: rainbow trout

I took up fishing about 5 years ago. And I’m still not very good at it. I’ve only caught an average of 3 fish per season. I’d catch a Yellow Perch or a Stone Bass, and feel like an accomplished male, then release it. But the real reward in the sport is in those large, very smart, finicky fish several feet deep under the canoe – the Trout. So this year, I attended an event at the local sporting goods store promoting fly fishing. All of a sudden, my casual hobby has turned into a formula for rocket scientists. And very expensive. Over $250 for a fly fish rod? Anyway, I think the only way I can capture a trout is with my paintbrush. So, here is a watercolor of a Rainbow Trout.