Tiger trout has become many anglers’ most desired trophy fish, and honestly, I don’t blame them for that. I mean, it looks beautiful for one – if not magnificent. Tiger trout is considered to be one of the most ornamental species, as a matter of fact.
Moreover, when it comes to playing hard to get, the fight a wild tiger trout would put up before getting caught is sure to impress you. Fly fishing is possible too.
But wait, are you sure you know everything about tiger trout? Don’t worry, that is why I’ve put together this comprehensive guide on tiger trout that consists of everything you’ll ever need to know.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
Why is it called Tiger trout?
Given how rare this sort of trout is, it’s safe to say not all anglers get to see tiger trout up-close. But if you do get to look at it, you won’t forget what you see, that’s for sure. The yellowish skin combined with black spots somewhat makes the trout look like a tiger – one that lives under the water, in style.
Hence the name, Tiger trout.
Male Brook Trout + Female Brown Trout = Tiger Trout?
Yes, that is correct. The tiger trout is an inter-genetic hybrid of male brook trout and female brown trout. You probably can guess the scientific name already, which is Salmo trutta x Salvelinus fontinalis. They’re sterile fish, so can’t really reproduce with parent species or among themselves. Hybridization may occur naturally in very rare cases.
What do Tiger trout eat?
Tiger trout are called piscivorous, which means they regularly consume fish – smaller ones to be exact. Their diet includes a good amount of larvae, insects and invertebrates. Tiger trout also has a strong liking for streamers, nymphs and trout dries.
What’s the size of an average Tiger trout?
An average tiger trout can have a size of 18-20 inches and a weight of around 2-5 lbs. Although the large ones can weigh up to 20 lbs. Tiger trout tend to grow a lot faster than other fish, mainly due to their notoriously strong feeding patterns and appetite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where do you find tiger trout?
It’s not totally impossible to come across tiger trout in rivers that have brook trout and brown trout. But honestly speaking, that’s very unlikely. What you should do is, ask your state’s fish and game agency where to find them. They’ll probably know quite a few water bodies that have stocked tiger trout. They’re not that hard to create and stock, so whichever place you visit, you’ll find plenty of them.
Tiger trout is mainly found in cold water environments, especially ponds and lakes. Below, you’ll find a list of the states where tiger trout is known to be available –
- New Hampshire
- New York
- South Dakota
- West Virginia
If you don’t find yours on the list, fear not, that doesn’t necessarily mean there aren’t any in your state. Consult with your local fish and wildlife service anyway. As I said already, they would know.
Are tiger trout aggressive?
They are aggressive feeders, yes.
But don’t let that make you think you don’t have to be stealthy. They do tend to be line-shy, so you need to make sure your line doesn’t have high visibility. Boats and motor noise can and will spook them. Approach quietly, cast discreetly and delicately and you should be fine. Here’s a tip: try to use live bait for best results.
How do you identify a tiger trout?
An easy way to identify a tiger is to look for the greenish yellow to brown skin with dark patches along their sides, creating a dark maze-like pattern. The color of the belly is yellowish orange and the tail fin is square in shape.
If you’ve read till this far, congratulations, you now know pretty much everything about tiger trout. Let’s have a quick recap.
We’ve looked at the basic features of a tiger trout including how it’s bred, its diet, and how big they are usually. After that, I’ve answered some commonly asked questions in the FAQ section.
While the flesh of Tiger trout isn’t highly regarded as great by most, fishing for it is a fun activity nonetheless. I hope this article has helped you to clear up your confusion regarding Tiger trout if you had any. Happy Fishing!