Trout Diet

Since fly fishermen use artificial flies to catch trout, it is vital to understand what and how trout eat.  There are several species of trout and they all have very similar diets.  However, their feeding patterns and diets vary enough to make note of what species you will be fishing for.  Trout and Salmon belong to the same family Salmonidae.  True trout (Brown, Rainbow, Cutthroat, Golden and Steelhead) belong to genus Salmo.

They each look quite different but all share the trait of having dark spots on a light background.  Brook Trout, Lake Trout, Dolly Varden and Bull Trout are actually Chars and not true trout.  They belong to the genus Salvelinus and share the trait of having light spots on a dark background.  For this introduction I'll refer to all of these fish as trout.

Brown Trout (Salmo Trutta) - This is arguably the hardest trout to catch.  They feed on the surface more than any other trout, but they are also more wary.  They feed heaviest at dawn and dusk, particularly as they get larger.  Large Browns will feed mostly on smaller fish and crayfish, ignoring most insects altogether.

Rainbow Trout (Salmo Gairdneri) - These trout are know for their aerial acrobatics.  The often feed on the surface too, however, even as they get older they dine mostly on insects.  They will also eat small fish and crustaceans.  The Steelhead is a different story - they are much more selective.

Cutthroat Trout (Salmo Clarki) - They are similar to the Rainbow trout in that they also feed mostly on insects throughout their life.  They are also considered to be the easiest to catch.  Unless you are on some heavily pressured blue ribbon trout water, you will find they easy to fool.

Golden Trout (Salmo Aaguabonita) - These are high elevation trout are considered by most to be the most beautiful trout.  Because of their high elevation, food sources are often limited which is why Golden Trout generally don't get very large.  It is also why they are so opportunistic.  They are hungry and will take most insect patterns, especially caddis flies and midges.

Brook Trout (Salvelinus Fontinalis) - Like Cutthroat trout, brookies tend to not be as selective can often be easier to catch.  They do put up quite a fight though.  They too feed mostly on insects, but their diet is varied depending on location.

You will find the section on Trout Diet has in depth articles about the insects that make up a trout's diet.  The article Trout Food is a great place to begin.

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