RAINBOW TROUT
BROWN TROUT
CUTTHROAT TROUT
What is the purpose of a fish hatchery ?
A fish hatchery provides an optimum environment for aquatic organisms to develop and hatch by maintaining proper water temperature , chemistry , adequate food supplies and safety from predators . Reasons by the fish are raised in hatcheries includes genetic preservation , restoring declining wild populations , restoration and recovery of threatened or endangered spies , scientific research , mitigation for the loss of fish and habitat from human activity , recreational fishing , food for human consumption and aesthetic pleasure such as viewing area , and aquariums .
The initial purpose of the Spearfish Hatchery , now known as the D . C . Booth Fish Hatchery , was to stock trout into the Black Hills area .
RAINBOW TROUT
Rainbow Trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) is a species of trout native to cold-water tributaries of the Pacific Ocean in Asia and North America . The species was brought from Yellowstone Lake by the hatchery ’ s first superintendent , D . C . Booth . The trout average between 1 – 5 lbs .
Rainbow trout ( aka steelhead , redband trout ) have backs that are bluegreen to olive in color . There is a reddish-pink band along each side , along the midline that ranges from pink to lavender . The lower sides are usually silver , fading to pure white beneath . Small black spots are present over the back , upper fins , and tail . pounds . The International Game Fish Association ’ s World Record for rainbow trout is 42 lbs 2 ounces .
Photos courtesy of National Aquatic and Conservation Archives
BROWN TROUT
Brown trout (( Salmo trutta ) are brown to gold in color with a cream colored belly . Most browns have black , grey , yellow and red spots surrounded by a white halo . This species has a very noticeable spotted adipose fin ( little fin behind the dorsal fin ). They have very few if any spots on their caudal fin ( tail ).
In the wild , Browns are mainly piscivorous , meaning they really like to eat other fish . Their diet can also consist of insects and crustaceans ( e . g . crayfish ). In some cases browns have been known to eat mice , ducklings , mink , frogs , and small turtles . Brown trout are found throughout the United States but are originally from Europe . They were introduced to North America in the early 1880 ’ s .
Brown trout are more temperature tolerant than other trout and can be found living comfortably in waters that are warmer than 70 degrees . Adults average 14-24 inches in length and 2.5-10 lbs . The International Game Fish Association ’ s World Record for brown trout is 40 lbs . 4 ounces .
CUTTHROAT TROUT
Cutthroat Trout ( Onchorhynchus ) is a fish species of the family Salmonidae native to cold-water tributaries of the Pacific Ocean , Rocky Mountains , and Great Basin in North America . As a member of the Pacific trout . Cutthroat trout are popular gamefish , especially among anglers who enjoy fly fishing .
The Snake River Cutthroat , also called the fine spotted cutthroat , is the most widely adaptable Subspecies of cutthroat trout . Snake River Cutthroat prefer large rivers , but are also do well in streams and lakes . They are spring spawners and mainly feed on plankton and aquatic insects . Large cutthroat over 12 inches will also feed on small fish and crayfish .
This species is identified with a body that is brownish yellow with dull silvery , green or bronze tints . Profuse spotting – fine spots cover body , but not the white belly . Red or orange slash under jaw . The common name " cutthroat " refers to the distinctive red coloration on the underside of the lower jaw .
58 Black Hills Adventure Guide 2023