Get ready for the season with this one-stop guide to successful trout fishing. Catching a trout is one of the most satisfying experiences that an angler can have. Trout are also known to be beautiful, strong, and found in various habitats around the world, including rivers, lakes, and cold-water streams. Whether you’re experienced or new to freshwater fishing, knowing the different trout species helps you choose the right techniques and gear.

This guide breaks down the major trout species anglers commonly target - their appearance, habitat, behavior, and what makes each one unique. And since your fishing experience is as much about your equipment as it is about skill, we will also point out how the fishing apparel from Dagon Fishing can increase comfort and protection on the water during long days.

Rainbow Trout

The most familiar type of trout is likely to be rainbow trout. Their pinkish-red stripe and shimmering silver body make them easy to recognize. Rainbows are cold-water and fast-flowing river-dwelling species, but can also be successfully reared in lakes and stocked fisheries.

What makes them popular?

They’re aggressive feeders, quick to strike, and put up a spirited fight. Their acrobatic jumps make them particularly exciting to follow.

Where to find Rainbow Trout?

In North America, New Zealand, Europe, Chile, Japan, and most of the stocked waters around the world.

Gear Tip:

When fishing fast streams, sun protection and quick-drying clothing are essential. Dagon  fishing shirts are also designed to be able to wick moisture, dry fast, and keep you out of the sun in extreme situations - ideal in active trout waters.

Brown Trout

Brown trout are among the smartest and toughest trout to catch, they are also known by their golden-brown bodies with dark spots and orange spots on them. They are cautious and most discriminating feeders, and usually live in deeper pools or beneath submerged logs.

Why do anglers love brown trout?

They’re so elusive that every catch feels like an accomplishment. They are tough, mighty, and able to make unexpected runs.

Typical habitat:

They’re found in cool rivers and lakes throughout Europe and the United States. They are also commonly stocked in the world.

Fishing Style:

Stealth is critical. Light equipment, soft presentations, and patience are the best.

Gear Tip:

Brown trout fishing is usually quiet, patient work along riverbanks. Lightweight hoodies and sun shirts are made by Dagon to ensure that you are cool, shielded, and comfortable on the water, be it at dawn or fishing off of rocky cliffs.

Brook Trout

Brook trout are technically part of the char family. They’re known for their vermiculated patterns and bright red belly fins edged in white, making them one of the most beautiful of the freshwater fish.

Why do brook trout stand out?

They usually inhabit cold, neat mountain streams; that is, to take one, you are likely to be in some of the most picturesque places nature has to show.

Behavior:

Brook trout may be fierce feeders, particularly in small headwaters where the competition is intense.

Where they're found:

North America, particularly the Appalachian Mountains, the Great Lakes region, and northern Canada.

Gear Tip:

Mountain streams may require wet ground and rapid variations in temperature. The fast-drying shirts and soft shell garments of DagonFishing are perfect for staying warm, dry, and mobile in rough trout environments.

Cutthroat Trout

Cutthroat trout, so called due to the reddish-orange slash under their jaw, are legendary American West fish. Their color differs according to the particular subspecies and the waters in which they are found.

Key Trait:

The cutthroats are opportunistic feeders and tend to attack more readily than other species of trout.

Habitat:

The rivers, alpine lakes, and desert streams within the Rocky Mountain area.

Subspecies include:

• Yellowstone Cutthroat

• Snake River Cutthroat

• Lahontan Cutthroat

• Coastal Cutthroat

Each subspecies has its own color patterns and behaviors.

Gear Tip:

Western trout fishing often means long hikes, bright sun, and big open water. The moisture-wicking fishing shirts offered by Dagon with UPF protection allow the fishermen to control the temperature and offer comfortable wear throughout their day.

Lake Trout

Lake trout are found in deep and cold lakes, unlike most trout species that exist in streams. They’re big, powerful predators that can live long and grow over 40 pounds.

Appearance:

Light-colored bodies, gray or olive, with light spots and forked tails that are deeply forked.

Behavior:

They are found in deep water most of their time, but when spring and fall come, they are nearer to the surface.

Fishing Techniques:

Trolling, jigging, or heavy spooning.

Gear Tip:

Lake trout fishing often means long hours on the water. The UPF fishing shirts, comfortable bottoms, and breathable hoodies by Dagon enable spending more time under the sun to be much more enjoyable.

Golden Trout

Golden trout, native to the high waters of California’s Sierra Nevada, are stunning fish with bright red bands and golden-yellow bodies.

Why do anglers treasure them?

They’re rare, beautiful, and usually found in remote areas that require a good hike to reach.

Habitat:

Deep, glacial waters over 7,000 feet.

Gear Tip:

Fishing in elevated places may imply excessive exposure to the sun. DagonFishing has UV-resistant clothing to ensure that the angler is safe in sunny alpine conditions.

Final Thoughts

Learning the various kinds of trout will make your fishing activity more enjoyable as you are equipped to know the suitable technique, location, and equipment. Every trout species brings its own challenge, from the athletic jumps of rainbows, the brown trout with its stealthiness, or the golden trout of the high altitude with its beauty.

However, no matter what type of trout you are after, it is best to be well-dressed. Dagon’s fishing shirts, hoodies, and performance gear are designed for anglers: lightweight, moisture-wicking, sunguard, and comfortable enough to spend the whole day on the water.

When you plan your next trout adventure, you can take things to the next level by preparing well by preparing well, and Dagon Fishing has all that you require to do so.