Golden Rainbow Trout

A number of people have asked me exactly what a palomino or golden rainbow trout actually is. I looked it up and below is a link to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat commission.

In short the golden rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is raised in hatcheries for sport anglers.  These fish originate from a single mutated rainbow trout from a West Virginia hatchery in 1954.  First WVA and then PA used selective breeding to develop what we now know as the golden rainbow (GRT) or palomino trout.They were first stocked in PA streams in 1967.  They are now grown to trophy size in hatcheries and stocked throughout the state.  

Although possible, spawning in the wild is unlikely.  Golden rainbows are susceptible to predation as they are so easily spotted by herons and anglers alike.

The Golden Rainbow trout should not be confused with the golden trout (Oncorhynchus aguabonita) a native trout of California. 

Yellow Breeches, Pennsylvania

Road trip to Boiling Springs, PA. Pictured right is the old mill dam at the Allenberry Inn on the Yellow Breeches. I fished with friends David and Noble and we all had a great day. I landed my first Golden Rainbow trout aka palomino trout aka GiRT. Ugliest trout I ever caught. Happy to say we also managed some good sized rainbows and some nice browns.

Ohio Steelhead

Right now the conditions of Ohio steelhead angling are poor at best. The streams are high and off color. Ice floes and slick banks can make a north coast outing tough going.

Guides Patrick Robinson and Greg Senyo went fishing on Monday. The results are pictured right. If you’d have asked me about fishing on Monday I’d have said ’stay home and tie more flies.’  The forecast was poor and the recent heavy snows only meant more water in the streams.

But if you know what you are doing and where you are going it makes all the difference. Greg and Patrick are experienced guides. They know well that the steelhead game is all about finding the fish and understanding the current water conditions.  They are also willing to brave conditions that many of us would rather avoid.

If you would like to fish with Greg or Patrick or would just like to learn more about fishing for steelhead in Ohio contact Mad River Outfitters at 888 451-0363 and ask for Graham.