| “No
black, put it back.” This phrase reminds you that if the dorsal fin on a
trout you’ve caught is a clear or amber color with no black marks, it is
probably a bull trout and it should be released. Also notice the white-edged
fins on this mature adult. |
| You
should also look for a slightly forked tail fin and a drab or olive body
coloration. |
| Study
the illustration and photo below, along with the key characters indicated:
|
|
|
| TAIL
|
Slightly Forked
(Center rays greater than half longest rays) |
|
| DORSAL FIN
|
Without spots or
other marks (NO BLACK - PUT IT BACK) |
| BODY |
Silvery to light
olive with yellow, orange, or pink spots; darker olive-colored on back
with yellow or cream-colored spots |
| APPEARANCE
|
Usually drab
coloration, but adult (usually over 14 inches) may have bright orange
colors on belly and flanks, black on head, and white-edged fins during
fall. |
|