Trout Hybrids

March 24, 2022

Question: Can different species of trout successfully mate?

Answer: The short answer is yes! Although it is very uncommon, some species of trout have been observed reproducing with other species of trout, which scientists refer to as hybridization. For example, cutbow trout are hatchery produced trout created from spawning two different species: rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. For more fun fisheries facts visit CDFW’s Classroom Aquarium Education Program.

Here’s a book which should interest any angler – An Entirely Synthetic Fish: How Rainbow Trout Beguiled America and Overran the World, by Anders Halverson.  It’s available at https://www.amazon.com/Entirely-Synthetic-Fish-Rainbow-Beguiled/dp/0300140886.