Following bass fishing, trout fishing is the second most popular form of freshwater fishing in the United States. Like there bass brethren, trout, regardless of stripe, offer anglers an aggressive, fierce fishing experience. But much like the term bass, trout is idiomatic, and generally refers to a trout species that may be geographically unique.
There is a diverse number of trout species spread across three different families of fish. Trout is closely related to both saltwater and freshwater salmon. Brown trout, not indigenous to the
United States and common in the small, warm streams of northeastern, northwestern and central
United States is related to the Atlantic salmon. Other close relatives of the sockeye salmon are the cutthroat trout, commonly found in tributaries and lakes along the Pacific coast of North
America and rainbow trout popular to the clear, cold streams of northwestern and northeastern
United States. Lake trout and brook trout, both native to the cold, clear lakes of the northern United States and much of Canada are both related to the Arctic Char.
Because of the stocking of lakes and bodies of water throughout North America, some species of trout have thrived and migrated to parts of the United States that
did not contain indigenous species of trout. In some cases, non-native species of trout have had a negative impact on native trout populations. In other cases, the combination of stocking trout and over fishing, have led to diminished populations of some native species, as well as certain species of trout. Traditionally much like bass fishers, regular trout fishers tend to be practitioners of conservation techniques as well as advocates of catch and release.
In
North America, trout can be netted using an assortment of techniques and styles, varying in lures, tackle and method. Spin casting from shore or boat is popular, but perhaps more popular is fly fishing for trout. Although especially popular in Midwestern states such as
Illinois,
Indiana,
Wisconsin,
Minnesota,
Iowa and
Michigan, fly fishing is popular throughout the
United States and
Canada. Although specialty equipment is available for trout, as well as by species, no specific specialty equipment is required for trout fishing.
Trout fishing is not exclusive to
Canada and the
United States. Trout fishing has enjoyed consistent popularity throughout Europe, South America, as well as parts of Asia and
Australia. Trout fishing clubs and groups can be found throughout the world.
ZipCode Zoo. 2006. Bay Science Foundation, Inc. 25 Sept 2006. www.zipcodezoo.com
Trout Fishing and Fly Fishing. 2006. troutlet.com. 25 Sept 2006. www.troutlet.com
Pathways for Invasive Species Introduction. 2006. US EPA. 27 Sept 2006. www.epa.gov 
