One of the first trout species I caught when I first started fly fishing was rainbow trout. In Western Manitoba there are a series of lakes that through proper management and annual stockings, have provided anglers a unique chance at catching trophy sized trout in numbers. Because the fish are stocked at a small size, they grow up in the lake and adjust to feeding on insects and baitfish. This provides anglers to catch trout but are more challenging to catch because they are accustomed to the natural food sources. Stiff regulations protect the large fish from being harvested, classifying them as Trophy Trout Lakes. One particular lake grows some beautiful rainbows and in the fall and spring, the colours of these fish are incredible. This drawing was based off a photograph I snapped while releasing a big buck.

A big, 27″ rainbow being revived and released to swim another day. I’m a strong believer in catch and release, and with trout especially it’s important to take a few extra seconds to make sure the fish is revived properly and is able to swim off. It’s all our responsibility to ensure the fish we catch get treated with respect and are given the best chance to survive.
Watercolour pencil and Graphite pencil
Original Artwork by Nick Laferriere