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Rainbow/Steelhead Trout

Eat Wisconsin Fish / Fish List / Rainbow/Steelhead Trout

Consumption Advice

There is no consumption advisory for Wisconsin farm-raised rainbow trout.

Taste and Nutrition

The flesh of the rainbow trout is white, pink or orange in the raw state and lightens when cooked. It is a mild flavored fish with delicate small flakes and a nut-like flavor.

How They Are Raised

Most Wisconsin rainbow trout sold in grocery stores are raised in outdoor ponds and raceways fed by cold spring water.

Biology and History

Rainbow trout are a member of the salmon family. Though they are not native to Wisconsin, they hail from rivers and lakes of west of the Rocky Mountains. Their popularity led them to be introduced to waters all over the world. They were the first fish to be farm-raised in North America, dating back to the 1800s. They reach market size in 8-12 months.

A second opinion about rainbow/steelhead trout from FishChoice.com.