What Do Trout Eat?
If you want to catch more trout, understanding what trout eat is as crucial as mastering your cast or picking the right fly. After all, the better you know a fish’s diet, the smarter your fishing tactics become. Trout don’t just bite randomly; they’re selective, savvy feeders whose preferences shift with the seasons, water temperature, and local insect hatches.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the trout menu—from their favorite insects to those surprising meals lurking beneath the surface. By the end, you’ll know how to choose the perfect fly and time your fishing trips to match trout appetites. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler, this guide will sharpen your edge on the water.
Why Knowing What Trout Eat Matters
Fly fishing isn’t just about finesse; it’s about understanding an ecosystem in miniature. Trout are opportunistic predators but have evolved preferences that help them thrive. Knowing what they eat means:
Choosing flies that mimic real food sources.
Timing your fishing to coincide with peak feeding periods.
Reading the water for signs of insect activity.
Increasing your catch rate and enjoyment.
The Trout Diet: A Seasonal and Habitat Perspective
Trout diets vary depending on where they live—rivers, streams, lakes, or reservoirs—and the time of year. Their eating habits adapt to what’s available, from insects to small fish and even terrestrial critters.
1. Aquatic Insects — The Trout’s Primary Food Source
Aquatic insects make up the bulk of a trout’s diet, especially during hatches. These insects spend most of their life underwater before emerging to mate and lay eggs.
Key aquatic insects trout feed on:
Mayflies (Ephemeroptera): These are perhaps the most iconic trout food. Trout eagerly snap up mayfly nymphs underwater and adult mayflies on the surface. They hatch mostly in spring and early summer.
Caddisflies (Trichoptera): Another staple, caddisflies spend their larval stage in the water and transform into moth-like adults. Trout love eating both larvae and adults, especially during late spring and summer hatches.
Stoneflies (Plecoptera): Usually found in colder, fast-moving streams, stonefly nymphs are large and nutritious. Trout often key in on these especially in early spring and fall.
Midges (Chironomidae): These tiny flies hatch year-round and are a consistent trout food source, especially in winter when other insects are scarce.
2. Terrestrial Insects — Trout’s Unexpected Treats
Surprisingly, trout also feast on insects that accidentally fall into the water:
Ants
Beetles
Grasshoppers
Crickets
On warm summer days, terrestrial bugs become vital, especially near riverbanks or overhanging trees.
3. Other Foods on the Trout Menu
Though insects dominate the diet, trout are opportunistic eaters. Depending on availability and trout species, they might also consume:
Small fish and minnows: Larger trout will ambush small fish, adding protein-rich meals.
Crustaceans: Shrimp-like scuds and crayfish are common in some waters.
Worms: Trout occasionally eat aquatic worms.
Fish eggs: Trout may feed on spawning fish eggs during certain seasons.
How Trout Feed: Understanding Behavior to Improve Your Catch
Trout use different feeding strategies depending on the time and environment:
Rising trout: When trout break the water’s surface to eat flying insects, they are “rising.” Matching the hatch with dry flies can be rewarding.
Subsurface feeding: Trout often eat nymphs and larvae underwater, so nymph fishing techniques are essential.
Bottom feeding: Some trout pick food from the riverbed, especially in slow pools.
Matching the Hatch: Your Key to Fly Fishing Success
The phrase “match the hatch” is a fly fisher’s mantra for a reason. It means selecting flies that closely resemble the insects trout are feeding on at that moment.
Tips to match the hatch:
Observe: Watch the water for insects—look for rising trout or insects on the surface.
Identify: Note the insect’s size, color, and shape.
Carry diversity: Have a selection of mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, midges, and terrestrials in your fly box.
Adapt: Be ready to switch flies as hatches progress through the day.
Practical Tips for Fly Selection Based on What Trout Eat
Use nymphs when trout are feeding subsurface on insect larvae.
Opt for dry flies during visible hatches when trout rise to the surface.
Experiment with terrestrial patterns when fishing near banks or in summer.
Carry a variety of sizes, from tiny midges to large stonefly nymphs, to match conditions.
How to Read the Water to Predict Trout Feeding Activity
Look for rising trout or surface disturbances.
Check for insect activity on rocks, logs, and plants near the water.
Observe water temperature and clarity, as these affect insect hatches.
Watch for bubbles or “dimpling” on the water surface, which often signals feeding.
FAQs About What Trout Eat
Do trout eat only insects?
No. While insects make up most of their diet, trout also eat small fish, crustaceans, worms, and even fish eggs depending on the environment and season.
What is the best fly to use when trout are feeding underwater?
Nymph patterns are most effective when trout feed subsurface. Using flies that imitate mayfly, caddisfly, or stonefly nymphs can improve your chances.
Can trout eat terrestrial insects?
Absolutely. Terrestrials like ants, grasshoppers, and beetles are important trout food during summer, especially near overhanging trees and riverbanks.
How can I tell what insects are hatching?
Observe the water carefully for rising fish and flying insects. You can also collect insects near the water with a net or identify them visually.
Why do trout prefer mayflies?
Mayflies are abundant and nutritious. Their nymph and adult stages provide excellent food, and their predictable hatches make them a staple for trout.
Do trout eat in winter?
Yes, but their diet shifts mostly to midges and small aquatic larvae, as many insects are dormant during colder months.
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