Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is the foreigner in our neck of the woods. The beginnings of stocking Slovenian rivers with rainbow Ttrout dates back to 1890, which is why many fishermen now consider it as a part of this ‘new’ environment. The fact is, this fish species in very adaptable and has since produced viable populations in numerous Slovenian rivers, where they spawn naturally. Despite this, fishing clubs are still stocking them in large numbers, especially at easily accessible fishing places like near bridges. Large numbers of this fish in a wild stream caused imbalances, but for some fly angers, they are still highly prized and targeted fish for fly fishing.
With its bright colours, energetic behaviour and insatiable appetite they sure make a fun species to fly fish for. And when you add their size and the fact that they are good fighters once hooked, it is hard to be against them. But let’s be objective and clear, they are making the life of native fish harder and times of stocking them in large numbers should be over. In Slovenia you can find them in almost every river, but there sure are also some remote parts of rivers where you can’t find them.
