Realfisherman
12/29/2012 9:13:00 AMGreat looking fish. How do you tell its a bull trout. I have never caught one, and would like to know what you look for. Great job. Regards
tele_maniac
12/29/2012 9:41:00 AM@Realfisherman - Thanks. Bull Trout are olive green with a hint of gold on the upper body and head. They also have pronounced tan spots on their body and white lines on the bottom of their fins. Dolly Varden look similar, but have pronounced pink and tan spots on their body. They both are protected in most Washington lakes and rivers. The Skykomish happens to be one of the rivers you can retain them in as part of your trout limit.
Matt
12/29/2012 2:29:00 PMIn fact, Dolly Varden and Bull Trout are two distinctly different species genetically speaking. In general, studies have show the only way to ID the two without taking a DNA sample is to count the branchiostegal rays (the small lines on the throat of the fish, below the gill plate). Studies have indicated that Dolly's generally have approximately 22 branchiostegal rays, whereas bull trout have between 27 and 31. The only REAL way to distinguish between the two species is to take a DNA sample and have it sent to the lab.