The fastest freshwater fish

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) rank as the 9th fastest fish in the world, the highest ranking for any freshwater fish. Tenth place is held by the Sacramento Pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus grandis) but, with respective speeds of 8.0 and 6.7 meters per second, there is quite a difference between the two. Granted, compared to the Black Marlin, which tops the list at 36.1 meters per second, neither is seen when it comes to offshore racing, but, even so, this is a title to be seen. have sporting implications.

Remembering basic physics, velocity is a product of power relative to mass. The more powerful the engine, the faster the car. So a faster fish should be one that is stronger (more muscular) and presumably also fights harder.

So, are rainbow trout the most fighting freshwater fish, too? I don’t think many anglers would agree with that statement; not because the physics are wrong, but because there are so many other factors that come into play as well.

For one thing, most anglers only come across the semi-domestic version of the introduced rainbow trout in reservoirs, and these aren’t nearly as big as their native oceanic cousins. That’s right: native fish, found in the Bering Strait area, spend a portion of their lives in the sea.

In the sea, these fish find a greater variety of food and can grow much bigger and stronger. They also have a different coloration, so when they return to rivers to spawn, they are often mistaken for another species. They are more commonly known as Steelheads, a term that originated in Alaska but is now also used in Kamchatka and other Far Eastern parts of the Russian Federation.

Steelheads can reach 1.20 meters in length and weigh more than 25 kilograms. It’s 55 pounds old money. These fish are excellent fighters and would make a memorable catch for any angler on any rig. Fly fishing is probably the sportier and more exciting option, but many anglers find lures and baits effective.

Rainbow trout offer a great sport for anglers in many parts of the world. I say great but not the best. That title is, perhaps, one that is better left to open the debate. The species that wins this title will have to be powerful and large, and offer some exceptional fighting characteristics. The battle is only worthwhile if the conclusion is not decided from the moment the hook is cast.