Fishing

Tiger Trout

Salmo trutta × Salvelinus fontinalis

Tiger Trout is a sterile hybrid that is the result of crossing a female brown trout with a male brook trout.  Hybridization can occur naturally, however it is very rare.  Stocked tiger trout are produced in a hatchery.  Coloring, markings, and tail shape can vary but generally is a dark maze-like pattern all over a brownish, gray, or silver body. The belly is varies from white to yellowish orange as does the pectoral, pelvic and anal fins. These fins also have white leading edges. The tail fin is square to slightly forked. Length: 3 to 25 inches. Weight: up to 5 pounds (up to 32 pounds in other states).

Location and Habitat
The Arizona Game and Fish Department stock Tiger Trout in four locations: Woods Canyon and Willow Springs lakes on the Mogollan Rim, and Carnero and Becker lakes in the White Mountains. They often forage in shallower water than Rainbow Trout and favor clear water over murky or muddy water. 

Reproduction

Tiger Trout are sterile hybrids between Brook Trout and Brown Trout and cannot reproduce.

Food
Much like Brown, Brook and Rainbow trout, Tiger Trout feed on aquatic insects and other invertebrates. At a larger size, they will feed more on crayfish and other fishes.

Angling
Nymph patterns seem to work very well when fly fishing for Tiger Trout. They also readily take streamers and minnow patterns. Spinners and small lures will work well when using spinning tackle. Tiger Trout are aggressive feeders, so really most light spinning or fly tackle fished on or near the surface will work.

Table Quality
Similar to Brook Trout and Brown Trout, the Tiger Trout’s flesh is firm, flaky but it is not highly regarded by most as great table fare.