A couple of years ago I questioned some yellow trout that I caught in the Sego Prairie Pond. The IF&G response was that they were yellow phase rainbows that were granted to the IF&G by someone in Hagerman. I caught 2 yellow trout at the Pond this weekend and was wondering if yellow phase rainbows had again been stocked or if they are something else. Thanks!
Answer:
Yellow trout were indeed again stocked in Sego Prairie Pond.
Typically, bright colored fish don't last long in pond environments where they are stocked. If they aren't caught by anglers, their distinct color makes them more vulnerable to predators such as large birds (pelicans, blue heron, eagles, osprey, etc.) or mammals (otter, mink, etc.). Their chances of surviving more than 30 days in the wild are virtually 0%. To my knowledge, we've not documented yellow-colored trout over-wintering and providing fishing opportunities the following year.
Answered on:
Wednesday, December 24, 2014 - 11:54 AM MST