SILVER TROUT
(Salmo tahoensis)
In Lake Tahoe there are two varieties of trout that have been given separate specific names. They both belong to the cutthroat series, but vary considerable from the typical form. The one commonly called silver trout is a resident of the deep waters of the lake and grows to a large size, specimens having been taken fully 30 inches long.
Back, dark green; side and sides of head, coppery; lower jaw, yellow. The spots are so profuse that many of them run into each other and form long blotches in many instances. All of the fins are spotted, those on the dorsal and the tail being oblong in shape. The belly also is covered with many small spots.
LAKE TAHOE TROUT
(Salmo henshawi)
The other variety of trout found in Lake Tahoe, and the most common one, is a very handsome fish. Its native habitat is the lakes of Tahoe, Donner, Independence, Webber, Pyramid and others of the high mountains, and the Truckee, Carson and Humboldt rivers. Specimens of this trout have been taken that weighed fully six pounds.
Back, green, varying in depth of color with the water; sides, light, with a strong coppery tinge. The spots on this variety are generally quite large above, but growing smaller below and reaching well onto the belly. Its coppery sides and larger spots should prove a distinguishing feature. Like all the cutthroats it has the red markings below the jaws.
LAKE SOUTHERLAND TROUT
(Salmo jordani)