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3. Male or female?

I feel a little silly asking this, because I feel like it's something I'm just expected as a fisherman to know, but I don't, so...

1) Are there easy ways to differentiate male and female trout?

2) Are there easy ways to differentiate male and female insects?

Photos would be appreciated (or references to photos on Troutnut).

Thanks in advance for the education that's sure to follow,
Shawn

Shawn,

1) Gender is difficult to determine from appearance in young trout, but mature male specimens often retain some degree of kype. This gradually diminishes after the spawn, but some aspects of it are typically seen in a generally longer head/jaw. Spawning colors would also distinguish the sexes at/around spawning time. In addition, brown trout have a sexually dimorphic shape to the anal fin. The border of this fin curves slightly inward (concave) on females and curves outward (convex) on males.

2) The females of most mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies are larger (on average) than the males. Most (but not all) male mayflies have larger eyes than females. Male mayfly spinners also have longer forelegs and visible claspers at the end of their abdomens. The developing claspers can also be seen in many duns. Of course, you could always resort to looking at their "naughty bits" under a microscope.

"Are there easy ways to differentiate male and female trout?"

Yes, male trout are always grabbing, or scratching, their anal fin and female trout usually have headaches and therefore don't rise as often as the males do.

Two wonderful answers that are pretty representative of the levels of seriousness evident throughout this forum. Both contain the kind of responses that keep me reading posts here rather than elsewhere.

Yes, thanks to both you gentlemen.

-Shawn

I agree... there is a really good mix of posters in the forum that helps to keep the flow interesting, fun and educational.

Now I'm wondering...hmm...is there any data to suggest that male trout are more easily duped than females (or vice-versa) by anglers?

This is strictly anecdotal, Pat, but I would say that we are generally more successful at duping male trout than we are at duping women. (Or did I misunderstand your question?)

Agreed, Gonzo. The question is, though, which are easier to catch, female or male trout? This could be the basic premise of a very funny tongue-in-cheek fishing essay, ala Sparse Grey Hackle, who is one of my all-time faves.

I think you should write that essay before Matt beats you to it, Pat. He's already got a head start, and his witty observation about the differences between male and female trout might be right on target. Perhaps gender differences are more universal than we know! ;)