monger, I bet that water from the gravel would be Cold!!, Never knew the facts of the private hatchery...Thanx monger, for the info...It just maybe random genetic mutation that has disfigured these Bows...However, from what I understand there is a good chance, it is a hatchery related instance (no body's at fault)...But who the heck knows...They are definitely freaky lookin fish and seem to maintain great health...Goes to show how strong trout are...As most of us know, Rainbows (Oncorhynchus mykiss), are a species of salmonid...Very strong back ground of reproductivity and all around health , unless introduced to over harvesting, pollution and loss of habitat...We have to, and we do, show trout up most respect, but on the same token, people get so damn up tight to see a pic of a trout being so called miss handled, or slightly on the rocks or weeds (not on this thread)....I mean there is a line to be drawn....O.k, where am I goin with this???...uhmmm..Sorry, just got carried away I guess...Bottom line is, trout are tougher than most make them out to be....Not meaning we can hold them out of the water for minutes on end for measurements, pics ect., or let them flop around on rocks or grass....From my own experience, I find trout have a much better recovery rate than Pike, Walleye White fish, Goldeye, pearch ect...Ill stop ramblin on... ...
Cheers...Jeff..