What makes rainbow trout so special?

Rainbow trout (also known as steelhead) is one of the most popular fish we raise and sell, and for good reason. It’s delicious, versatile, and raised right here on our family farms in Ontario.

If you’ve ever wondered what makes our trout so special, here’s the full story.

A history lesson

Rainbow trout weren’t always part of Ontario’s waters.

Originally native to the Pacific coast, they were introduced into the Great Lakes in the late 1800s as part of early fish stocking efforts. Over time, they adapted incredibly well and are now fully naturalized throughout the Great Lakes and their tributaries.

Trout farming has deep roots here too. Rainbow trout were first cultured in Ontario in the late 1800s, and by the mid-1900s, farming methods really began to take off. By the 1950s and 60s, trout farming was becoming more established, eventually growing into the industry we know today.

Today, rainbow trout is Ontario’s most important farmed fish.

Safe to say… trout has made itself right at home. And we couldn’t be happier!

Restocking and conservation

Trout farming isn’t just about food. It also plays a role in supporting wild fish populations.

Rainbow trout have long been used in stocking programs across Ontario, helping maintain healthy fisheries and supporting recreational fishing. Learn more.

Trout farms are also regenerative in Lake Huron, providing necessary nutrients to help kickstart food webs and counter the impacts of invasive species like zebra mussels. This supports the return of wild fish populations. Learn more.

Why it tastes good and is good for you

Trout has the same rich flavour as salmon, but it’s a very different fish. It’s high in lean protein, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and packed with essential nutrients.

In fact, farmed rainbow trout has been shown to meet or exceed nutritional benchmarks compared to wild fish. So we think it’s an easy win for both flavour and health.

How our trout is raised

We raise our trout on family-run farms in Ontario, using cold, clean freshwater and low stocking densities. That means more space for fish to swim, cleaner water conditions, and less stress overall.

We also use sustainable diets, never use hormones or chemicals, and avoid antibiotics. All of this adds up to healthier fish, and better-tasting fillets.

What’s the difference in rainbow trout and steelhead?

Short answer: they’re the same fish.

Both rainbow trout and steelhead are the species Oncorhynchus mykiss. The difference comes down to lifestyle.

Rainbow trout supposedly live their whole lives in rivers, whereas steelhead migrate to larger bodies of water (like the Great Lakes) before returning to spawn.

In Ontario, “steelhead” usually refers to those larger, migratory rainbow trout found in the Great Lakes system.

But at the grocery store, the terms are often used interchangeably. Same species, same great taste, just slightly different life stories… maybe.

The Canada Food Inspection Agency says that rainbow trout can be called steelhead, steelhead salmon, and also deep sea trout.

Our trout-standing fun facts

Trout can actually see deeper into the colour spectrum than humans, so they see brighter shades of red. We’ll wear red coats if we’re trying to get them to eat faster!

They are pros at camouflage. Their speckles help them hide from birds above, and their white bellies keep them hidden from those below. They can even change their colours between yellow, green and brown.

And a group of trout is called a “hover”. So when your fish box arrive, you can shout futuristically “my hover of trout has arrived!”.

Most importantly, they are one of the healthiest fish for the planet and for you! They’re one of the lowest carbon proteins out there. And they’re packed with protein, omegas and antioxidants!

Plus they’re aTROUTciously tasty and delicious!