Listen to the Song – The Rainbow DancerÂ
The complete lyrics are included in the companion book, Our Jewels in the Water, allowing readers to follow every song while learning about Britain’s remarkable freshwater fish.
Enjoying the music?
The companion book Our Jewels in the Water includes the full lyrics, additional stories, exclusive photographs and beautiful illustrations for every species.
The Rainbow Trout
The Gift from Afar
“Though born in distant waters, the Rainbow Trout has found a welcome home in Britain’s lakes and reservoirs.”
Species Profile
The Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is not native to Britain. Originally found in the rivers and lakes of western North America, it was introduced to the United Kingdom during the late nineteenth century.
Today, it is one of the most popular sporting fish in Britain, stocked in reservoirs, lakes and fisheries where it provides exciting sport for fly anglers and bait anglers alike.
Its name comes from the beautiful band of pink, crimson and purple that runs along each side of its silvery body, complemented by hundreds of tiny black spots across its back, fins and tail.
Renowned for its speed, spectacular leaps and fighting spirit, the Rainbow Trout has earned the admiration of anglers throughout the world.
Clive’s Story
My first encounter with a Rainbow Trout was unforgettable.
The take was sharp, the fish immediately launched itself clear of the water, and within seconds it was racing across the lake with incredible power.
Unlike many freshwater fish, Rainbow Trout seem to fight with endless energy.
Every run is followed by another leap.
Every leap is followed by another determined surge.
They never seem willing to surrender easily, and that is exactly why anglers enjoy catching them so much.
Although they may have arrived from another continent, they have become an important part of Britain’s angling landscape.
Natural History
Rainbow Trout thrive in cool, well-oxygenated water.
They feed on aquatic insects, freshwater shrimps, snails, worms and small fish, readily taking both natural food and artificial flies.
Unlike the Brown Trout, most Rainbow Trout in Britain are stocked into fisheries rather than breeding naturally in the wild, although a few self-sustaining populations exist.
Their fast growth, adaptability and willingness to feed make them one of the world’s most successful freshwater sporting fish.
Interesting Facts
- Scientific name: Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Family: Salmonidae
- Native to western North America.
- Introduced into Britain during the late 1800s.
- Habitat: Reservoirs, lakes, fisheries and some rivers.
- Diet: Insects, crustaceans, worms and small fish.
- Famous for spectacular leaps and powerful fights.
- One of the world’s most popular fly-fishing species.
Behind the Song
When writing The Gift from Afar, I wanted the music to celebrate both beauty and excitement.
The verses reflect the Rainbow Trout’s graceful appearance, while the chorus bursts into life with the explosive leaps that every trout angler hopes to witness.
Although it began life on another continent, the song recognises how completely this magnificent fish has become woven into Britain’s modern angling tradition.
Conservation
Because most Rainbow Trout fisheries rely on carefully managed stocking programmes, responsible fishery management is essential.
Maintaining excellent water quality, healthy habitats and balanced ecosystems ensures that anglers can continue to enjoy exciting sport while protecting native wildlife.
At the same time, conserving Britain’s native fish species and their habitats must always remain a priority.
Clive’s Reflection
The Rainbow Trout reminds us that beauty knows no borders.
Although it was not born in Britain’s waters, it has earned its place through the enjoyment it has brought to countless anglers.
Every fish has its own story.
Some belong to history.
Some belong to our native rivers.
Others, like the Rainbow Trout, remind us that nature has a remarkable ability to adapt and flourish.
That is why, to me, the Rainbow Trout will always be The Gift from Afar.
“Sometimes the greatest gifts arrive from distant shores and become part of our own story.”
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