Do Trout Eat Shrimp? Examining the Role of Shrimp in Trout Diets

Shrimp make a delicious meal for humans but do trout see these crustaceans the same way? Understanding what trout naturally eat can help anglers pick the best bait and effectively target different trout species. While not a primary food source, shrimp can play an important supplemental role in trout diets.

When Do Trout Start Eating Shrimp?

Trout go through distinct dietary shifts as they mature. Here’s an overview of how shrimp fit in during each life stage:

• Fry stage: Newly hatched trout fry eat microscopic plankton and insect larvae. Shrimp are too large to be prey at this point.

• Fingerling stage At 3-9 months young trout switch to small insects aquatic invertebrates, and zooplankton. Some brine shrimp may be eaten.

• Yearling stage Around 12 months old, trout become large enough to consume shrimp along with other macroinvertebrates.

• Adult stage: Mature trout over 1 foot long rely more on fish, crayfish, and worms, but will still opportunistically eat shrimp as part of their varied diet.

So shrimp become a viable food source starting in the yearling stage, though trout don’t rely on them as a primary meal. Adult trout consume shrimp more incidentally when available rather than seeking them out.

Why Might Trout Eat Shrimp?

While not a staple, shrimp offer some key benefits that likely drive trout to eat them on occasion:

• High protein content to support growth and energy.
• Abundant source of food when available. Many shrimp species travel in large swarms.
• Softer bodies compared to shelled crayfish and crabs make shrimp easy eating.
• Bright colors and jerky movements trigger instinct to pursue.
• Variety from other common trout prey.

In the right conditions, it makes sense for trout to take advantage of shrimp as part of a balanced diet. But shrimp alone don’t provide complete nutrition for long-term health.

Best Trout Species for Targeting with Shrimp Bait

Not all trout respond equally well to shrimp bait. Species that naturally eat more shrimp are more likely to strike shrimp lures and bait. Good options include:

• Brook trout: Often feed on tiny shrimp and scuds in streams. Readily bite artificial shrimp patterns.

• Lake trout: Opportunistically eat Mysis shrimp dwelling in deep lakes. Effective bait below thermocline.

• Brown trout: Adaptive feeders that consume shrimp where available. Use scented shrimp imitations.

• Rainbow trout: Known to eat drifting shrimp in streams and rivers. Drift shrimp bait/lure to mimic.

• Cutthroat trout: Feed on shrimp dislodged from stream bottoms. Allow bait/lure to sink before retrieving.

You’ll want to tailor presentations to match the behaviors of different trout species. But generally, shrimp works best for trout accustomed to eating shrimp naturally.

Fishing Methods and Gear for Using Shrimp with Trout

Shrimp can be used many ways when trout fishing:

• Live shrimp: Hook through the tail and drift or slowly retrieve near bottom for natural presentation.

• Whole dead shrimp: Add scent attractant and drift or bounce along bottom structure.

• Shrimp strip bait: Cut into chunks and float off bottom or vertically jig.

• Artificial shrimp lures: Cast crankbaits, swimbaits, or plastic shrimp imitations.

• Shrimp flies: Drift wet flies or swing streamers to mimic dead/fleeing shrimp.

Light spinning or baitcasting tackle allows casting shrimp lures and live bait rigs. For flies, a 5-6wt fly rod with floating or sink tip line works well. Match hook and weight size to shrimp.

When Shrimp May Not Work for Trout

While shrimp can tempt many trout species, there are some scenarios when other baits are a better choice:

• Very cold water – trout metabolism is slowed, reducing feeding.

• Extremely warm water – trout become lethargic and less predatory.

• Low visibility water – trout rely more on scent than vision.

• High prey density – trout key on abundant food like baitfish.

• Pressured fish – trout grow wary of unnatural shrimp bait.

• Primitive environments – trout have less exposure to shrimp.

When trout are obviously keyed into other prominent food sources, it pays to try those instead of shrimp. But otherwise, shrimp is a versatile option to test for trout across many different habitats.

Best Fishing Practices When Using Shrimp

To maximize your chances of catching trout on shrimp:

• Fish near the bottom or at midwater depths – this matches where trout find shrimp naturally.

• Use lively action to trigger strikes on artificial shrimp. Vary retrieves.

• Try drifting shrimp bait along current seams where trout hold in wait.

• Target structure and cover where shrimp get trapped or dislodged.

• Fish at dawn/dusk or night when shrimp are most active and vulnerable.

• Cast across stream pools and lake drop-offs that hold concentrations of trout.

While not every trout seeks out shrimp, the technique can still be productive if applied strategically based on trout behavior. Adjust based on conditions to find success.

Key Takeaways on Trout Eating Shrimp

Though just part of their diverse diet, shrimp do provide a tempting supplemental meal for many trout species. Trout begin eating shrimp around their first year of life once large enough to consume these macroinvertebrates. While not a primary food source, shrimp offer nutrients and variety to balance out trout diets. This explains why shrimp can be an effective bait choice when matched to the behaviors of the trout species you’re targeting and fished properly to mimic natural shrimp. Consider shrimp one tool among many rather than a universally effective bait for all trout.