All species of trout have scales that cover their entire body. Scales will grow to become larger as the fish grows. Scales play several important roles for fish such as protection against sharp objects, prevents underwater insects from attaching to their body, and reduces friction when moving in the water.
Scales are important because they provide a lot of protection against the elements and predators. However, for anglers, scales can be annoying to deal with.
In this post, we will cover everything you need to know about trout scales from why they have them to how to remove them.
Why Do Trout Have Scales
The environment underwater can be tough for fish. Filled with predators, insects, and sharp objects everywhere can very easily kill fish and trout is no different.
Scales are essential like a body of armor for trout. Scales protect trout from sharp rocks or other debris found underwater. They help protect against other predators from biting them or prevent dangerous insects from attaching to their bodies causing infections and killing them. Scales also help with reducing drag or friction as a trout swims through water conserving energy when it decides to feed.
Which Trout Have Scales?
| Trout Species | Does It Have Scales? |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Yes |
| Cutthroat Trout | Yes |
| Brown Trout | Yes |
| Brook Trout | Yes |
| Lake Trout | Yes |
| Golden Trout | Yes |
| Gila Trout | Yes |
| Apache Trout | Yes |
| Marble Trout | Yes |
| Bull Trout | Yes |
| Tiger Trout | Yes |
| Splake Trout | Yes |
| Palomino Trout | Yes |
Should You Descale Trout?
After a long day on the water you might be feeling a little exhausted and looking for some shortcuts so you can get your catch on your plate faster.
A common question among new anglers is “Do Trout Need To Be Descaled?”
Technically the answer is no. Trout scales proposed no immediate danger to you but leaving the scales on the fish may make handling the fish more difficult.
That being said, the majority of anglers and chefs prefer to have the scales removed. It makes the fish easier to handle, cooks more evenly, better food presentation, and leads to a better eating experience.
The only time I see people leaving the scales on is when they plan on cooking the fish with an aggressive cooking method like over a fire which scales offer some protection from the direct flames.
Can You Eat Trout Scales?
Scales are edible and provide no health risks if you do eat them. In fact, scales do have some mineral and health fats in them that would be beneficial for you.
However, scales are very unpleasant to eat. They tend to get stuck on your tongue, the roof of your mouth, on the sides of your teeth, and down your throat.
The best way to explain the texture of having a month full of scales is like chewing on pieces of paper that won’t break down when you chew and the stickiness of gum.
This is why most people like to remove the scales from their trout because of the unpleasant eating experience.
How to Descale A Trout
The process of descaling a trout is really simple and quick but it can be very messy. I recommend you do this at a fishing cleaning station if there is one where you caught your trout. If not then be prepared that you might find scales flying everywhere and getting into spots you never would have thought would be possible.
Here are the tools that you will need:
- Knife or descaling tool
- Fishing Gloves
Descaling Process
The scales on a fish overlaps each other in one direction.
Imagine how shingles on a roof overlaps each other … scales on a fish overlaps in a similar way.
The scales near the head of a fish will overlap scales on the side near the tail. You can feel which direction the scales overlap each other by simply rubbing a knife edge or your hand (if the scales are large enough in size).
As you rub towards the tail it will feel smooth but if you rub towards the direction of the head you will feel some resistance. If you keep rubbing in the direction of resistance the scales will eventually come off the skin of the fish.
So here is the process to descale a fish:
- Put on the glove with the hand you plan on holding on to the fish.
- Get a good grip on the fish’s head to stop the body from sliding
- By using a knife or descaling tool start rubbing the scales against the grain by starting from the tail and rubbing knife or descaling tool towards the head.
- Do this all over the fish’s body.
- Keep repeating this process until you feel no more resistance or scales on the fish
- Wash off loose scales off the fish with fresh water.
Check out this video on how to remove scales from a fish using a knife. The same steps apply when using a descaling tool as well.
Angler Tip: Only descale a fish when they are dead. Don’t do this to a live fish because descaling a live fish is extremely painful and inhumane.
Trout Descaling Tools
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Fish Descaling Tool
Descaling a fish does not have to be complicated. You can simply use your filet knife to descale a fish but for some the idea of potentially cutting your hand does not sit right with them. That’s where using a descaling tool comes in handy! There is a low risk of injury.
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Fish Handling Gloves
Gloves aren’t necessarily required when descaling a fish but they are definitely handy when you’re trying to keep a firm grip and control on the fish as you descale it. Gloves also prevent you from accidentally cutting yourself.
Happy Fishing & Tight Lines