Yampa River Rainbow Trout photo by Louis Cahill

Fish, trout especially, are among the most beautiful creatures on earth. They are like swimming jewelry, and if you read that quote in John Gierach’s column, yes that was me. So from time to time I will offer you a closer look, and I can’t think of a better place to start on this Colorado rainbow than the fin that makes him a trout. The adipose fin is unique to Salmonids.