scale observation question

[Cory]

When looking at photos of fish, it seems to me the coldwater species have a "harder", more pronounced scale tipping. The warmwater species scale tipping seems to be more subdued. I was wondering if I was interpreting my reference right, or not.  Or, could it just be the fact the coldwater fish seem to have smaller/thinner scales that allows the light to react with the irridescent colors more. I don't catch too many trout here in central KS, so I have to rely on photos on the net and purchased ones for the coldwater species, not being able to take any myself. Or, maybe I am just overthinking what I am seeing.

[Frank E. Kotula]

It depends on the time of year with trout or when the spawn comes in other than that no their both pronounced as you see it. Reference is the key to capture the right look.

[Mountain Ed]

Frank is absolutly right, during the spawn,especialy with trout/salmon, the anatomy of the fish actualy changes as well as thier coloring.

[Cory]

Thanks guys, thats what I was looking for.  Since I mount a few every now and then, I need to understand when it was caught and if the customer has any "good" pics of their trophy.  Of course thats what the hard part is, educating your customers as to what a "good" pic is of their fish!  LOL