Thursday, September 13, 2012

Asian Lenok Trout

'The bonefish of trout.'  That is what I read when I began to research the Lenok trout and I would be lying if I said I wasn't interested in this species.  Then again any trout peeks my interest because lets face it - Trout are the yin for the fly anglers yang.
  When I was contacted by an fellow angler from the other side of the world about painting a pair of special trout for him and his emerging company, I stumbled over myself for the opportunity.  Its not everyday that this humble artist angler gets the chance to go international.  My last international venture was a few book illustrations with Carlos from Barbos con Mosca and it was a joy.  Not only does it expand my resume as such but it also gives me a contact in the region for any future trip to fish those exotic corners of the world. 
  As for the subject of this special painting my Asian friend wanted to showcase the Lenok Trout.
Hu??  What the duce is the Lenok?
The best answer is that it is a deep backwoods Asian trout similar to the brown trout in size and spots.  It also is a trout with lineage.  In some circles it is thought that this special trout could be the link between the Grayling and the trout.  This also might be able to explain why some anglers refer to the Lenok as the Bonefish of the trout species.  Regardless, the Lenok is a beautiful fish.
    Typified by similar brown trout markings, the lenok also sports some brilliant colors along the torso.  Typically these colors are a reddish pink with yellows, all topped off with deep mossy greens on the back.  Having never actually held one of these beauties in my hand - I found it hard to squeeze in a trip to Mongolia last weekend - I relied heavily on the internet and my Asian angler contact email for reference material.
    Hopefully I did them justice.  Maybe someday I can get over there and compare my painting to the real thing.  It felt good to put paint to paper again and I hope you all enjoy it.  Thanks Dennis for the opportunity.

15 comments:

Patrick said...

Beautiful fish, and great work!

Jay said...

You can get a good dose of fly fishing for Lenok in the film "Fish Bum 1: Monglolia River Wolf" where the guys are going after Taimen. They look a lot like Bonefish with that overhanging upper lip.

Unknown said...

Thanks Patrick

Thanks for the tip Jay. I knew they shared the water with the monster Taimen but I am going to have to check out that movie. It sounds right up my alley.

BrookfieldAngler said...

That's awesome! I love hearing about new species from around the world.

TexWisGirl said...

beautiful work, as always!

Lefty Angler & Flies said...

This is by far the most beautiful work of yours here! I want to see Japanese Yamame and Iwana in the future.

Mark Kautz said...

An interesting and beautiful species of trout. Nicely done.

Mark

cofisher said...

Never heard of the Lenok...the only thing I know is they are beautiful.

Unknown said...

Brookfield - so do I!
TexWis - Thanks
Satoshi - They are on my radar as a Tenkara Angler. Before the year is out, I promise.
Mark -aka- Shoreman - You are correct Thanks
Howard - Ditto that. I wouldn't mind hooking into a one!

Anonymous said...

Son, you are still a wonder.We thank, God, for you.
M&D

Chris said...

Well... crap. Now I have to catch one. Thanks for that ;)

Jim Yaussy Albright said...

Great painting.

THE RIVER DAMSEL said...

I love browns, so of course this has me intrigued! Beautiful work as always...

Unknown said...

UpACreek - your welcome:)

Jim & Miss Damsel - Glad you like them. Thanks

Unknown said...

Thanks for an awesome piece of work Joel. We at China Fly Outfitters are very proud to have your painting of 2 Chinese Qinling Lenoks in our company logo. Please keep up the good work!

Dennis