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.