Fur-bearing trout

Very Rare

Caught while trolling in lake Superior off Gros Cap, near Sault Ste. Marie, district of Algoma. It is believed that the great depths and the extreme penetrating coldness of the water in which the fish live has caused them to grow their dense coat of (usually) white fur. Mounted by ROSS C. JOBE, Taxidermist of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.

The fur-bearing trout is often regarded as a (not-so) elaborate hoax along the lines of the jackalope. Unlike the doctored rabbit¹ however, furry trout do exist - as a result of a fungal infection known as saprolegnia. Saprolegnia appears as a white, cotton-like growth which coats the skin and fins of fish. It generally only appears on areas that have been scratched, but occasionally will coat the entire body of the fish. Most healthy fish can survive a minor infection.