What is it with trout, that when they die, they sink to the bottom? I thought most fish would float to the surface, but not trout for some reason.
I was told by a trout farmer that trout will sink more than other species. No reason given. I've seen both but have seen them sink more often.
My theory is either the skin of a trout is more easily broken during decomp (small scales etc.) and gas is released vs. being trapped and causing the fish to float, and/or since they are physostomas -- (have an opening between their stomach and swim bladder to release gases -- they are more likely to stay on the bottom.
This opening btw allows them to release gas built up from sudden depth changes from coming up from deep water vs. other species that do not have this and blow up like a balloon when pulled from deep water.
