Easier Stray Crypt?

[Otis]

First trout captured by it settled in Kentucky pool (5)

 

[Otis]

Spoiler: Small hint

No e

 

[Otis]

Spoiler: Medium Hint

Direct on right

 

[Otis]

Spoiler: Big Hint

[captured by] and [settled in] = nested insertion indicators

?

 

[Harry_the_cat]

Spoiler

KITTY: first trout = t, captured by it = itt, settled in Kentucky(KY) = kitty = pool

Meow!!

 

[Otis]

Meow!!

You won the pot.

?