Rainbow Trout Fishing Guide

The rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is the most widely distributed and cultured salmonid in the world, native to Pacific drainages of North America and northeastern Asia but introduced on every continent except Antarctica. Wild fish are distinguished by a pink-to-red lateral band, black spotting on the body and fins, and silvery flanks; hatchery fish are often more subdued in coloration. Rainbows occupy an enormous size range — stream fish may mature at 7 inches while lake-dwelling fish called 'steelhead' (sea-run form) or 'kamloops' (large lake form) can exceed 40 pounds. They are the backbone of US trout hatchery programs and the primary target of put-and-take trout fisheries in nearly every state. Wild rainbows in cold, clean streams are entirely different fish from their hatchery counterparts — wilder, faster, and extraordinarily challenging to approach.

Rainbow Trout is a freshwater species.

Habitat

Cold, well-oxygenated rivers and streams with gravel spawning habitat; also cold, clear lakes throughout the western and northern US and wherever they've been introduced. Require water temperatures below 70°F for sustained health, thriving best in the 50–65°F range in clear, fast-moving water.

Diet

Insects (both aquatic and terrestrial) form the core diet in rivers — mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, and midges at various life stages. In lakes, rainbows also consume crustaceans, small fish, and leeches; large lake fish shift to a predominantly fish-based diet.

Fishing Techniques

• Fly fishing dry flies and nymphs
• Drift fishing salmon eggs
• In-line spinners
• Small spoons
• PowerBait on a slip sinker

Best Seasons

Spring, Fall, Winter

Size & Records

Average weight: 1.5 lbs. World record: 42 lbs (Lake Diefenbaker, Saskatchewan, Canada (2009 – steelhead category)).