Rainbow Trout freshwater

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Rainbow trout are among the most widely distributed coldwater gamefish in the world, native to Pacific coast drainages from Alaska to Mexico and introduced to suitable coldwater habitats on every continent except Antarctica. They are identified by the distinctive pink-red band along the lateral line, dark spots on a silver-green body, and a moderately forked tail. Rainbow trout require cold, well-oxygenated water (optimal temperature 50-65°F) and are found in mountain streams, tailwater rivers below dams, spring-fed creeks, and coldwater lakes. They are the most commonly stocked trout species in the United States, with state agencies releasing millions of catchable-size fish annually into public waters. Wild rainbow trout in rivers and streams feed primarily on aquatic insects (mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, midges), making fly fishing the traditional and often most effective technique. In lakes, rainbow trout feed on insects, small baitfish, crawfish, and zooplankton, and can be caught on spinners, spoons, and bait rigs. The steelhead is the anadromous (sea-run) form of rainbow trout, growing to significantly larger sizes (8-20+ pounds) in the ocean and returning to rivers to spawn. Steelhead fishing is a major pursuit in Pacific Northwest and Great Lakes tributaries.

Effective Techniques

• Fly fishing
• inline spinner
• spoon
• PowerBait
• drift fishing

Frequently Asked Questions