Oncorhynchus mykiss
The most-stocked trout in America and the gateway to cold-water fishing — from hatchery ponds to wild western rivers, rainbows eat flies, lures, and bait with equal enthusiasm.
Stocked rainbows eat dough bait and worms near the stocking point; wild rainbows eat drifting insects and small fish in moving water. Match your approach to which fish you're on.
Guide data is editorial and general — conditions, regulations, and fish behavior vary by water. Photo: Wikipedia — Rainbow trout.
Use these field marks and context clues to separate rainbow trout from similar fish before logging or keeping one.
Match a rig to Rainbow Trout with the Setup Builder, or browse all setups.
Slow-troll small spoons with split shot 100 ft back at 1.5 mph.
Troll or drift baits along lake drop-offs and inlet plumes.
Stocked lakes: near the ramp/inlet where trucks dump fish. Creeks: leapfrog pools upstream.
Cold streams, tailwaters, mountain lakes, and stocked urban ponds nationwide — the most accessible trout in the country.
Rainbows have a pink lateral stripe and spots on the tail; browns are golden with red-and-black spots and a nearly spotless tail.
Brookies have light worm-like markings on a dark back and white-edged fins; rainbows have dark spots on a light body.
Size limits, bag limits, seasons, and gear rules change every year and differ by state (and often by individual water). Always verify with the official source before keeping fish.
