Photo: Ken Hammond / USDA / Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Rainbow Trout
Freshwater
About this species
A colorful trout marked by a pink lateral stripe, native to Pacific drainages and stocked globally. It thrives in cold, oxygen-rich streams and lakes. Small spinners, flies and PowerBait are dependable.
Season
123456789101112
Depth
0 – 10 m
Habitat Spots
StreamRiverLake
Fishing Methods
FlyLureFloat
Bait & Rig
Small spinners, dry flies, nymphs, and PowerBait dough fished near the bottom work consistently across stocked and wild fish alike.
Edibility & Taste
Mild, delicately flavored pink flesh that is excellent pan-fried, baked, or smoked.
Similar Species
The pink lateral stripe and black-only spots on a silver body distinguish rainbow trout from brown trout, which has orange-red spots ringed with pale halos.
Record Weight
19.1 kg