WikiCatch
Rainbow trout

Rainbow trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Family
Salmonidae
Max Length
122 cm
Max Weight
25.4 kg
IUCN Status
NE
Water Type
saltwater, freshwater, mixed
Fishing Spots
20,488

Overview

The rainbow trout is a species of trout native to cold-water tributaries of the Pacific Ocean in North America and Asia. The steelhead is an anadromous (sea-run) form of the coastal rainbow trout (O. m. irideus) or Columbia River redband trout (O. m. gairdneri) that usually returns to freshwater to spawn after living two to three years in the ocean.

Best Baits & Lures

Live Baits

  • Nightcrawlers

    Excellent for enticing strikes on the bottom.

  • Mealworms

    Effective when fished under a float.

  • Waxworms

    Similar to mealworms, good all-around bait.

  • Salmon Eggs

    A classic, especially in rivers during spawning.

Artificial Lures

  • Mepps Aglia #3Spinner

    Silver or gold blades work well.

    Buy
  • Rapala Original Floater 07Crankbait

    Trolled or cast in shallow water.

    Buy
  • Blue Fox VibraxSpinner

    Versatile spinner for various depths.

    Buy
  • Panther Martin SpinnerSpinner

    Heavy spinners cast further.

    Buy
  • Woolly BuggerFly

    Nymph fly, in black or olive.

    Buy

Techniques

Vary your retrieve speed when using spinners to find what triggers a strike; sometimes a slow, steady retrieve works best, while other times a faster, erratic retrieve is more effective.

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Where to Find Rainbow trout

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best bait for Rainbow trout?+

Popular baits for Rainbow trout include Nightcrawlers, Mealworms, Waxworms, Salmon Eggs, Mepps Aglia #3. Tip: Vary your retrieve speed when using spinners to find what triggers a strike; sometimes a slow, steady retrieve works best, while other times a faster, erratic retrieve is more effective.

Where can I catch Rainbow trout?+

Rainbow trout can be found in many locations worldwide. Top regions include British Columbia, Canada; Pennsylvania, United States; Colorado, United States. WikiCatch lists 20488 fishing spots where this species is found.

How big do Rainbow trout get?+

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) can reach up to 122.00000286102295 cm in length and 25.4 kg in weight. Their IUCN conservation status is NE.

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