
Rainbow trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
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
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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