If there’s one species that has been accepted and cherished in native and non-native ecosystems, it’s the Rainbow Trout. From midwestern stock ponds to the wild mountains of New Zealand, they can be both accessible and nearly inaccessible – and they’re an absolute blast to catch.
The variety in terms of destinations makes this a wonderful species. They’re beginner-friendly in many locales but are also exotic in some places. In Alaska for example, giant Rainbow Trout are both resident and migratory in places like Bristol Bay. Head to Missouri and you’ll find them available in spring-fed hatchery systems.
Learning to target and catch Rainbow Trout requires some knowledge of the local waterways. They live in lakes, rivers, and ponds, and some even migrate to the sea – these are known as Steelheads. Each environment has different elements that anglers should consider when targeting Rainbows.
History of the Rainbow Trout
These fish have a very interesting history. They’re native to the Pacific Ocean region with populations originating in the freshwater rivers and lakes of North America, Asia, and Russia. Spreading across multiple continents, there are numerous strains that have developed across the world.
From Northern Mexico to Alaska, they populate the coast and some farther inland areas of North America. You’ll also find Rainbow Trout in Kamchatka and other eastern reaches of Russia. Native populations extend into Asia as well. The Amur River is ocean-connected and creates a natural border between China and Russia where Rainbow Trout are native, too.
While the native range is impressive, populations have been planted and established in non-native ranges across the globe. Some of these have led to world-class fisheries with wild, self-sustaining populations of Trout. This distribution makes this variety of Trout an exciting species to pursue.
Seasons and Environments of the Rainbow Trout
Like all Trout, Rainbows are sensitive to temperature. They require clean, cold water with enough dissolved oxygen to filter through their gills. This means cold lakes, rivers, and streams where temperatures remain below 70 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal. Water temps in the 50s and 60’s are even better for Trout!
In addition to the right temperature ranges, Rainbow Trout also need reliable food sources. In most cases, they feed on insects and forage species like crayfish and minnows. But in some circumstances, they can gather calories from salmon eggs and decaying flesh. Alaska and Kamchatka are prime examples of this situation.
The summer months are often the most active periods for Trout. Food is abundant and water temperatures hit ideal ranges. Spring and fall are also great when the weather is stable. Winter is the slowest time in places with very cold water. But Rainbow Trout will feed year-round if calorie sources are available.
Tailwater fisheries are the perfect example of year-round fishing opportunities. Dam releases create consistent water temperatures and you can catch large Rainbows during the dead of winter. In other places, waters will freeze, so your best bet is through the ice.
Best Rainbow Trout Fishing Gear
Whether you’re catching your first or hundredth Rainbow, you just need some simple equipment. Any basic rod and reel will get the job done. For the majority of fishing, lightweight gear is excellent. Using lines in the 6–8 lb test range can cover most Rainbow Trout fishing situations.
In unique fisheries where Trout reach exceptional sizes, you’ll need to respond with heavier equipment. Always know the maximum potential and be prepared with lighter or heavier line weights.
In many places, Trout have very specific catch-and-keep limits. Releasing Trout is a common practice and you should carry equipment to gently handle and return them to the water. A landing net with a rubberized coating is especially useful. Forceps also make for easy hook removal before releasing the fish.
Lastly, you’ll also want a good backpack or vest to carry lures, flies, and various equipment. Rainbow Trout are selective feeders and it’s not uncommon to cycle through different lures throughout the day. Carry a nice variety of options to help find the best approach on the given day.
How to Catch a Rainbow Trout
There are numerous methods that work well on Trout. The particular mood and food sources are always changing so be prepared to really learn the habits of fish in the places you frequent. Experiment, play with different depths, and put in the time to crack the code. Once you do, catching multiple fish becomes much easier.
Trolling
In lakes, covering water at the right depth is a surefire method of catching Rainbow Trout. Record fish have been caught in Canada by trolling deep waters. Some of these fish are triploids – a sterile stocked strain. They feed voraciously and grow to insanely large sizes. That said, trolling deep off a downrigger or simply pulling a lure a few feet down will get the job done.
The real key to trolling success involves finding the right combination of depth and Trout schools. Run through the groups of fish repeatedly and your catch rates will increase substantially.
Favorite Baits
Kicking back with a baited hook is a tried and true way to catch most Trout. The classic nightcrawler under a bobber or suspended just above the bottom has caught countless fish. If the Trout are nibbling without taking the hook, try shorter segments of worms so they have to take the hook.
Powerbaits are also effective and you’ll find a ton of different formulas and flavors to test out. Other common bait choices are live crickets, live or dead crayfish, bait fish, and other varieties of worms. Pretty much anything the fish eat is a good bait option.
Always check the regulations before fishing because bait isn’t always a legal choice. Many rivers with wild Rainbow Trout have strict rules about single hooks with artificial flies and lures only. Otherwise, bait a hook and drop it off a bobber to catch fish.
Spoons and Spinners
Fishing moving water is difficult with bobbers or trolling. In lakes, you might prefer a more active approach, whether from shore or a boat. Grab your favorite Rooster Tail or other spinner and cast away. Spoons, crocodiles, and other casting lures are all capable of catching Rainbow Trout as well.
Flies
You can fish a fly with conventional tackle by using a plastic bubble to cast. Otherwise, fly fishing rods and reels are perfect for Trout. The insect-eating nature of these fish matches perfectly with flies designed to imitate specific insects.
Mayflies, caddis, midges, stoneflies, and more insects all have fly patterns to match various lifecycle phases. Additionally, streamers can cover the bait fish and crayfish imitations. A large segment of fly fishing techniques and patterns are geared specifically towards Trout fishing.
Top Rainbow Trout Fishing Destinations
The destinations are seemingly endless, as Rainbow Trout have spread across the world. I’ve personally caught them in locations as diverse as Colombia and Ecuador. Most of my fishing has been closer to home in the western USA, however, and I recommend looking to your local fishery to get started with the species.
USA
Alaska is the ultimate for Rainbow Trout adventures but there are fish in nearly every state to chase as well. The native range for Rainbows still has world-class fishing. Look to California, Oregon, and Washington for great Trout options. The Rocky Mountain states are loaded with Rainbows too.
In the midwest, the driftless region offers spring creeks with wonderful fishing. The Great Lakes are also home to large Rainbow Trout (Steelhead) that run into the rivers to spawn. The size and variety of lake and river environments make for serious excitement.
You will also find excellent fishing in Missouri, Arkansas, and even eastern states like New York. Spring creeks in Georgia and the south produce these fish as well. Pretty much any state with cold water will have Rainbow Trout.
Canada
Like the western US and Alaska, Rainbow Trout are native to British Columbia and other parts of western Canada. The lakes of “BC” are famous for Rainbow Trout fishing but you can catch some monster fish in most regions. Saskatchewan is another huge territory with giant lakes that hold untold numbers of Trout.
South America
Europeans introduced Rainbows to Patagonia and they now live in quite a few countries. Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, and Chile all have Rainbow Trout. Patagonia is a world-renowned destination that never disappoints. With wild rivers and lakes around every corner, you can catch these fish with mountain backdrops that are hard to find elsewhere.
Europe
Don’t overlook Europe for great Trout fishing, though. The chalk streams of England, Slovenian rivers, and remote lakes in Spain have excellent fishing for Rainbow and Brown Trout. Clear rivers, charming cultures, and unique opportunities are available for adventurous anglers.
New Zealand
Many anglers think of New Zealand for its large Brown Trout but there are plenty of Rainbows to catch too. The north and south islands offer rivers and lakes with abundant populations. In fact, anglers are more likely to find higher-density Rainbow populations than Brown Trout in many areas. Like Brownies, Rainbows can reach enormous sizes. When you plan a bucket list trip to this mystical country, add Rainbow Trout to the list of species you will pursue.
It’s Time to Plan Your Next Rainbow Trout Fishing Trip!
With so many places to chase Rainbows, it’s easy to plan a trip. Look to your local fish and wildlife agencies for lists of stocked and wild fish waters. The information is often easy to find. Grab a basic rod and reel, a few lures, and hit the water! Lifelong memories await.
Are you a Rainbow Trout fishing fanatic? We’d love to hear your tips and favorite strategies in the comments below!
The post How to Go Rainbow Trout Fishing: An Angler’s Guide appeared first on FishingBooker Blog.
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