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Rainbow Trout

Author: Fishing Advantage

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are one of the most prized and beautiful gamefish in North America. It is a strong and acrobatic fighter and is often found in idyllic stream settings that are an attraction of their own. The original native range of the fish is along the western coast of the United States in river waters that filter into the Pacific Ocean, extending from northern Mexico to western Alaska. There are large concentrations of the fish along the Pacific Coast and around the Great Lakes and in New England. Rainbows are an important farmed fish, and are important among hatcheries.

Rainbows have a sleek, streamlined shape and can be distinguished from other salmon-type fish by the presence of small dark spots dorsally, and on the entire fin. The top part of the body often has dark olive or steely blue coloring. The males of the species are generally more colorful than females and during spawning they develop an elongated jaw and snout that curve in at the ends toward the mouth.

When found in lakes, the typical rainbow weighs between two and five pounds. Stream rainbows are typically much smaller (7 to 10 inches) as they must use a lot of energy to fight against the current. A giant that weighed 42 pounds, 2 ounces, is the IGFA-recognized record and was caught in Bell Island, Alaska, in 1970.

Stream rainbows and those found in small ponds and lakes live on a diet of aquatic insects supplemented with worms, crustaceans and small baitfish. Rainbows prefer colder streams that are well oxygenated. Bigger rainbows in larger lakes tend to feed on schooling fish such as alewives.

For many anglers, fishing for rainbows means finding a good stream and using flyfishing gear. Thanks to movies such as “A River Runs Through It”, trout and flyfishing have almost become synonymous. Many consider flyfishing to be an art form, both in regards to the rhythmic casting techniques and the obsessive quest to tie flies that best resemble actual insects. There are four main types of trout flies; dry flies that float on the surface mimic newly-hatched adult insects, wet flies imitate both insects and minnows and are fished below the surface, nymphs resemble the larval stage of insects, streamers are longer flies which are intended to resemble a baitfish darting through the current. Flyfishermen often attempt to “match the hatch”, meaning they tailor their flies to the most recent insect hatching, which goes in seasonal cycles.

There are hundreds of sources of information on proper flyfishing technique and also information on the art of tying your own flies, which can become a time consuming hobby. Beginning flyfishing anglers often have optimal success if they first take a casting class. It is vitally important to learn the different types of casts in order to properly fish a stream, especially those that are narrow and heavily wooded. Anglers can also practice casting at a lake, without regard for catching anything, in order to practice distance control. This control will come in handy when trying to cast a tiny fly in windy conditions to the exact boulder or eddy (pocket of slow-moving water) where an angler thinks a fish may be hiding.

Anglers should remember that rainbows can be easily spooked, and they should fish with a minimum of noise and sudden movements. Rainbows in streams often congregate to certain areas such as deep pools to rest and conserve energy. They also hide under overhanging banks that provide shade and protection. Gravel covered tributaries are popular spawning grounds for rainbows.

While perhaps not as “romantic” as flyfishing, many fishermen swear by spinning tackle for rainbows, especially those in lakes. Many anglers fishing streams prefer to use light tackle and 2 to 6-pound test line. Since stream rainbows are notoriously finicky, a smaller diameter line is less visible and allows the use of lighter and smaller lures. The biggest trout in both lakes and streams are frequently caught on spoons, spinners and plugs. All three of these lures are designed to imitate baitfish, which is the prime food of larger sized fish. Spinners have been a popular artificial lure for decades and attract fish with a lot of vibration and flash. Rainbows in larger lakes can be fished similar to salmon, using trolling techniques and even downriggers and diving planers to get to desired depths.

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