Trout, Rainbow
(Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Other names: Rainbow, steelhead, silver trout
The rainbow trout is native to the western portion of North America from Alaska to northern Mexico. It has been widely introduced in virtually every area of the United States and can be found today in all but three states. It has also been transplanted to countries on every continent except Antarctica and is commonly raised on farms as food. Rainbow trout are capable of living in freshwater their whole lives or spending a portion of their lives in saltwater. Sea-run rainbows are most often referred to as "steelhead."
Though the colors that come to mind for most when thinking of rainbow trout are pink, green and silver, coloration varies widely with size, habitat and time of year. River-run trout will generally have the darkest and most vivid markings, while steelhead are generally more silvery in color.
Rainbows are one of a group known as the black-spotted trouts due to prominent black spots covering all or part of their bodies. Other species in this group that tend to share common habits with the rainbows are cutthroat, golden, Mexican golden, Apache, and gila trout. Rainbows commonly interbreed with any of these species when they are located in the same areas.
Though many believe that trout are not any good to eat, they can be just as tasty as any salmon and are rich in heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids.
Trout prefer to live in rivers and streams where the water is cold, though they can be found in nearly every type of water from sprawling reservoirs to small ponds. In flowing water situations, look for them in areas where the current is going through any type of change. Deep pools, eddies, ripples and waterfalls are all excellent places to find hungry trout in rivers and streams. In lakes, trout locate around springs and creek mouths, long sandy points and gravel bars. When spawning, they prefer hard gravel or sand bottoms with steady water flow.
The most publicized version of trout fishing is the "River Runs through It" version: fly fishing. However, though flies are undoubtedly effective, more trout are taken on spinning tackle than most people realize. In both tailrace areas and open rivers, anglers fool thousands of rainbows every year with crankbaits and in-line spinners. Lindy Marabou jigs are another good option for dropping into tailrace waters in pursuit of giant rainbows.
When steelhead are the question, casting and trolling spoons have long been the answer for many anglers. The Original Viking Spoon from Lindy is perfect for a variety of salmon and trout species and it goes one step further than the competition by coming equipped in several glow colors to entice bites when nothing else will work.
Possibly the most effective method of catching trout is with natural bait. Anglers have found that by floating a worm or egg-sac downstream under a Thill Gold Medal River Master, they can reach many trout that are well beyond casting distance. Likewise night fishermen are using lighted floats to hold up nightcrawlers and put trout in the boat. Another alternative is using scented products that are on the market to simulate certain tastes that will trigger trout to feed, like Troutkrilla. This can be added to any live-bait or jig presentation to attract fish from a longer distance and get them to hold on to a lure.
World Record: 43 lbs. 10 oz. – Lake Diefenbaker, Saskatchewan – June 5, 2007