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Rainbow Trout fishing

Oncorhynchus mykiss

About Rainbow Trout

A salmonid of cold, clean water in western rivers and stocked lakes. Best in the cool seasons.

Typical size: Usually 0.5-2 kg, big fish over 4 kg. Record (approx.): ≈ 21 kg.

Season, time and habitat

Best season
Apr-May, Sep-Oct
Best time
Dawn, dusk
Habitat
River, Lake
Season by month

Darker cell = more active that month. Based on the species' usual yearly rhythm.

Lures and baits that work

Spinner Reel just fast enough to keep the blade spinning from the off. Work it along weed edges, rocks and current seams, shallow or deep.
Spoon Cast out and retrieve at a steady pace so the spoon flashes and wobbles. Vary the speed and let it flutter down between turns.
Fly Present the fly on a fly line, dry on top or wet below. Mend the line, stay in contact and strike on the light take.
Float bait Bait with worm, maggot or corn and set the float so the bait hovers just above the bottom. Strike when the float goes under.

Waters where Rainbow Trout bites

Open a water for live weather, water temperature and today's odds.

Find waters where Rainbow Trout is biting now

Common questions

When is the best time to catch Rainbow Trout?

Rainbow Trout fishing is usually best around Apr-May, Sep-Oct. The best windows in the day are usually dawn, dusk.

What lures and baits work for Rainbow Trout?

Effective methods for Rainbow Trout include Spinner, Spoon, Fly and Float bait.

Where can you catch Rainbow Trout?

Rainbow Trout is most often found in river, lake. Napp shows the nearest waters and the live odds on the bite right now.