Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fish species

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Recognizable by the pink lateral stripe running down its silvery flanks, the rainbow trout is a favorite of fly anglers throughout mountain streams, rivers, and stocked lakes. It thrives in cold, oxygen-rich water and feeds readily on insects, small fish, and eggs.

Cold, clear, oxygen-rich streams and high-elevation lakes.

How to Catch Rainbow Trout

Whether you're new to targeting Rainbow Trout or refining your approach, success starts with matching your tactics to where the fish lives. Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is typically found in river water and lake water, so concentrate your effort where those conditions line up. Mature Rainbow Trout average around 12 inches, which helps you choose the right line, lure size, and tackle for the fight.

Where to Find Rainbow Trout in the USA & Canada

Rainbow Trout is recorded across a range of North American waters, including spots in Alabama, Alaska, Alberta, Arizona, Arkansas, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Rhode Island, Saskatchewan, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Yukon. Browse the linked water guides below to see the specific lakes, rivers, and coastal waters where anglers report catching Rainbow Trout, then plan a trip around the water closest to you.

Rainbow Trout Fishing Regulations & Limits

Fishing rules for Rainbow Trout vary by state and province. Before you head out, check the daily bag limits, minimum size limits, and open seasons that apply in your area. When FishFinder has matching records, the regulations link below takes you to the rules hub. Following local limits keeps Rainbow Trout populations healthy for future seasons.

Related Water Guides for Rainbow Trout

Explore these FishFinder water guides for places where Rainbow Trout is recorded:

Rainbow Trout Regulations

Review current FishFinder regulation records before targeting Rainbow Trout:

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of water is best for catching Rainbow Trout?

Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is typically found in river water and lake water. Focus your effort where those conditions line up to improve your chances.

How big does Rainbow Trout get?

Mature Rainbow Trout average around 12 inches, though individual fish can run larger. Matching your line, lure size, and tackle to that range makes for a better fight and landing rate.

Where can I catch Rainbow Trout in the USA and Canada?

Rainbow Trout is reported across North American waters, including spots in Alabama, Alaska, Alberta, Arizona, Arkansas, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Rhode Island, Saskatchewan, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Yukon. Check the locations listed on this page to find the lakes, rivers, and coastal waters closest to you.

Do I need a fishing license to catch Rainbow Trout?

A valid fishing license is required in most US states and Canadian provinces. Daily bag limits, minimum size limits, and open seasons for Rainbow Trout vary by region, so review the regulations on this page and with your local wildlife authority before heading out.