Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
One of the most widely stocked and popular game fish in the United States, rainbow trout are found in cold streams, rivers, and lakes from coast to coast. The migratory form (steelhead) is treated separately. Aggressive feeders and acrobatic fighters, they are a favorite of fly anglers and spin fishers alike.
Seasonal Activity
Jan
Slow
Feb
Slow
Mar
Good
Apr
Good
May
Prime
Jun
Prime
Jul
Good
Aug
Good
Sep
Prime
Oct
Good
Nov
Slow
Dec
Slow
Best Techniques
- fly fishing nymphs and dries
- small spinners
- drifted spawn
- PowerBait in stocked lakes
Top Baits
- nightcrawlers
- PowerBait
- spinners
- spawn
- dry flies
State Records
Official rod & reel records by state. Log your catch to see how you compare.
| State | Weight | Length | Angler | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NY | 31.19 lb | — | Robert Wilson | 2004 | Lake Ontario |
| WA | 29.6 lb | — | Norm Butler | 2002 | Rufus Woods Lake |
| WI | 27.13 lb | — | — | 1997 | Lake Michigan |
| CA | 27 lb | — | Frank Palmer | 2005 | Lake Natoma |
| MI | 26.5 lb | 39.5 in | — | 1975 | Lake Michigan |
| OH | 21.3 lb | — | Jason Brooks | 2010 | Lake Erie |
| NC | 20.19 lb | — | Leah Johnson | 2006 | Horsepasture River |
| TN | 18.5 lb | — | John H. Morgan III | 2016 | Pond, Polk Co. |
| MO | 18.06 lb | — | Jason Harper | 2004 | Roaring River |
| GA | 17.5 lb | — | Mark Cochran | 2004 | Soque River |
| MN | 16.38 lb | — | — | — | Devil Track River |
| PA | 15.38 lb | — | Dennis L. Clouse | 1986 | Jordan Creek |
| TX | 12.38 lb | — | Christine Saathoff | 2023 | Guadalupe River |
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