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Gerrard Rainbow Trout

Gerrard Rainbow Trout

The Gerrard rainbow trout is a genetically distinct strain of rainbow trout native to the West Kootenay region of southeastern British Columbia.

Named after a ghost town on Trout Lake, these fish grow to sizes no other rainbow trout population matches — fueled by a diet of kokanee salmon in Kootenay and Arrow Lakes.

Most anglers fish a lifetime without landing one, which is exactly why those who do remember it.

Also known as Gerrard, Gerrard rainbow, Lardeau rainbow

Physical Characteristics:
  • Classic rainbow coloration — silver flanks with a vivid pink-to-red lateral stripe and black spotting — but on a frame that dwarfs typical rainbows.
  • Most fish caught today run 3–5 kg (6–11 lbs); fish to 9 kg (20 lbs) still show up, and the all-time record from Jewel Lake, BC weighed 23.6 kg (52 lbs).
  • Large, deep body with an oversized mouth adapted for eating kokanee — noticeably bigger-jawed than stream or small-lake rainbow strains.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Native to the West Kootenay region of southeastern BC; the entire wild population traces back to a single 300-metre spawning reach on the Lardeau River.
  • Adults spend most of their lives in Kootenay Lake and the Arrow Lakes, where kokanee populations give them the forage to reach exceptional size.
  • The Lardeau River, which connects Trout Lake to Kootenay Lake, is the sole confirmed natural spawning corridor for this strain.

Key Locations

  • Kootenay Lake, southeastern BC — the primary lake fishery, where most Gerrards are caught by trolling anglers targeting kokanee-feeding fish.
  • Arrow Lakes (Upper and Lower), BC — fish from 3–9 kg are still regularly caught here by trollers.
  • Lardeau River — the only confirmed spawning river for this strain; the entire wild population returns to a 300-metre stretch near Gerrard, BC.
  • Trout Lake, BC — the lake at the head of the Lardeau system, part of the Gerrard's home watershed.

Specific Spots

  • Open-water zones of Kootenay and Arrow Lakes where kokanee schools concentrate — Gerrards follow the bait, so locating kokanee puts you on the trout.
  • Near-surface to mid-column in winter and early spring when kokanee school shallower and big rainbows move up to feed.
  • The Lardeau River mouth and lower reaches during spring, when fish stage before and after the spawning run.

Gerrard Rainbow Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Gerrard Rainbow Trout?

Kokanee-imitating spoons and plugs in silver, pink, or blue-silver, Rapalas and similar minnow-profile plugs trolled behind a gang troll are a classic Kootenay Lake setup. Willow-leaf gang trolls (strings of spinning blades) ahead of a hoochie or small spoon mimic a kokanee school and draw fish from a distance.

What flies work for Gerrard Rainbow Trout?

Large streamer flies (size 2 to 2/0) in silver, white, or pink that imitate a small kokanee, polar bear or craft-fur baitfish patterns, Clouser Minnows (which imitate baitfish with a jigging action), and articulated streamers all work when trolled or stripped with a stop-and-dart retrieve.

When is the best time to fish for Gerrard Rainbow Trout?

Winter (December–February), some of the most productive lake fishing, with fish actively chasing kokanee in cold, clear water and often visible following flies before striking. Spring, fish stage near the Lardeau River mouth ahead of the spawning run; lake fishing can be excellent before and just after the run.

How do you catch Gerrard Rainbow Trout?

Trolling is how most Gerrards are caught in Canada, working gang trolls or baitfish lures and flies through open water on Kootenay and Arrow Lakes, tracking kokanee schools.

What do Gerrard Rainbow Trout eat?

Kokanee (landlocked sockeye salmon) are the primary forage that drives the Gerrard's size, streamer flies and lures that imitate a small, wounded kokanee are the go-to presentation. Think 3–4 inch silver or pink baitfish patterns.

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