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Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout are California's most widely distributed native trout species, found throughout the state from coastal streams to high Sierra lakes.

These highly adaptable fish exhibit remarkable color variation and are cold-water fish that thrive in temperatures between 55-65°F and require well-oxygenated water.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus mykiss

Physical Characteristics:
  • Stream-dwelling trout often display dark olive backs with yellowish bellies and orange fin tips, while lake residents tend toward more silver coloration.
  • All feature the characteristic pink to deep red lateral band, heavy irregular black spotting, and spots radiating in lines on the tail.
  • Adult stream fish typically range 12-20 inches and 1-4 pounds, though lake-dwelling populations can grow much larger due to abundant forage.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • California's coastal rainbow trout originally inhabited virtually all perennial coastal streams from San Diego north to the Smith River, plus Central Valley rivers from the Kern to the Pit River.
  • Through extensive stocking programs, they now occupy suitable waters statewide including the once-fishless Sierra Nevada.

Key Locations

  • Prime California waters include the McCloud River, Sacramento River tailwaters, Hot Creek, Owens River system, Truckee River, American River, Trinity River, Russian River, and countless alpine lakes throughout the Sierra Nevada and Cascades.
  • Prime California destinations include the Eastern Sierra lakes (Crowley, Bridgeport, Eagle Lake), Northern California streams (Hat Creek, Pit River, McCloud River), Sacramento River tailwaters, Truckee River system, and countless alpine lakes accessible via hiking.

Specific Spots

  • In streams, focus on pools, undercut banks, and areas where current breaks - trout typically hold in slower water adjacent to feeding lanes.

Rainbow Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Rainbow Trout in California?

Popular spinning lures include Mepps spinners (size 1-2), Roostertail spinners (1/16-1/8 oz), Kastmaster spoons (1/8-1/4 oz), and small Rapalas. In lakes, trolling Wedding Rings tipped with corn or worms, Needlefish spoons, Dick Nite spoons, and Mag Lip plugs. PowerBait, nightcrawlers, and salmon e.g.gs.

What flies work for Rainbow Trout in California?

Successful fly patterns include Woolly Buggers, Prince Nymphs, Pheasant Tail Nymphs, Elk Hair Caddis, and Parachute Adams.

When is the best time to fish for Rainbow Trout in California?

The best Rainbow Trout fishing in California occurs from late fall through early summer, with peak periods varying by location. In Sierra lakes like Crowley Lake and Bridgeport Reservoir, fall through spring provides excellent opportunities, while summer brings good action to higher elevation waters.

How do you catch Rainbow Trout in California?

In lakes, trolling Wedding Rings tipped with corn or worms, Needlefish spoons, Dick Nite spoons, and Mag Lip plugs proves highly effective. Bait fishing with PowerBait, nightcrawlers, and salmon e.g.gs works well, especially in recently stocked waters.

What do Rainbow Trout eat?

They feed primarily on aquatic insects (mayflies, caddisflies, midges), terrestrial insects, zooplankton, small fish, crayfish, and in lakes often consume threadfin shad.

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