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Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout are not native to Colorado but were introduced in the 1880s and have become the main fish stocked throughout the state.

They are highly adaptable and now inhabit streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs across Colorado, from high mountain waters to tailwater fisheries below dams.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus mykiss

Physical Characteristics:
  • In Colorado's tailwater systems, rainbow trout can grow exceptionally large - exceeding 10 pounds in some waters - due to mysis shrimp and other rich food sources spilling through dams.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs across Colorado, from high mountain waters to tailwater fisheries below dams.

Key Locations

  • South Platte River system (Cheesman Canyon, Dr.eam Stream, Spinney Mountain area), Arkansas River (102 miles of Gold Medal water from Leadville to Cañon City), Blue River near Silverthorne and below Green Mountain Reservoir, Fryingpan River below Ruedi Dam, Colorado River sections near Granby and through Gore Canyon to Rock Creek, and Gunnison River through Black Canyon.

Specific Spots

  • Found in complex habitats with riffles, pools, undercut banks, and cover.

Rainbow Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Rainbow Trout in Colorado?

Parachute Adams (sizes 12-24) for mayflies, Elk Hair Caddis (14-18) for caddis hatches, Rainbow Warriors and RS2s (16-22) for emergers, Zebra Midges (14-22) for midge fishing, Pheasant Tail nymphs (12-22), and Woolly Buggers (8-14) for streamer fishing.

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

Rainbow trout fishing in Colorado is excellent from April through October, with spring and fall offering peak opportunities.

How do you catch Rainbow Trout in Colorado?

Technical presentations with small flies for tailwater fisheries, dry fly fishing for high mountain waters.

What do Rainbow Trout eat?

They are opportunistic feeders with a diverse diet including aquatic invertebrates like mayflies, caddisflies, midges, and stoneflies, terrestrial insects such as grasshoppers and ants, as well as small fish, crayfish, worms, and e.g.gs.

Where do Rainbow Trout live in Colorado?

They inhabit streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs across Colorado, from high mountain waters to tailwater fisheries below dams.

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Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

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Colorado licenses and regulations

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