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Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout in Iowa are non-native fish originally from west of the Rocky Mountains.

In Iowa, rainbow trout do not reproduce naturally in streams and rely entirely on hatchery production from three state facilities: Manchester, Decorah, and Big Spring hatcheries.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Characterized by their olive to greenish-blue upper body that fades to silvery-white on the belly, with a distinctive pink-red horizontal stripe extending down each side and small black spots on the sides, back, dorsal and caudal fins.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Rainbow trout are found in streams with stable riffles, deep pools, overhead cover, and swift current, as well as cool reservoirs and cold tailwaters below dams.

Key Locations

  • They inhabit waters throughout northeast Iowa's Dr.iftless Region including popular streams like Paint Creek, Waterloo Creek, Coldwater Creek, Bear Creek systems, Yellow River, Turkey River, Bloody Run Creek, and Fountain Springs, plus numerous lakes and urban ponds statewide.
  • Target streams like Coldwater Creek, Paint Creek, North and South Bear Creeks, Trout River, and specific community waters listed in the DNR stocking schedules.

Specific Spots

  • Fish structure like deep pools, undercut banks, spring areas, and around boulders.

Rainbow Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Small jigs (1/16 to 1/32 ounce) work excellently in deeper pools. Small Panther Martin or Mepps spinners, small Rapalas (#3-7), and natural baits like nightcrawlers, corn, waxworms, and salmon e.g.gs.

What flies work for Rainbow Trout in Iowa?

For flies, effective patterns include Adams Dr.y Fly, Elk Hair Caddis (#14-20), BWO patterns (#16-22), Prince Nymph (#10-16), Hare's Ear Nymph, Woolly Buggers (#4-10), and Pink Squirrel nymphs.

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

Spring offers excellent fishing with BWO (Blue Wing Olive) patterns, Hendricksons, and stonefly nymphs. Summer fishing is best with dry flies during insect hatches - use Adams, Elk Hair Caddis patterns, and terrestrials like hoppers and ants.

How do you catch Rainbow Trout in Iowa?

Techniques include roll casting in tight quarters and nymph fishing under indicators.

What do Rainbow Trout eat?

Their diet is highly variable, consisting primarily of mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies and their larvae, small mollusks, and fish.

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