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Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout in Missouri are characterized by small scales, a small fleshy fin behind the dorsal fin, and lack spines on their fins.

While not native to Missouri, they have established both stocked and wild self-sustaining populations throughout the state since first being introduced in the 1880s with McCloud River strain trout from California, which forms the genetic basis of Missouri's current 'Missouri strain' rainbow trout.

Physical Characteristics:
  • They display dark olive upper parts with thick black spots, silvery white bellies, prominent dark spots on the tail, and a distinctive pink or reddish longitudinal stripe.
  • Wild Missouri rainbows grow exceptionally fast compared to other North American populations, averaging 6 inches in their first year, 9 inches in their second, and 11 inches by their third year, with sexual maturity occurring at 14+ inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Missouri's trout habitat is limited to approximately 170 miles of spring-fed streams and rivers (about 1% of total stream resources) and Lake Taneycomo, a 1,730-acre cold water reservoir.

Key Locations

  • Lake Taneycomo, Bennett Springs, Current River from Montauk downstream, Little Piney Creek, Eleven Point, North Fork White River, Crane Creek, Maramec Spring, Montauk, Roaring River.

Specific Spots

  • The optimal populations of up to 300 trout per acre are found within 1-2 miles of spring sources in streams with stable tree-lined banks, deep pools with overhead cover, stable riffles with gravel spawning areas, and limited fishing pressure.

Rainbow Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

PowerBait, worms, small spinners, small floating minnows, jigs, floating minnow plugs in silver/black, rainbow, or brown trout patterns. Recently stocked hatchery fish will initially bite corn, marshmallows, and dough baits.

What flies work for Rainbow Trout in Missouri?

Egg patterns (particularly effective given trout's genetic preference), Rubber Leg Stoneflies with Prince Nymph droppers, Elk Hair Caddis, Mohair Leeches, classic dry flies during hatches, nymphs, dry flies, small streamers. Recently stocked fish respond well to bright attractor patterns with hot spots or triggers.

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

Designated Trout Areas remain open year-round, while Trout Parks (Bennett Springs, Maramec Spring, Montauk, Roaring River) operate from March through October with catch-and-release seasons from mid-November to February.

How do you catch Rainbow Trout in Missouri?

White Ribbon areas allow all lures and baits with standard techniques. Blue Ribbon areas restrict fishing to artificial flies and lures only, requiring more technical presentations. In lakes, bouncing small jigs or suspending them at various depths proves effective.

What do Rainbow Trout eat?

Rainbow Trout in Missouri primarily feed on aquatic insects (mayflies, caddis, midges), terrestrial insects (ants, beetles, grasshoppers), and small crustaceans like scud and sowbugs. Once they reach 17-18 inches, they transition to more piscivorous behavior, hunting fish and scavenging.

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