Skip to main content

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout are not native to Nevada but have become one of the most widespread and popular trout species in the state. They are primarily found through extensive stocking programs in coldwater lakes, reservoirs, and streams that rarely exceed 70°F.

The species thrives in Nevada's high-altitude lakes and reservoirs.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus mykiss

Physical Characteristics:
  • Rainbow trout in Nevada typically range from 10-20 inches in streams to several pounds in lake environments, with some exceptional specimens exceeding 20 pounds in waters like Pyramid Lake.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • High-altitude lakes and reservoirs throughout the state.
  • Nevada's Interior Redband Trout, found in the Bruneau, Owyhee, Jarbidge, and Salmon Falls river drainages, represent the most abundant native rainbow-type trout in the state and are genetically distinct from heavily stocked coastal rainbow strains.

Key Locations

  • Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake, Cave Lake, Eagle Valley Reservoir, Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Carson River East Fork, Little Truckee River below Stampede Reservoir, Truckee River, Jarbidge River system, South Fork Humboldt River, and numerous stocked reservoirs throughout the Ruby Mountains, Lamoille Canyon, and Great Basin National Park.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on areas with structure like undercut banks, boulder fields, drop-offs, and inlet/outlet streams.
  • Complex habitat including riffles, pools, undercut banks, and rocky substrates.

Rainbow Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Small silver or gold spinners (Roostertail, Mepps Aglia, Panther Martin), spoons (Kastmaster, Phoebe, Krocodile), small crankbaits, and jigs in the 1-3 inch range. For bait fishing, use PowerBait, salmon e.g.gs, corn, nightcrawlers, red worms, and small pieces of worm.

What flies work for Rainbow Trout in Nevada?

Blue Winged Olives (sizes 18-22) for year-round success, Pale Morning Duns (sizes 16-20) during summer, Elk Hair Caddis (sizes 10-14), Pheasant Tail Nymphs (sizes 18-22), Hare's Ear Nymphs, Rainbow Warrior Nymphs, Parachute Adams (sizes 12-18), and e.g.g patterns during spawning seasons.

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

Late spring through fall when water temperatures are optimal. They spawn in spring (typically February through May in Nevada) when water temperatures reach 42-52°F.

How do you catch Rainbow Trout in Nevada?

In lakes, use sinking lines with streamers or nymph rigs below indicators. During insect hatches, match the hatch with appropriate dry flies. For bait fishing, use size 10-12 hooks with appropriate weight for depth.

What do Rainbow Trout eat?

They are opportunistic feeders consuming aquatic insects (mayflies, caddisflies, midges), terrestrial insects (grasshoppers, ants, beetles), small fish, fish e.g.gs, crustaceans, worms, and various aquatic invertebrates.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Rainbow Trout.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Rainbow Trout water

    Pick Rainbow Trout and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Rainbow Trout

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Rainbow Trout are.

Open the map, filter by Rainbow Trout, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

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.

No species information available.

Nevada licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.