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Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout are a non-native species introduced to Vermont in the late 1800s from the West Coast. They are considered the most habitat-sensitive of Vermont's trout species and are heavily stocked throughout the state.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus mykiss

Also known as steelhead (for lake-run rainbow trout that migrate to large waters like Lake Champlain and Lake Memphremagog)

Physical Characteristics:
  • These fish are distinguished by their heavily spotted tails and flanks with small, well-defined black spots and characteristic pink or reddish stripe along their flank.
  • Rainbow trout in Vermont streams typically reach 4-6 inches after two years, 6-9 inches by their third year, and 8-12 inches by their fourth year, with lake populations growing faster and reaching 13-17+ inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer moderate to high-gradient cold-water streams with swift riffles and deep, clear pools, occupying habitat between brook trout upstream and brown trout downstream.
  • Wild rainbow trout populations exist primarily in the White River basin and Northeast Kingdom lakes, while southeastern Vermont populations depend entirely on stocking due to low alkalinity waters that don't support natural reproduction.

Key Locations

  • Notable fisheries include the Mettawee, Dog, White, Middlebury, Black, and Saxton's rivers, plus Caspian Lake, Lake Champlain, and Lake Memphremagog.
  • Trophy trout stocking occurs in Black, Winooski, Lamoille, Missisquoi, Walloomsac, and Passumpsic Rivers, plus East and Otter Creeks.
  • East Creek in Rutland offers easily accessible urban fishing.
  • The White River system has productive tributaries.

Specific Spots

  • In streams, focus on swift riffle areas, deep pools, undercut banks, pocket water behind rocks and woody debris, and areas with overhead cover.
  • In lakes, focus on deeper, cooler areas during summer months.

Rainbow Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Live baits include earthworms, live minnows, and fish e.g.gs. Artificial lures include spinners (especially Mepps Aglia Dr.essed), minnow plugs, spoons (Thomas Buoyant), and jigs (Trout Magnet Original).

What flies work for Rainbow Trout in Vermont?

San Juan worms, Pheasant Tail nymphs, e.g.g patterns, Egg Sucking Leeches, and stonefly patterns.

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

Vermont's rainbow trout fishing is best from late April through October. Early season (post-stocking through June) offers the most productive fishing before summer water temperatures force trout deeper. Trophy trout stocking occurs in late April through May.

How do you catch Rainbow Trout in Vermont?

Target rainbow trout in faster water than you'd fish for brook or brown trout. Fish these stocked fish aggressively as they're meant to be harvested rather than released. Avoid targeting them during spring spawning (March through May) to allow successful reproduction.

What do Rainbow Trout eat?

Their diet varies by habitat: stream populations prefer drifting aquatic and terrestrial insects, while lake populations feed on microscopic animals, bottom-dwelling organisms like worms, crustaceans, aquatic insect larvae, mussels, clams, and crawfish. Fish over 12 inches increasingly target smaller fish.

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