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Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout in West Virginia are non-native transplants from the Pacific Northwest that have become established throughout the state, particularly in the mountainous eastern regions.

Physical Characteristics:
  • These coldwater fish display characteristic dark spots on a light background, a distinctive reddish or brassy iridescent stripe along their sides, forked tail fins, and black spots throughout their dorsal and caudal fins.
  • In West Virginia, rainbows can exceed 20 inches in length with lifespans ranging from 3-10+ years depending on the waterbody.
  • The state record stands at 19.40 pounds and 33.11 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer cobble and boulder streams with cover from large woody debris, root wads, undercut banks, and forested canopies.

Key Locations

  • Key waters include the Cranberry River, Williams River, Shavers Fork, Elk River, North Fork South Branch Potomac River, Blackwater River, and numerous stocked lakes throughout the state.
  • Popular productive waters include Cranberry River, Williams River, Elk River, North Fork South Branch Potomac, Shavers Fork, and various state park lakes.

Specific Spots

  • Target structure including boulders, undercut banks, tributary mouths where cooler water enters, current edges, drop-offs, and areas with overhanging vegetation.
  • Fish behind boulders and structures in faster water, and spread out in slower currents.
  • In lakes, target sheltered areas, submerged boulders, and fallen trees.

Rainbow Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

For spin fishing, use small spinners (Panther Martin sizes 1-2), small jigs (1/64 ounce micro-jigs), small spoons, minnow-imitating crankbaits (especially effective in fall), and synthetic moldable baits like PowerBait Trout Nuggets.

What flies work for Rainbow Trout in West Virginia?

For fly fishing, effective patterns include Parachute Adams (size 20 for midges), Comparaduns, Sparkle Duns, Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulators, nymphs like Copper Johns and Prince Nymphs, streamers in brown and green colors, e.g.g patterns, and Egg Sucking Leeches.

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

Spring offers excellent fishing as water temperatures are optimal and fish are actively feeding post-stocking. West Virginia stocks approximately 1 million trout annually, with regular stockings from January through May and special fall stockings in October featuring trophy-sized fish.

How do you catch Rainbow Trout in West Virginia?

For technical waters like the Elk River, presentation is critical - use barbless hooks, approach stealthily, and wear dark clothing or camouflage to remain less visible to fish. Use tandem rigs with droppers, especially e.g.g patterns during spawning seasons of other fish species.

What do Rainbow Trout eat?

Rainbow trout are opportunistic feeders that regularly consume benthic macroinvertebrates, crustaceans, terrestrial insects (especially beetles, ants, and grasshoppers during summer), and other fish.

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