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Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Wisconsin exist primarily as two forms: inland Rainbow Trout and Great Lakes steelhead, which are biologically the same species.

Originally native to the Pacific coast from northern Mexico to the Bering Sea, Rainbow Trout have been stocked in Wisconsin since the 1880s.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus mykiss

Also known as steelhead

Physical Characteristics:
  • Inland Rainbow Trout typically measure 16-30 inches and weigh 2-16 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Lake Michigan waters, Lake Superior tributaries, inland streams in the Dr.iftless Area and central Wisconsin spring creeks.
  • Natural reproduction occurs primarily in Lake Superior tributaries like the Bois Brule River, while Lake Michigan populations rely heavily on stocking.

Key Locations

  • Lake Michigan shoreline from Marinette to Kenosha, Kewaunee, Root, Oconto, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, and Peshtigo rivers, Bois Brule River, West Branch White River in Waushara County, Dr.ew Creek system in Langlade/Menominee counties, Dr.iftless Area and central Wisconsin spring creeks.

Specific Spots

  • Power plant warm water discharge areas during winter.

Rainbow Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

spawn bags (fish e.g.gs tied in mesh), spoons, spinners, flatfish, nightcrawlers, jigs, and minnows.

What flies work for Rainbow Trout in Wisconsin?

Pink Squirrels, prince nymphs, scuds, caddis fly imitations, midge patterns, mayfly imitations, with size #16 nymphs being particularly effective. Spring hatches of smelt and alewife patterns work well in March-April, while caddis flies, damsel flies, and dragon flies are productive in June.

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

Best fishing seasons vary by location: Lake Michigan steelhead fishing peaks in spring (April-June) and fall (September-November), while inland trout fishing runs from the first Saturday in May through October 15, with an early catch-and-release season from January 4 through May 2 using artificial lures only.

How do you catch Rainbow Trout in Wisconsin?

Stream fishing with bait fished close to the bottom. Pier and shore fishing on Lake Michigan. Winter fishing at power plant warm water discharge areas.

What do Rainbow Trout eat?

Feed opportunistically on small fish, insects, crayfish, aquatic invertebrates like chironomidae (midges), terrestrial insects, and respond well to mayfly, caddis fly, and midge hatches. In Wisconsin's Lake Michigan waters, they consume alewife, smelt, and various invertebrates.

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