Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is a member of the salmonid family native to the watersheds of the Pacific Ocean of North America, Asia and parts of India. Rainbow trout has been a long sought after game fish for sport fisherman. Rainbow Trout is a predatory fish with a voracious appetite it's main diet is aquatic insects such as mayflies, caddis and stone flies. The fish is a cold water species which is why it is mostly found in mountain lakes, streams and rivers. The Rainbow is one of the most commonly caught fish in California because it the most common fish in California hatcheries. It can be identified by it's numerous black spots and it's reddish lateral band extending from head to tail.

One of the largest Rainbow Trout caught in California weighed around 18 lbs and was caught in Lake Almanor. Although the average size is much smaller, including the one pictured. This little guy was caught on a Silver/Blue Acme KastMaster out of the Coffee Creek which flows into the North Fork of the Trinity River. Although small in size, rainbows typically have a lot of fight and using light tackle can be a real thrill.