View Cart
CheckOut
My Account
 

Identicards

   Online Store
 
   Magazines
     Free Fishing Magazine
     Free Hunting Magazine
     Subscriptions Fishing
     Subscriptions Hunting
     Back Issue Magazines
 
   Quick Links
     State DNR's
     Fishing Link Index
     Hunting Link Index
     Outdoor Link Index
 
   Species Identification
     Freshwater Fish
        Bass
        Catfish
        Crappie
        Pike
        Salmon
        Sunfish
        Trout
        Walleye
     Saltwater Fish
     Waterfowl
     Deer
 
   Articles
     Hunting Articles
 
   Information
     Contact Us
      Advertising

Return to All About Trout   

Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Common Name(s):

Black spotted trout, steelhead, silver trout, bow trout
Description:

Rainbow trout have the typical trout-shape with an adipose fin, and a squarish tail that has black spots throughout. The rainbow trout has 10-12 anal rays and a white mouth and gums.

Similar Fish:

Golden trout, cutthroat trout
Feeding Habits:

Rainbow trout are mainly meat eating fish. They feed on a wide variety of prey including insects, crustaceans, mollusks, fish and fish eggs.
Range:

Rainbow trout are native to North America west of the Rockies from Alaska into northwestern Mexico. Introductions have extended the range to include the Great Lakes region, south central Canada and portions of the Great Plains east of the Rockies, and southwestern Mexico.
Habitat:

Rainbows are considered fastwater fish, preferring the swift runs and riffle areas of streams. They may live in small creeks, as well as suitable spots in large rivers, the tailwaters of dams, and in lakes and reservoirs. As trout, rainbows live in cold, clean, well-oxygenated water.
Typical Size:

Adult rainbow trout average 20 to 23 inches in length and weigh 4 to 8 pounds. Great Lake rainbows can live 6 to 8 years while most small-stream rainbows only live 3 to 4 years.
World Record:

42 pounds, 2 ounces (Source - IGFA)
image linking to 100 Top Captain and Guide Sites
Saltwater 100