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Rainbow Trout| Fish Species Guide | Angling Direct
Rainbow Trout
aka Oncorhynchus mykiss
Sometimes confused for the brown trout, rainbow trout are mostly silver in colour and are covered in black speckles with colourful pink and blue bands running from the head of the fish, along the body. As an introduced species across Europe and every continent except Antarctica, the rainbow trout are a widely distributed fish. This anadromous species also migrates from sea to upriver when it is time to spawn. Along with its coloured flanks, the rainbow trout can be identified by its big upturned mouth that is full of needle-like teeth.
Rainbow trout are very adaptable, meaning that they can live in almost any water type, however, this fish will not and cannot live in any polluted water. Rainbow trout are therefore great indicators for scientists for water pollution.
Stats
Status
Habitat
Slacks, eddies, stumps or vegetation and merging currents on the river.
Bait
Live Worms & Maggots
Native or Invasive
Invasive
Where
Native to rivers that drian into the Pacific, rainbow trout are widely distributed across European rivers and waterways.
Catch Experience
Those looking for a challenge when perfecting fly fishing tactics will target rainbow trout as they have a reputation for being exciting fish to catch and can grow to very large sizes.
Your tackle must be set to the medium size and weight and be prepared for the rainbow trout's aggressive feeding habits but be sure to use smaller, single hooks as they are easier on a trout’s delicate mouthparts than larger and treble hooks are.
Rainbow trout need a high level of oxygen when returned to the water. Make sure to release them near a constant stream of water, where the water's oxygen level is high.
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