Rainbow Trout (Great Lakes)

Length:  35-60 cm. (14-24 in.)

Distribution/Habitat:
found in all Great Lakes and many tributaries

Similar fish:

• Chinook Salmon
• Coho Salmon
• Pink Salmon
• Atlantic Salmon
• Brown Trout

Key identifying characteristics:

• white mouth and gums;
• body silver with dark spots;
• spots all over tail in radiating rows;
• leading anal fin ray extends the length of the fin;
• long, stocky caudal peduncle

Rainbows (often called steelhead) are widely distributed in the Great Lakes and in many tributaries of the Great Lakes watershed, as well as in some inland lakes.

Rainbows are found in cold streams, and warmer streams as well. Swift, turbulent water is preferred, but the fish adapts to a range of conditions in rivers, streams, ponds and lakes.

The rainbow is a popular fish because of its fighting ability, dash and beauty. It rises readily to a dry fly floated downstream with the current. It will also take a range of spinners and plugs, as well as various salmon egg baits and yarn flies. Rainbows are also fond of live baits, such as:

• earthworms
• angleworms
• minnows
• grasshoppers
• grubs

Most live baits, and some of the artificials, are fished by drifting them downstream beneath specialized floats.