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Rainbow Trout


Photo © 1996-2003 Creative Publishing, International
from the book The Complete Guide to Freshwater Fishing

Overview
The leaping ability of the rainbow is legendary. A hooked rainbow almost always skyrockets from the water, often a half-dozen times, before coming to the net. Rainbows are less wary than brown trout and more willing to bite. They are a favorite of fly fishermen, but can also be caught on spinners, spoons, plugs, and a wide variety of baits ranging from worms to small marshmallows.

Eating Habits

The diet consists mainly of immature and adult insects, plankton, crustaceans, fish eggs, and small fish. But rainbows consume far fewer fish than brown trout. Their habit of taking adult insects on the surface makes dry-fly fishing particularly effective.

Age & Growth

Growth is highly variable, depending on the habitat. A typical stream-dwelling rainbow grows to about 1 pound in four years. But in a large lake where food is plentiful, a rainbow could reach 15 pounds in the same amount of time. Rainbows may live up to 11 years, but the usual life span is 4 to 6 years.

World Record

1993 - 31 pounds, 6 ounces, a landlocked rainbow caught in Lake Michigan.


Rainbow Trout Resorts
British Columbia
Eagle Island Lodge
Ontario
Wilmer Pond Cottages
Rainbow Trout Books
Fly Fishing for Trout in Streams Understanding trout streams, subsurface basics, and subsurface fly-fishing techniques.
Trout A superb reference for trout. Learn about the fish itself, where it lives, and most important - its eating preferences and how to imitate and present what the fish enjoys most.trout
Trout Videos
Pike, Grayling & Lake Trout Visit Kasba Lake, Northwest Territories and witness the landing of world record sized Grayling, Trout, and Pike.
Fly Fishing Basics A beginner's guide to basic equipment and understanding fly fishing fundamentals.
Beyond the Basics A guide to acquiring new knowledge and skills required to become an accomplished fly angler.
Classic Wet Flies & Nymphs An illustrative guide to tying effective wet flies and nymph patterns.
Classic Dry Flies 1 Learn the intricate & delicate techniques of tying a variety of very effective dry flies.
Classic Dry Flies 2 Enhance your ability to master the intricate and delicate techniques of tying a variety of very effective dry flies.
Classic Streamer Patterns Valuable techniques required to tie these useful streamer patterns.
Step 1 - For Beginning Tyers The tools, techniques, and basic skills required to get you started tying your own flies.
Step 2 - For Beginning Tyers The tools, techniques, and basic skills required to get you started tying your own flies... Step 2 picks up where Step 1 left off.



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Species text copyright © 1996-2010 Creative Publishing, International
All other text, photos, & graphics, except where otherwise noted,
copyright © 1996-2010 by Perspective Visuals, Inc. All rights reserved.
Fishing Lines is a trademark of Perspective Visuals, Inc.

Last Update: June 14, 2004

Fishermen have visited this site since 6/26/99