What it looks like

  • Many small black spots on body
  • Spots over tail in radiating rows
  • Pink lateral stripe
  • Leading anal fin ray extends the length of the fin
  • Long, stocky caudal peduncle
  • inland lakes variety has a more prominent pink stripe
  • Typical length: 20-40 centimetres (8-16 inches)
  • Typical weight: 0.45-1.36  kilograms (1-3 pounds)
  • Ontario record: 18.5 kilograms (40.7 pounds)

Where it is found

Range of Rainbow Trout (Inland) in Ontario

Habitat

  • 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.

Angling Tips

The rainbow is a popular fish because of its fighting ability, dash and beauty. They rise readily to a dry fly floated downstream with the current. They will also take a range of spinners and plugs, as well as various salmon egg baits and yarn flies.

Common Baits

  • Spoons
  • Plugs
  • Worms
  • Spinners
  • Flies

Similar fish

Photos/images

Map credit - modified from: Mandrak and Crossman (1992)