Most anglers will agree that the most productive seasons to catch wild rainbow trout are fall and winter because they are a cold-water species (full disclosure: summer is not ideal for rainbow trout). It will help you to remember the temperature range of rainbow trout.
What time of year is best for rainbow trout?
spring
Conventional wisdom suggests that late spring is the best time to catch trout, especially if you’re looking for larger fish. The warmer it gets, the more fishing pressure from other anglers, the thicker the grass and brush surrounding their habitats and the lower the water levels.
What months are best for trout fishing?
November through to December is often an excellent time to fish trout from streams and rivers because the water can be cool, still, and clear at this point in the year. In November and December, the best time to go fly fishing is midday. The best pattern during these months are going to be midges and mayfly nymphs.
Can you catch a rainbow trout?
Fishing. Rainbow trout are an exciting game fish but also the most commonly caught of all trout species. These trout often jump after being hooked and are especially fun on light tackle. A bonus to the trout fishing experience is the areas they inhabit are usually very scenic mountains and rivers.
When can I fish for trout in WA?
Trout can be found in Washington lakes and rivers year-round, with fishing season usually beginning around April and ending in the fall. Common species include brook, brown, cutthroat, lake and rainbow trout.
What is best bait for rainbow trout?
Best Bait to Catch Rainbow Trout
- Powerbait Trout Nuggets (especially for hatchery fish)
- Worms.
- Live nymphs and minnows (best used in winter)
- Kernel corn and colored marshmallows (for hatchery fish)
- Salmon eggs.
What bait is best for trout?
For catching trout, many anglers turn to natural baits. Nightcrawlers and other types of earthworms are an excellent choice. Salmon eggs, mealworms and locally available baits can also be very successful and often are similar to food sources in the environment.
Can you catch trout in the winter?
Trout do feed in winter, especially if water temperatures climb above 40 degrees. If the law allows, try winter trout fishing in your area. Trout won’t be found everywhere, though, in fact they will probably be concentrated in just a few pools.
How cold is too cold for trout fishing?
Trout generally are more active when water temperatures are in their comfort range: 45 to 65 degrees. They can survive in water temperatures as low as 35, but rarely do mountain streams get that cold.
What temperature do rainbow trout like?
44 to 67 degrees
Rainbow/Brown Trout
Rainbows and Browns are the more hardy of the trout family, which is why most states choose to stock them. The optimal feeding and movement water temperatures for them is 44 to 67 degrees. When the water temperature hits 68 degrees, both species will begin to get stressed.
Is rainbow trout good eating?
Rainbow Trout is the sustainable, low mercury fish labeled a “best choice” by the EPA and FDA. This colorful patterned fish is a member of the salmon family and is one of the healthiest fishes you can include in your diet. Plus, it’s an excellent alternative to the often-overfished salmon.
Why do trout not bite?
Stocked trout may not bite or be as active due to several external factors, including: How they are transported, changes in their feeding habits, the type of bait used by anglers, barometric pressure, and water temperature shock.
What is a good size rainbow trout?
Adult rainbow trout and steelhead range in size. They can reach 45 inches in length, but are usually much smaller. They can weigh more than 50 pounds (22 kilograms), but a more typical weight is 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms).
How deep do rainbow trout live?
Rainbow Trout are found below the thermocline, which is where the temperature is between 55°F to 64°F. In summer this may be as deep as 30 to 40 feet and they may be found as deep as 60 feet when they’re not feeding.
Can you fish year-round in Washington state?
LAKES, PONDS, and RESERVOIRS are open to fishing for Game Fish (except DOLLy VARDEN/BULL TROUT and GRASS CARP) year-round. RIVERS, STREAmS, and BEAVER PONDS are CLOSED to fishing unless listed as open.
What is the biggest rainbow trout ever caught?
48 pounds
Rainbow Trout: 48 pounds
Sean Konrad is the reigning all-tackle world record holder who landed a 48-pound rainbow on September 5, 2009 while fishing Saskatchewan’s Lake Diefenbaker. The 42-inch-long trout had an incredible 32-inch girth.
What do rainbow trout like to eat?
The rainbow trout eats mostly invertebrate larvae, insects and fish. When feeding they can save energy by staying still in a stream with their mouth open, eating invertebrate larvae as it flows downstream.
Where do trout hide in lakes?
In large bodies of water, Trout hold to the thermocline, which is a gradient layer in the water column where cold water meets warm water and mixes nutrients and oxygen. This layer is generally located in the bottom two-thirds of the water column. For example, 5-10 ft. off the bottom in 30 ft.
What pound test is best for trout?
Generally, light line in the 2 to 6 pound test range for average sized trout (14 to 18 inches) is sufficient. Bump it up to 8 or 10 pound test for larger fish or when trolling. If you’re expecting to catch huge brown trout or lake trout, heavy monofilament or braid (20+ pound test) might be required.
Should I use a bobber for trout?
Is it better to fish with or without a bobber? If fishing live bait for trout, panfish, and bullheads, or you want to suspend your bait off the bottom, a bobber is beneficial to most fishermen. If you are fishing large bait for bigger fish or fishing on the bottom, a bobber can be detrimental to your fishing success.
What scent do trout like?
Garlic, salt, cheese, and oil will attract certain species of trout at certain times of the day. Oil, in particular, olive oil, or oil-impregnated with decayed fish parts can generate a smell pattern quickly on a lake with the help of water and air currents. Trout hit cheese baits often.