Rainbow Trout
Also known as: Rainbow, Steelhead or Silver Trout
Abundant Cover, Deep Pools
Rainbow trout are long and streamlined but the body shape and colour changes depending on the habitat, age and sex. Body shapes may be slender or thick; the back may shade from blue green to olive. A reddish pink band along each side may be faint or radiant. Lower sides are usually silver, fading to pure white underneath.
You’l find small black spots over the back, upper fins and tail. Adults in some locations may have black spots that extend below the lateral line and even cover the entire lower side. Spots typically extend onto the dorsal fin, adipose fin and the tail.
Rainbow trout have 8 to 12 rays in the anal fin, a mouth that does not extend past the back of the eye, and the lack of teeth at the base of the tongue.
One of the top “stocked” freshwater sport fish, the Rainbow is tolerant of moderate temperatures, which has allowed it to become available to many anglers around the world. They prefer moderately flowing streams with abundant cover and deep pools. They are typically found in the 0 – 15-foot range in a lake.
Change of Seasons
Most Rainbow trout planted in Manitoba are fry to fingerling size. A couple of rivers in Manitoba have self-producing populations: Pine and Steeprock Rivers. These trout are protected by a different fishing season than most other populations in the province – their season closes November 1st and re-opens on April 15th.
Rainbow trout is the number one trout species stocked throughout lakes and ponds from southern Manitoba all the way to the northern part of the Churchill River system. With a low tolerance for muddy and cloudy waters, they are usually found in small lakes, streams, ponds and flooded quarries and gravel pits. A Rainbow trout farmer’s association exists in Minnedosa, Manitoba and many small lakes in the Minnedosa area are heavily stocked and harvested on a yearly base.
Expert’s Tip: Rainbows take lures, flies and baits well. They leap often and fight hard no matter what their size but the larger ones are especially exciting.
For more great tips on Rainbow Trout fishing in Manitoba, check out our Rainbow TroutTips & Tricks page.
Manitoba Record: The biggest Rainbow was caught at East Blue Lake in the Duck Mountains. It measured 82.55 cm (32.5”).
Get the all time record records information from our Master Angler records.
