Oncorhyncus mykiss

bow, redsides, red-band trout, silver trout, steelhead, kamloops

s/f

Unlike cutthroat trout, these have no teeth under the tongue. Their backs are blue/green with a red horizontal band along the silver side. The tail has numerous rows of black spots.

Rainbows prefer cool, clear streams and lakes. They also live in warm water lakes only if clear, oxygenated water is available. Steelheads found in open waters (i.e large larkes and at sea) are reputed to roam very long distances.

Rainbows eat insects, crustaceans, fish eggs, and plankton. They also eat some smaller fish, but not as commonly as other trout.

A rainbow trout's growth rate depends upon its environment. Fish living in small lakes with limited food supply may grow drastically slower (one pound in a year) than those that live in large bodies of water and feed freely. Rainbows will normally live between 4 and 6 years, but some have been recorded up to 11 years.

The rainbow trout's knack for striking insects on the water's surface makes them a favorite among fly fishermen. They usually leap 5 or 6 times before capture. They are also very popular on conventional light tackle. Rainbows will hit a variety of baits, spoons, spinners, and plugs.

Their meat can vary in color from red to white depending on each fish's diet. Rainbow trout taste excellent either smoked or served fresh, and can often be found in fine restaurants.