Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

The striking, speckled Rainbow Trout is native to coastal streams in the western United States but has been widely introduced in the eastern United States and throughout the world. Rainbows that migrate to large lakes or into salt water are silvery all over and are called Steelhead Trout. Although considered a trout, the Rainbow is actually more closely related to salmons.

Look For : An elongate trout with a pattern of small black spots on a paler background and a pinkish or red stripe along each side.

Length : 3' 4".

Habitat : Colder lakes and streams.

Range : Native range from Bering Sea, Alaska, to southern California. Introduced throughout Canada and U.S. in streams and lakes.