Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Hard-Fighting Leapers from Alaska to Patagonia
- Average size
- 2–4 lb typical · 6–12 lb trophies · 20+ lb at Jurassic Lake
- Peak season
- August–October (Alaska) · November–April (Patagonia, NZ)
- World record
- 48 lb — Lake Diefenbaker, Saskatchewan (2009)
- Experiences
- 26
Rainbow trout are the most widely introduced gamefish in the world, and like their cousin the brown, they've reached their peak size and abundance in places Mother Nature didn't originally plant them. Alaska's Bristol Bay system holds the continent's largest wild rainbows — fish in the 28–32" range eating salmon flesh behind spawning sockeye every August and September. Argentina's Lake Strobel ("Jurassic Lake") produces double-digit rainbows on nearly every cast during peak season.
On their home waters (Pacific Northwest, Yellowstone, Rockies), rainbows are the bread-and-butter trout of American fly fishing — willing dry-fly eaters, strong fighters, and accessible to anglers of every skill level. In Alaska, rainbow fishing is a dedicated late-summer pilgrimage timed to the salmon spawn. In Patagonia, wild rainbows share water with browns in the same rivers and respond to dry flies, nymphs, and big streamers depending on conditions.
Best Methods
- ● Flesh and bead patterns behind spawning salmon (Alaska)
- ● Mouse patterns in twilight on Alaskan rivers (August)
- ● Dry-fly sight-fishing in Patagonia (November–April)
- ● Big leech patterns on stillwater (Jurassic Lake)
- ● Streamer fishing from the drift boat (Rockies, Patagonia)
Gear Notes
6-weight is the workhorse for wild rainbows. Step up to 7- or 8-weight for Alaskan rivers during the salmon spawn where double-digit fish and salmon bycatch are routine. 9-foot 4X–5X fluorocarbon leaders on most Western rivers. Carry a second rod rigged with a sink-tip for streamers.
Where to Catch Rainbow Trout
26 vetted experiences across 6 countries.
Absolutely Angling, North Isl., New Zealand
Absolutely Angling offers raft fishing on some of the best fly fishing rivers in the North Island, New Zealand.
Alumine River Lodge, Patagonia Argentina
Anglers and Hunters in the Patagonia region of Argentina will be delighted with the diverse and beautiful land, mountain and water-scapes. They will also be taken a-back and pleasantly surprised by the quiet of the area.
Challhauquen, Argentina
Challhuaquen Lodge is located in the Trevelin valley on the Futaleufú river close to Los Alerces National Park.
Dave Brown Outfitters, Canada
Dave Brown Outfitters offers clients unsurpassed angling since 1990 on dozens of rivers and streams in six major watersheds across two Canadian provinces- British Columbia and Alberta.
Estancia Huechahue, Argentina
Estancia Huechahue (pronounced "way-cha-way"!) is a working cattle ranch in the Patagonia region of Argentina. 4 generations of the Wood family have worked on the 15,000 acres of Patagonian Steppe.
Estancia Sihuen, Patagonia, Argentina
Estancia Sihuen is a family owned 23,000 acre ranch, located 10 miles southwest of Junin de los Andes. The land is classic high Patagonian plateau steppe and mesa country.
Estancia Tipiliuke, N. Patagonia, Argentina
Estancia Tipiliuke is a 48,000 acre ranch founded in 1909 at the foot of the Andes Mountain chain. The property sits between the Chimehuín and Quilquihue rivers, known worldwide for exceptional trout fishing.
Fjordland Lodge, New Zealand
Fjordland Lodge tucked away in the hills overlooking Lake Te Anau is the most relaxing, uniquely stylish lodge. With its fine wine and food, exceptionally warm staff, it is simply a perfect retreat.
Fjords Fishing, Chile
Fjords Fishing with Cristian and Marcelo Dufflocq offer a unique river fishing experience in the remote fjords of southern Chile. Their program provides anglers with the opportunity to catch larger and more fish than anywhere else in Chile.
High Lonesome Ranch, Colorado
High Lonesome Ranch is located in DeBeque, Colorado with almost 300 square miles of deeded and permitted lands on the Western Slope of the Colorado Rockies.
King Pacific Lodge, British Columbia, Canada
King Pacific Lodge is the ultimate luxury/adventure/ecotourism vacation spot located in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest on the west coast of British Columbia.
Mission Creek Lodge, Bristol Bay, Alaska
Mission Creek Lodge offers unsurpassed trophy fishing for salmon and trout in Bristol Bay, Alaska, with posh facilities and exemplary service in a spectacular wilderness setting.
Motueka River Lodge Nelson, (Aotearoa) New Zealand
Luxury riverside lodge in Aotearoa, New Zealand offering world-class trout fishing with professional guides, gourmet dining, and access to diverse outdoor activities.
Nomads of the Seas, Chile
Luxury expedition vessel offering premier fly fishing in Patagonia's remote fjords combined with adventure activities, gourmet dining, and full-service accommodations.
Poronui, North New Zealand
Poronui is located in the northern part of New Zealand and offers high quality hunting, fishing and wilderness experiences. Rated in the top ten fly fishing destinations in the world by Forbes Magazine.
Shadow Mountain Lodge, British Columbia, Canada
Shadow Mountain Lodge is a family-owned lodge in British Columbia offering both hunting and fishing experiences in the Canadian Outdoors. The intimate lodge accommodates no more than eight guests for personalized service.
Southern Lakes Fishing Safaris, New Zealand
Southern Lakes Fishing Safaris provides guided fly fishing for Brown and Rainbow trout in the Southern Lakes region of New Zealand's South Island, encompassing three World Heritage National Parks based out of Wanaka.
Steelhead Valhalla Lodge, BC
Steelhead Valhalla Lodge is nestled in the trees along the banks of the Sustut River five miles upstream from the confluence with the Skeena River, the largest producing river for trophy steelhead in the world.
Tarraleah Lodge, Tasmania
Tarraleah Lodge is one of the Top Twenty Most Luxurious Fishing Lodges in the World, featuring Art Deco accommodations with access to pristine Tasmanian trout fishing.
The Lodge at Whale Pass, Southeast Alaska
The Lodge at Whale Pass is situated in the heart of the Inside Passage, only a 45-minute floatplane trip from Ketchikan with no set arrival or departure days.
Three Falls Farm
Three Falls Farm is a luxury trout fishing country estate in South Africa's Steenkampsberg mountains featuring 5 stocked dams and 2km of river with excellent fly-fishing opportunities.
Three Forks Ranch Lodge and Spa
Three Forks Ranch straddles the Colorado-Wyoming border on almost 50,000 private acres, offering world-class fishing, hunting, luxury accommodations, and spa experiences.
Tongario Lodge, New Zealand, North Island
Tongariro Lodge is one of the world's great fishing lodges, located on the banks of the legendary Tongariro River with year-round guided fly fishing for browns and rainbows.
Tres Lagos Lodge
Tres Lagos Lodge is situated between Bariloche and San Martin de Los Andes in a remote Andean valley offering classic trout fishing on the Filo Hua Hum River.
White River Inn, Arkansas
White River Inn is a luxurious full-service fishing lodge on 31 private acres above the White River near Cotter, Arkansas, home to the world record brown trout.
Wildwood Lodge, Lake Rotorua- New Zealand
Wildwood Lodge is a Qualmark 5-star luxury lodge set in five acres with private lake frontage on Lake Rotoehu, offering fly-fishing for wild Rainbow and Brown trout.
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