Alaska Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss - the rainbow trout. It is one of the most  sought after of Alaska’s native game fishes, and the most respected - for reason. Serious anglers from the around world travel to Alaska to experience the thrilling challenge of this hard fighting fish.

The freshwater Rainbow trout are native to waters throughout Southeast Alaska west to Kuskokwim Bay. Bristol Bay drainage with the clear water lakes and streams provide and outstanding habitat for the Rainbow trout.

Rainbow trout occur naturally on the Kenai Peninsula, throughout the fresh waters of Upper Cook Inlet, on Kodiak Island, and in the Copper River drainage. Release of hatchery-reared Alaska rainbow trout has extended the range of resident rainbows to specific lakes and streams in the Tanana River drainage near Fairbanks.

Sea-going rainbows are known as Steelhead Trout.

A general description of Rainbow Trout: the Rainbow trout possess the well-known streamlined form reminiscent of the salmon, though body shape and coloration will vary widely. Habitat, age, sex, and degree of maturity affect the coloration.

You positively identify Rainbow trout by the 8 to 12 rays in the anal fin; the mouth does not extend past the back of the eye, and no teeth past the base of the tongue. River or stream residents normally display the most intense pink stripe coloration;  and rainbows from lake and lake-stream systems display the heaviest spotting.  Spawning trout are characterized by generally darker coloration.

You will find the shape of the body may range from slender to thick. The back shades from blue-green to olive. About the midline there is a reddish-pink band along each side which may range from faint to radiant, while the lower sides are usually silver, fading to pure white beneath. Characteristic small black spots are present above the lateral line over the back as well as on the upper fins and tail.

Trout Life Cycles

When water temperatures are on the rise, late winter or early spring, the maturing adult rainbows usually seek out suitable clear water streams or shallow gravels.  Depending  on the severity of the winter Spawning takes place from late March through early July. The female uses her tail to prepare a nest for 200 to 8,000 eggs, at a depth of approximately 4 to 12 inches deep and up to 10 to 15 inches in diameter. These will be fertilized by a male and covered with gravel.

Depending upon the water temperature, Hatching will then take place from a few weeks up to as much as four months after spawning

and the tiny fry will emerge from the gravel in a few more weeks. These small trout will assemble in groups and seek shelter along the stream margins or protected lake shore, feeding on  aquatic insects and their larvae, crustaceans, and plants.

Fishing will usually be the most successful in the spring and fall; before and after Alaska's large salmon runs. Rainbow trout are voracious feeders and strong swimmers willing to hit a wide variety of baits, flies , and lures.  Many anglers enjoy success with weighted spinners; he wobbling spoon 

Fly fishers will find that fishing to the trout's senses and especially using color to the most advantage.

Alaska uses management of rainbow trout fisheries for the health of the species as well as for a diversity for the recreational angling experiences.  Wild trout are abundant and Alaska Dept of Fish and Game has plentiful stock for those wishing to bring your catch in for the pan.  Bagging limits are enforced to ensure everyone has access to this world class Alaska Rainbow Trout Fishing experience.