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More Rainbow Trout Fishing Guides
Float your way on the water with your guide and get ready for an action-packed day of Montana fishing from one of the best guides around! On this fly-fishing trip, you'll be floating down the Yellowstone River to target some Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. The longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states, the Yellowstone River is most effectively fished from a drift boat or jet boat due to its size. Its fishing season typically starts later than tailwaters like the Madison, Bighorn, and Missouri Rivers. We recommend that every angler experience the incredible scenery and quality trout fishing of this river at least once. From Emigrant, Montana, to Livingston, the Yellowstone offers a variety of species such as Rainbows, Browns, Cutthroats, Cutbows, and Mountain Whitefish. The region from Livingston, Montana, downriver to Columbus, Montana, may not be as scenic, but it is home to some larger-than-average brown trout! This stretch of river offers outstanding terrestrial fly fishing because the river cuts through miles of hay fields loaded with grasshoppers. On this half or full-day excursion, your guide will row you where you need to be in a maneuverable drift boat as you take in the beautiful scenery. From here, your guide will give you some expert fly-fishing tips and let you try your luck. Drift boats allow anglers to cover a larger area and access places that may be unsafe for wading. Whether you're new to fly fishing or not, your guide is eager to teach and will get some fish on your line! Regardless of where you are staying – Bozeman, Ennis, Cameron, Helena, Livingston, West Yellowstone, or Fort Smith, Montana – We have you covered. Your guide(s) will be able to pick you up at your vacation rental, lodge, hotel, campsite, or the airport. If your place of lodging is out of the way, just meet your guide at a convenient location for your day(s) on the water. Your guide will provide all the rods, reels, flies, and tippet you need to get out on the water and catch some fish. They will even have a tasty lunch for all guests. Let them know when booking if you will need to rent waders and wading boots, which they will provide at an additional cost. All you need to bring is a valid Montana fishing license. A hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a rain jacket are recommended. Enjoy your day out on the water with your guide! **We have several listings for float trips at nearby locations in the Bozeman / Yellowstone National Park area. They want you to have the best experience possible, so if the fishing is better in another lake or river, they may recommend another location. Whether you want to stick with this spot or hear about other spots, feel free to book your float trip on this listing, and they will get in contact with you about the details!** Read More
Wade your way into the water with Doug and get ready for an action-packed day of fishing in Leicester! On this fly-fishing trip you'll be targeting Brook Trout, Brown Trout, and Rainbow Trout. Whether you're new to fly fishing or not, Doug is eager to help. He has been fly fishing rivers his whole life so don’t be surprised when he puts you on a fish! He’ll help you reel ‘em all in throughout your 4-hour (half-day) or 8-hour (full day) adventure through North Carolina's beautiful rivers. Doug gears his trips toward education, conservation, river awareness, and of course leaving you with an unforgettable outdoor experience in the beautiful North Carolina mountains that he calls home. Doug will outfit you with all equipment needed (Flys, Rods, Boots, Waders). He will also provide snacks and cold beverages. Enjoy your day out on the river with Doug! Read More
Charlie and Conner specialize in guided Fly Fishing trips in the Vail Valley. Specifically, Walk-and-Wade trips on the Eagle River. With guides all over the Valley, they have the opportunity to put you on fish in multiple different spots along the Eagle River. As stewards of their water, your guides focus especially on Catch and Release fishing. This helps us keep the ecosystem strong, and allows many generations of Fly Fishing Anglers to continue to use these resources. Their half-day trips last 4 hours and trips focus on getting on the water early and getting fish. Charlie and Conner provide Rods, Reels, Line, Tippit, Flies, Waders, and Boots. All you need to bring is a valid Colorado Fishing license, hat, sunglasses,or sun protection and a good attitude! Their full-day trips are 8 hours, and give you the time needed to work A LOT of water. These days are long, but they will provide lunch from Smiling Moose Deli, water, and snacks with the full day trip! A valid Colorado Fishing license and a great attitude are required. Read More
Full day trips are 6 hours. Maximum of 4 Clients to a boat. All rods, reels, bait and tackle are included. Clients must bring a valid New York State fishing license, Proper clothing for weather conditions along with rain gear as well as snacks food and drinks. Like half day trips, All clients must sign a waiver before boarding our vessel. For half-day sportfishing trips, Joe recommends bringing your favorite snacks and drinks and for full-day fishing charters, he suggests lunches along with extra snacks and drinks to keep you full and hydrated throughout the day. Joe is on the water year round and loves to fish the transition between warm water and cold water (or vice versa) when the fish get most active. Target fish species include Bass, Walleye, Salmon, Steelhead, Brown Trout and Lake Trout. He provides all his Clients with rods, reels, bait, and tackle but you are more than welcome to bring your own gear if you'd like. Each person aboard will be provided with a type 1 life jacket. There are certain times of the year where a life jacket must be worn at all times aboard our boat, especially in the winter. Coldwater fishing is extremely fun but must be done in a safe manner. You'll be fishing from a 2019 Lund 2175 Pro V Limited powered by a 350 horsepower Mercury Verado L6 Supercharged. The Boat Features a beamwidth of 8 feet 6 inches wide and a length of 21 feet 10 inches long. It's capable of speeds up to 65 mph. Lund Boats and Mercury Outboards have been around forever and are time tested and trusted by expert guides all over the United States The boat offers a comfortable ride--and the interior says it all: Beautiful charcoal bow carpet along with detachable sea deck mats that cover an all vinyl floor. Makes cleaning after some very fishy trips an absolute breeze. Walkthrough windshield provides our clients a break from the wind on colder days. Aft and Bow live wells along with a high-pressure wash down station. 4 Pro Ride limited seats. This rig is spacious and stable in even the roughest of water. A valid New York State fishing license is required for any person aboard our boat participating in fishing charters. Guided fishing trips include most of the fishing equipment you will need but there are some things you will be responsible for bringing. New York State Sportfishing License can be purchased online at. You may also want to consider buying a Canadian fishing license in order to fish both sides of the Niagara River as well as Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Fishing charters are year-round, Please dress Sportfishing during our cold season can be very rewarding as long as proper fishing equipment and clothing are used. Water and windproof outerwear is a must, wool socks and insulated waterproof boots will aid in keeping your feet warm and dry. Good quality hat and gloves will help heat loss and the gloves will ensure that you don't lose dexterity in your fingers In the event that you decide to keep some of their catch of the day Joe is more than happy to prep and filet them for you. All he asks is that you bring your own Ziploc bags (preferably gallon-sized) and a cooler with ice in it to keep them cold on your ride home. As a part of sportfishing, Joe tries to practice catch and release, however, clients are welcome to keep fish to enjoy, please consider releasing half your daily limit as a way of giving back to our fishery. Joe has a zero-tolerance drug policy on our boat. No drugs including Marijuana will be allowed aboard our vessel. We understand that Marijuana is legal in New York State but we will on multiple occasions be transiting through Canadian water. Possession in Canadian water is not allowed and puts all on board especially the Guide in jeopardy. Alcohol products are allowed in moderation at the Guide's discretion. Any intoxicated individuals will be asked to leave the vessel. Passengers safety is Guide Joe's first priority Read More
Embark on an unforgettable fly fishing expedition in the heart of Sequoia National Forest, guided by the seasoned expertise of Scott, boasting an impressive 39-year legacy in the realm of angling. With the majestic beauty of Sequoia as your backdrop, Scott invites you to delve into the art of fly fishing to target a diverse array of Trout species. Set against the awe-inspiring landscapes of Sequoia, this expedition promises a harmonious blend of nature's grandeur and angling finesse. Scott's extensive experience ensures that you'll receive invaluable insights and techniques honed over decades, elevating your fly fishing encounter to a whole new level. As you cast your line in pristine waters, guided by Scott's unparalleled skill, the symphony of nature and sport unfolds. The tranquil beauty of the Sequoia National Forest provides an idyllic setting for pursuing a variety of Trout species, a testament to the region's rich aquatic diversity. Immerse yourself in a journey characterized by professionalism, angling mastery, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Scott's dedication to sustainable fishing practices guarantees an experience that is not only rewarding but also environmentally conscious. Discover the thrill of fly fishing in Sequoia, California, where every cast is an invitation to explore the tranquil waters and create cherished memories amidst nature's splendor. Read More
Head out for a memorable 4 or 6-hour adventure in the Colorado Rocky Mountains with Chris! On this fly-fishing trip you'll be going after Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Rainbow Trout on the aptly-named Roaring Fork River. The Roaring Fork River is a Gold Medal Stream, which means that it supports at least 1000 pounds of fish per mile of river. This float and wade river is known for its large Rainbow and Brown Trout, averaging from 12 to 18 inches in length. Whether you're new to fly fishing or not, Chris is eager to help. He has been fly fishing all over the country for over 30 years, so expect to get some bites! Chris will provide the rods and reels, and any waders you might need at an additional cost. He will even provide a tasty lunch for you, so all you need to bring is a valid Colorado Fishing License. Enjoy your day out on the river with Chris! Read More
Everything to Know About Booking a fishing trip
What are the best rainbow trout fishing trips?
Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 114 rainbow trout trips, and the most popular trips are Full Day Guided Trip guided by Chris, Hill Country Bass & Trout on the Fly guided by Chris, and Talkeetna Area Day Fishing Trip guided by Dave.
Our guides are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 2549 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.
All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.
Looking for kid friendly rainbow trout guides / fishing lessons? Check out our beginner and family friendly rainbow trout guides.
What types of rainbow trout fishing trips are common?
River fishing is the most popular for rainbow trout as well as lake fishing.
The most common fishing techniques are fly fishing, wading, and light tackle fishing but drift fishing and artificial lure fishing are popular as well.
How much does a rainbow trout fishing trip cost?
for rainbow trout prices can range anywhere from about $350 to $2,378, but the average price for a half day trip for rainbow trout is $526. The average price for a full day trip for rainbow trout is $1,925.
What month is best for rainbow trout fishing?
The most popular season for rainbow trout fishing is summer, and most anglers book their trips 37 days in advance.
Do I need a fishing license for rainbow trout and what are the bag limits for rainbow trout?
See here for more information on rainbow trout fishing licenses, rainbow trout bag limits, and fishing season regulations for rainbow trout. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rainbow trout rules and regulations.
What is a Rainbow Trout?
Arguably the most iconic freshwater species to catch on the fly in North America, the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is a salmonid native to cold-waters feeding into the Pacific Ocean on both the Western side of North America and the Eastern part of Asia, although the species has been introduced worldwide. It is actually one of the top invasive species around the world, mostly due to the breadth through which the fish has been manually spread, but they can also have a big impact on native species mostly through out-competing them. Rainbow trout have been transported around the world mainly for sport, and are now found on every continent except Antarctica, in many places providing a great gamefish opportunity where previously there was little.
Steelhead (steelhead trout) are a distinct anadromous form of coastal rainbow trout, meaning they live in saltwater but return up freshwater tributaries to spawn after a few years. Steelhead are the state fish of Washington, and are much more threatened than rainbow trout due to a much lower distribution and greater changes to their native habitat. While rainbow trout have been introduced into streams all over the world, steelhead rely on clear waterways in the Pacific Northwest to spawn.
Steelhead have also been introduced and do well in the Great Lakes area, spawning upstream from the lakes and erstwhile living in the lakes.
Adult rainbow trout can vary in color depending on habitat and location (and steelhead trout vary even more), but they are generally distinguished by a broad red stripe along their lateral line that is most prominent along the line and fades as it expands out. They can often appear greenish/silver above and below the lateral line.
Rainbow trout are probably the most common trout globally and therefore the most commonly caught, and they are a many a beginner’s introduction to fishing in streams around the world, particularly those fishing on the fly. They can be somewhat picky with presentation and skittish in general, which makes them all the more of a treat and a challenge. Aside from bass & panfish they are the most common freshwater fish sought in the US.
How big do Rainbow Trout get?
Rainbow trout size is an interesting question, because a “good” sized rainbow trout depends entirely on where you are and how big the waterway is. Fishing the streams of the Appalachians you’ll be happy with a 1/2 pound fish but head to Alaska and you’ll expect 10 pounders.
Generally most rainbow trout are between a half pound and 5 pounds, and lake-dwelling or anadromous fish can get to 20 pounds or more, behaving and appearing much more like a salmon than a trout from a small stream.
What's the biggest Rainbow Trout ever caught?
The world record rainbow trout belongs to Canadian Sean Konrad (who has been sharing titles back and forth with his brother). The fish is an absolute monster at 48 pounds and 42 inches, and was caught in Lake Diefenbaker, Saskatchewan, Canada. There is some controversy here though, as many have pointed out that there was a fish farm nearby that held triploid trout which may have escaped, and which some believe are clearly causing these massive fish.
Put simply, a triploid trout is one with an extra set of chromosomes. This renders the fish infertile, and the resources the fish would have spent on reproduction instead move towards growth and girth. This is great for fish farms that aim to provide the biggest fillets, but not for allowing a fair record fight.
That record was caught on a spinning rod, but the record on a fly is still a whopping 30 pounds 15 ounces, caught by Dietmar Jeschke on the Ruhr River in Kreuzau, Germany on 12 lb line.
Where is the best place to catch Rainbow Trout?
Honestly - everywhere. This is one of the widest-ranging fish in the world. From small mountain streams to giant lakes to even some anadromous fish, you really won’t struggle to find rainbow trout.
The species is native inland up to British Columbia and Alberta, and in the Pacific Northwest in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and arguably Nevada. Steelhead occupy much of the same area on the coast, plus across the Pacific into Kamchatka and the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. The species has been introduced to much of the rest of the US, Canada, and the world.
While you can catch fish in many places, there are many reasons to want to catch native trout (more meaningful for one, but the fish also fight better on the line and generally speaking present more of a challenge to the angler). For the same reasons, it is preferable to fish where the trout are spawning on their own, rather than being stocked year over year, which expands your areas of opportunity quite a bit, as rainbow trout can and do sustain natural populations in many places around the world.
Rainbow trout tend to live in cold water, generally fast-moving rivers and streams with gravel beds, and generally freshwater (aside from steelhead).
Alaska has some of the largest rainbow trout in the wild (excluding large stocked fish some locations release). Head to the Kvichak or Naknek rivers. You can also head over to Kamchatka which is rumored to have some huge wild rainbows (along with some other monsters - see siberian taimen).
When should I catch Rainbow Trout?
The best time to catch rainbow trout will depend on the time of year, time of day, location, and importantly the water temperature. They can be fished year-round, but late spring is generally considered best, when waters are still cold and water levels have not receded in the summer yet.
Later in the season in the heat, trout also are more sensitive to pressure and if the water is too hot they will often not recover from the fight and being handled, so it is best to be mindful of the water temperatures when fishing catch and release.
Steelhead can be caught as they move upstream for their annual spawning runs, but when this occurs depends a lot on where you are. Steelhead can spawn in winter or summer and, appropriately, their runs will be called either the summer-run or the winter-run. Some waterways hold both, one, or neither, so it is best to let your guide or some quality research help you determine what would be best.
How do you catch Rainbow Trout?
Trout fishing is partially satisfying purely because of the effort it can sometimes take to get to quality fishing spots, and some liken trout fishing more to hunting and tracking due to the active nature of the hiking and searching for fish, especially since many streams and rivers are not accessible by boat.
Rainbows are also fun to catch - they often put up a good fight for a smaller fish and will jump when hooked. Since many anglers are using smaller tackle, these fights are even more challenging and enjoyable.
Fishing for rainbow trout can be done on conventional tackle or on the fly, with many anglers preferring the challenge of using a low-weight fly rod with light line for added challenge (not to mention the challenge involved in not hooking one of the many trees that are guaranteed to overhang many trout streams).
Catching steelhead will generally take somewhat bigger tackle. To catch steelhead with conventional gear, consider spinners with spoons as a good option, as well as plugs and jigs in the 1-3 inch range. Trout can be finicky, so sometimes one lure will turn off just as another turns on, so it’s good to be able to mix it up.
To catch trout on the fly, anglers usually try to match the hatch, meaning they pick flies that mimic not only native insect species or other food options in the area, but also will match insects that are breeding at that particular time of the year. Rainbow trout will often be seen eating the current hatch and nothing else that is presented. Rainbows also typically hunt beneath the surface so while some anglers might use dry flies, something that sinks is a little better, like a nymph or small streamer.
Make sure you cast well - sometimes a poor cast can spook the fish and ruin a spot for your afternoon. Your retrieve can be slow to match that of a floating, injured insect, and you can experience the true pleasure of watching a rainbow slurp your fly (and hope they don’t spit it right back out - set the hook quickly).
Are Rainbow Trout good to eat? What are the best Rainbow Trout recipes?
Cooking and eating rainbow trout is a true treat. Wild-caught rainbow trout taste absolutely incredible no matter who you talk to, having a tender, pink flesh and a mild flavor, often compared to a milder (and smaller) salmon.
Rainbow trout are also frequently farm-raised, although fish raised on pellets will not taste nearly as good as something wild. True aficionados can even tell the difference between a wild-caught stocked fish and one that was actually born in the wild. A true wild fish will have more depth of flavor and a slightly gamier taste (in a good way).
In some locations (like Montana) it is illegal to sell wild-caught rainbow trout, so in the fish market you will find farmed fish, which are known as one of the best farmed fish options out there.
Trout don’t need to be scaled or skinned to be eaten, and it is often preferable to cook them skin-on to hold the meat together. Sometimes the fish are not even filleted, although you’ll still want to debone. The fish are (according to us) best baked with some lemon and butter.
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