Wild Guide: Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Rainbow trout require waters that are constantly below 70 degrees. MDC operates trout hatcheries in order to stock them as game fish in our state. Though not native, trout have established self-sustaining populations, and creel and size limits help keep those populations healthy. Rainbow trout have small scales and a small, fleshy fin on the back behind the dorsal fin. The fins lack spines. Upper parts are dark olive, thickly speckled with black spots; the belly is silvery white. There are prominent dark spots on the tail and a pink or reddish longitudinal stripe. The tail fin is forked.