Rainbow Trout
Olive to bluish on the back, sides dusky green to blue to silver usually with an iridescent, pink to reddish lateral stripe.
About
Introduced to Arizona in 1898. Olive to bluish on the back, sides dusky green to blue to silver usually with an iridescent, pink to reddish lateral stripe. Many small black spots irregularly scattered on back, sides, adipose and dorsal fin. Distinct radiating rows of black spots on tail fin. Generally, no spots on pectoral, pelvic and anal fins.
Spawn in early spring, most always in streams. “Redds” are dug by the females in the gravel. After fertilization the female fans the gravel and buries the eggs. This process is repeated for several days until the female is spent. Hatching time depends upon water temperature. Fish reach maturity between 2-3 years.
More About Rainbow Trout
Food
They feed on plankton, aquatic and terrestrial insects and aquatic invertebrates. Trout vary their feeding based on the availability of food such as hatching insects on the surface, emerging midges rising through the water column, or worms and bugs along the bottom.
Angling
Effective baits are worms, salmon eggs, powerbait, corn, cheese, marshmallows, artificial lures and flies. The number one key to successful trout fishing is to use light line (2 to 6 pound) and small hooks (10-14 sizes), and small sinkers.
Table Quality
Depending on the fishes diet, the meat can be white to orange-red in color. The meat is firm, flaky and is considered excellent eating.
Our Mission
To conserve Arizona’s diverse wildlife resources and manage for safe, compatible outdoor recreation opportunities for current and future generations.
Fishing Regulations
Rules and regulations for fishing in Arizona.