Rainbow Trout Information

Rainbow trout, a member of the salmonidae family, are a species of freshwater trout native to only western North America and the Kamchatka Peninsula of Russia. Among their historical range is the area in and around Cook's Inlet in Alaska, including the waters of Lake Clark National Park. Though many rainbows spend the entirety of their lives in freshwater, some will venture to the ocean before running back up freshwater inlets to spawn at their birthplace. Rainbows (or bows as they're often known in the fishing community) are identifiable by a green hue on their backs, a white underbelly and a vibrant streak of red color that spans their sides.

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Considered to be among the most beautiful of freshwater fish, rainbows routinely reach 20" of size as adults, although they are known to grow to 30" and beyond. They are effectively targeted on both spin and fly rods, and make for fantastic sport fishing due to their ferocious kicks once hooked. Fishing for rainbow trout is good all year, but especially so in the fall when they move upriver to eat the eggs of spawning salmon. With trips accessible from Talon Air Service, you can spot the unique pattern of black, quarter-sized spots along the sides of these trout that indicate the fish you're catching are indeed native fish.

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You'll be amazed at the quality of color on these fish in relation to stocked rainbows, which make up the majority of fish caught in the continental United States. In Lake Clark National Park and the surrounding area, you'll be able to see how rainbow trout are meant to (and historically) have lived in the wild. And due to their abundance, they can be morally harvested for a meal with taste you can only find in the purest of places.