Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Rainbow trout is a salmonid originally from North America, which is widely stocked in Finnish rivers, ponds, and lakes. It is one of the most popular recreational fishing targets due to its easy availability and fighting spirit.

Characteristics and Habits

Rainbow trout can be identified by the broad, reddish stripe running along its sides and the small black spots that cover the entire fish. It is an adaptable species that thrives in cool, well-oxygenated waters. As a stocked fish, it generally does not reproduce in the Finnish wilderness.

Fishing

Rainbow trout can be fished in many different ways and is active year-round.

• Casting: Small spinners, spoons, and small crankbaits are effective in stocked ponds and river pools.
• Fly fishing: Various streamers, woolly buggers, leeches, and nymphs are highly successful.
• Bait fishing: Scented floating bait pastes (PowerBait), cocktail shrimp, and worms are effective baits.
• Ice fishing: Rainbow trout is one of the most exciting targets on stocked winter waters. It is fished using flash spoons, leech-mormyskas, and passive tip-up lines baited with shrimp or paste. Their fierce strikes and strong runs require a responsive reel drag and strong line (0.20–0.25 mm).

As Food

Rainbow trout is an excellent and versatile food fish. Its meat is reddish and fatty, and it is perfect for smoking, grilling, baking, and curing. Commercially, it is one of the most important fish in Finland.