Rainbow trout
Big Lost River
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Fish › Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Idaho’s most widespread trout, quick to rise and willing to chase nymphs and small streamers.
Size range
24–48 in
Size range
Typical adult length in the waters we cover.
Water temperature
Coldwater
Water temperature
Preferred thermal regime for this species.
Active season
Year round
Active season
When anglers most often encounter this species.
Origin
Native
Origin
Stocking and native history where this species is found.
Habitat
Headwater Streams, Rivers & Large Rivers, Lakes & Reservoirs
Habitat
Primary water types where this species is found.
Rainbow trout are native to Idaho and remain one of the state’s most common coldwater game fish. They thrive in cold, well-oxygenated rivers and lakes, with wild redband populations in some waters and hatchery fish supporting many stocked fisheries.
Also known as: Redband trout, Wild rainbow trout, Stocked rainbow trout
Rainbow trout
Big Lost River
Rainbow trout
Big Wood River
Rainbow trout
Henrys Fork of the Snake River
Rainbow trout
Henrys Fork of the Snake River, Box Canyon to Riverside
Rainbow trout
Henrys Fork of the Snake River, Headwaters to Box Canyon
Rainbow trout
Henrys Fork of the Snake River, Riverside to Mouth / terminus
Rainbow/redband trout influence
Lochsa River
Redband influence varies by reach
Rainbow/redband trout
Middle Fork Salmon River
Rainbow/redband trout
Salmon River
Rainbow/redband trout
Salmon River, Bayhorse Recreation Site to Tappan
Rainbow/redband trout
Salmon River, Cache Bar to Carey Creek
Rainbow/redband trout
Salmon River, Campbell Flat to Pine Bar
Rainbow/redband trout
Salmon River, Carey Creek to Riggins
Rainbow/redband trout
Salmon River, Colston Creek to Shoup Bridge Campground
Rainbow/redband trout
Salmon River, Corn Creek Campground to Spring Bar
Rainbow/redband trout
Salmon River, Deadwater Spring to Corn Creek Campground
Rainbow/redband trout
Salmon River, Hammer Creek to Mouth / terminus
Rainbow/redband trout
Salmon River, Headwaters to Sawtooth Kids Pond
Rainbow/redband trout
Salmon River, Lucile Recreation Site to Campbell Flat
Rainbow/redband trout
Salmon River, Maynard Hole to Hammer Creek
Rainbow/redband trout
Salmon River, Riggins to Maynard Hole
Rainbow/redband trout
Salmon River, Sawtooth Kids Pond to Sunbeam
Rainbow/redband trout
Salmon River, Shoup Bridge Campground to Tower Rock Recreation Site
Rainbow/redband trout
Salmon River, South Butte to Bayhorse Recreation Site
Rainbow/redband trout
Salmon River, Spring Bar to Lucile Recreation Site
Rainbow/redband trout
Salmon River, Sunbeam to South Butte
Rainbow/redband trout
Salmon River, Tappan to Colston Creek
Rainbow/redband trout
Salmon River, Tower Rock Recreation Site to Cache Bar
Rainbow trout
Silver Creek
Rainbow trout
South Fork Boise River
Rainbow trout
South Fork Snake River
Rainbow trout
Teton River
Young fish feed heavily on zooplankton, while most rainbows eat midges and other insects; bigger trout add terrestrials and occasional baitfish.
Regulations vary widely by water, season, gear restriction, and whether fish are wild or stocked. Always check the current Idaho Fish and Game rules for the specific river, creek, reservoir, or reach before fishing.
Regulations vary by water. Check current Idaho Fish and Game rules before fishing.
Status: Native to Idaho (S4)
T4 (Apparently Secure) · ESA: Not listed · Idaho: S4Runs between freshwater and the ocean.
Browse species profiles with habitat, diet, tactics, and linked waters across the state.
Rainbow trout
Bear River, Cove Plant to Grace Dam
