Species · Fly · Oncorhynchus mykiss
Rainbow Trout
Hard-fighting and acrobatic, rainbow trout are the mainstay of UK stillwater fly fishing. Stocked in lakes and reservoirs nationwide, they provide accessible fly fishing for all levels and are more forgiving than wild browns.
Where and when
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Stillwaters, reservoirs, stocked rivers and lakes |
| Best time | All day |
| Category | Stocked |
Baits and tactics
- Tactics: Lures, Nymphs, Buzzers, Dry fly
- Baits and flies: Streamers, Nymphs, Buzzers, Dry Flies
Tackle that suits
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Hooks | 8-14. Barbless lure and nymph hooks. Long shank for lures, standard for nymphs and buzzers |
| Mainline | WF6-7. Weight Forward floating or intermediate. Floating for surface work, intermediate sinking for sub-surface |
| Hooklength | 5-8lb tippet. 9-12ft. Copolymer or fluorocarbon leader - less critical than for browns |
| Shotting | Weighted flies (bead heads, tungsten) do the work. Sinking lines for deep water. |
| Field notes | Rainbows are more aggressive than browns and will chase lures and streamers; Buzzer fishing (chironomid pupae) is deadly on stillwaters - fish them static under an indicator; Intermediate sinking lines get lures down to cruising fish in the water column; On bright days fish deeper - rainbows move down in clear conditions; A fast figure-of-eight retrieve with a Cats Whisker is a classic opening tactic; Keep the lure moving on the drop - rainbows chase a fished lure confidently |
Fish welfare
Warm water is hard on rainbow trout. The app warns from 18°C and tells you to consider not targeting them at 21°C.
Same welfare profile as brown trout - handle quickly, wet hands before unhooking, avoid prolonged fight.
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