When do rainbow trout spawn?

Rainbow trout spawn earlier in their lives than most other trout species (at roughly two years) and their spawning season occurs in the late spring and early summer as water temperatures rise. Brown trout spawn in the fall, from late September to early November, and are primarily active during the daytime. read more

The steelhead (sometimes called "steelhead trout") is an anadromous (sea-run) form of the coastal rainbow trout (O. m. irideus) or Columbia River redband trout (O. m. gairdneri) that usually returns to fresh water to spawn after living two to three years in the ocean. read more

Rainbow Trout Spawning Facts Mid March typically marks the beginning of spawning season for rainbow trout here in the Rockies. These beautiful, hard fighting fish are among the most sought after trophies for fly fishermen across the west. read more

The state record for rainbow trout is over 33 pounds, and fish of up to 10 pounds are common in some of our most productive waters. Rainbow are efficient at feeding on plankton, aquatic and terrestrial insects, and occasionally some smaller fishes. read more