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Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Run Timing

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Adult Return
Juv. Outmigration
AdultsPeakJuveniles
Sources: StreamNet, ODFW, WDFW, IDFG

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Watershed associations from NFS field surveys. Run timing from StreamNet, ODFW, WDFW, IDFG life history tables, reviewed 2025. Population data from StreamNet when available.

Rainbow Trout are native to the cold water rivers and lakes along western North America and the Russian far east. Adult stream-dwelling Rainbow Trout are typically between 1-5lbs, while those living in lakes can grow as large as 20lbs. The sea-going form of Rainbow Trout is commonly known as steelhead and can grow to over 30lbs. Typically, Rainbow Trout spawn during spring months in freshwater. There are more than 13 native subspecies of Rainbow Trout found in North America where these fish have adapted to coastal and inland waterways.