Rainbows like the clear cold water so they will likely be down deep.They feed mainly on bugs, but will strike spinners and spoons, again the Swedish Pimple being my lure of choice. The rainbow trout thrives best in cold water, prefering to stay down deep, but can withstand temperatures up to 77 degrees if the water is well aerated. This species is well adapted to lakes and streams. Rainbows in smaller sizes will also do very well in the rivers and larger streams. Here in Maine, there is a clash of minds on this. Many Salmon purists think that because Rainbows and Atlantic Salmon like the same waters that the Rainbows will move the Salmon out and take over the area. For this reason many people,(mostly from away) seem to be very much against the Rainbow. The Mainefisherman however does not buy into this theory. Maine, being a put and take fishery, stands to benefit greatly from the introduction of the wily Rainbow.

Any method used to catch trout can be used to catch rainbows. Spinners, flies, small spoons and bait are effective. Please do NOT use corn! (drop me a line and I will tell you what works better and is not dangerous to them) The usual size of rainbows found in streams and ponds is between 6 inches and a foot, and less than one pound. Larger fish may be caught in some of the bigger, clearer colder, deeper lakes. Since Maine is just starting to embrace the rainbow, I am not going to give any Ice fishing info. Stocking started this year! Should the fish get a foothold and start getting caught in numbers I will put in some winter info on them. The Rainbow is a Leaper, usually dancing on the surface at least a few times before being landed.

I like to fish them on light tackle and the smallest spoons. I use the 1/8 ounce or less lures and light tackle. Remember to land your fish as quick as possible to keep them from being winded. I try not to use so light a tackle so that you can't bring them in. 6 pound test should be plenty except in really rough water. The state is implementing a stocking program and we should start seeing Rainbows in the next few years. A great fighter that most fisherman will be glad to see in their favorite waters in the near future.