Features: Coastal rainbow trout are often residualized steelhead that spend their entire life cycle in fresh water, never migrating to sea. They are a silvery color with black spots on their backs and fins, and a pink band running down their sides. Often their gill covers are pink as well. The pelvic anal, and dorsal fins have a white edge to them. 

Habitat: They can be found in cold rivers, creeks, and inland lakes. However, they require streams with clean gravel, complex habitat, and cool temperatures for spawning and rearing.

Techniques: Trout in stillwaters tend to be on the move, “cruising” the water looking for food. Suspending bait under a bobber is a good way to fish for these trout. Start with a piece of worm or a little PowerBait or similar product on a bait hook. Attach a small lead weight just above the hook to help the bait sink, and add a bobber 1 ½ to 3 feet above the hook. 

In moving waters, trout like to hold in one spot and wait for the water current to bring food to them. A primary food source for these fish is aquatic insects adrift in the current. Fish for these trout by casting a spinner or spoon slightly up river and reeling in any slack line. As the current carries the spinner down river, hold as much fishing line off the water as you can to achieve a natural “drift.” Once the spinner has swung toward the shore and is straight down river, begin a moderate retrieve.