UTERRainbow trout fishing in Washington freshwater
In Washington freshwater, rainbow trout peak March–April and June–October and are around year-round, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. April: Lowland lakes opener — stocked trout everywhere.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Rainbow trout in Washington freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchPeak
- AprilPeakLowland lakes opener — stocked trout everywhere.
- MayAround
- JunePeak
- JulyPeak
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish rainbow trout near Columbia River, Hanford Reach, Lake Chelan
The Columbia's walleye, smallmouth, shad, salmon and sturgeon, Puget Sound steelhead rivers, Lake Chelan's lakers and kokanee, and eastern Washington's lowland lakes.
What to use for rainbow trout
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Salmon eggs (roe)A dime-sized spawn sac tied in mesh, or single eggs on a #10 to #6 egg hook, drifted along the bottom for steelhead, trout and salmon. Check the state's rule — bait is banned on many trout and salmon waters.
- Wax wormsOne or two on a tiny ice jig or a #10 hook for bluegill, perch and crappie, under the ice or a float.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 36–70°F water, best at 48–62°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch rainbow trout in Washington freshwater?
Peak season is March–April and June–October. Rainbow trout are here year-round. April: Lowland lakes opener — stocked trout everywhere.
Where do rainbow trout hold in Washington freshwater?
Look on river, creek / stream, lake, reservoir, pond / pit — around Columbia River, Hanford Reach, Lake Chelan, Skagit River, Banks Lake, Lake Roosevelt.
What is the best bait for rainbow trout in Washington freshwater?
Live bait: nightcrawlers, salmon eggs (roe), wax worms. Nightcrawlers: Whole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for rainbow trout in Washington freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and change — read the current rule at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/fishing.
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All about rainbow trout · Washington fresh water, the whole year