| Rainbow Trout |
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Rainbow Trout |
| Oncorhynchus mykiss |
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Key Distinguishing Markings:
- Rainbow coloration varies widely. The same batch of rainbows grown at two different hatcheries can have noticeably different color intensities and patterns.
- For the most part, Maryland rainbows have a greenish silver back and a silver sides with a faint red band that travel the length of the lateral line.
- They are heavily spotted along the sides and top to include the dorsal and tail fins.
View the Rainbow Trout Gallery
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Distribution:
- Rainbow trout were transplanted to Maryland from the West Coast of United States.
- They are native to the Pacific slope from the mountains in northern Mexico through the western United States around Alaska and the Bering Sea to the northern regions of Asia.
- They have been introduced into every state in the Union as well as introduced worldwide.
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Size:
- The average size range of rainbow trout is 10-13 inches, with some individuals reach 20+ inches.
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Habitat:
- Rainbow trout are stocked in well over 100 streams and lakes across the state. Trout stocking locations and Current stocking information.
- A naturally reproducing population is also found in Garrett County's North Branch Potomac River downstream of the Jennings Randolph Lake Dam.
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Spawning:
- In their natural range, rainbow trout are spring spawners and rely heavily on meltwater from high mountain snow pack to trigger spawning.
- In Maryland, far removed from their natural habitats, rainbows may spawn sporadically and intermittently at anytime between late summer to early spring.
- Naturally reproducing populations of rainbow trout are found in only three small streams in Maryland.
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Fishing Tips:
- For current recreational size and creel limits, see Maryland's updated regulation page.
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Fun Fact:
- Rainbow trout take well to life in a hatchery as they are fairly disease resistant and easy to rear.
- Rainbow trout are the predominant trout grown at Maryland trout hatcheries and they form the basis of our successful put and take trout fishing program.
- Over 500,000 adult rainbow trout are reared annually at State trout hatcheries and rearing stations.
- Rainbow trout are stocked in well over 100 streams and lakes across the state.
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| Family: Salmonidae (Salmonids) |
| Order: Salmoniformes (salmons) |
| Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) |
For more information on rainbow trout and their management, please contact Alan Klotz - 301-334-8218.
Illustration courtesy of Duane Raver, USFWS
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