Ontario Species Guide
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss · also called: Steelhead (when lake-run), Bow
Native to the Pacific but stocked and naturalized across Ontario. The Great Lakes strain — steelhead — is the marquee target of Ontario's tributary rivers each spring and fall.
Identification
Silver body with dark spots on back, sides, and tail; distinct pink or red lateral band that intensifies during spawning. Steelhead run silver until they enter the rivers.
Habitat & where to find them
Cold streams and Great Lakes. Adults live in Lake Ontario, Erie, Huron, and Superior and run tributaries in April–May and October–November.
Best baits & lures
Baits
- Roe bags
- Yarn/wool flies
- Nightcrawlers
Lures
- Float and roe presentation
- Spinner (Blue Fox, Panther Martin)
- Egg-imitating jigs
- Streamer flies
Pro tactics
- Float-fish a #6 roe bag under a centerpin float at walking speed through slots and tailouts.
- During low clear water, downsize to a 6mm plastic bead in natural egg colours.
- Fall steelhead: dead-drift a black stonefly nymph behind spawning salmon.
Watch Rainbow Trout fishing videos
Hand-picked YouTube searches for Rainbow Trout in Ontario — how-to walkthroughs, gear breakdowns, and on-water footage.
Opens a live YouTube search in a new tab — results reflect the latest uploads.
Regulations
Tributary sanctuary sections and specific catch-and-release seasons apply in most Great Lakes rivers. Extra tag required for fall Great Lakes tributaries — always confirm.
Always confirm before your trip: Ontario Fishing Rules & Licences.
Frequently asked questions
Is a steelhead a rainbow trout?
Yes — steelhead are lake-run (or sea-run elsewhere) rainbow trout. In Ontario they live in the Great Lakes and run tributaries to spawn.