FishableWaters

Species

Rainbow Trout

On record in 2,312 waters across 31 states

Rainbow trout are the fish state agencies stock the most, and for good reason — they hit almost anything, survive the truck ride well, and give a good fight on light tackle. Freshly stocked rainbows cluster near boat ramps and bridges for a few days before scattering, which is why the parking lot at a stocking site is usually packed the weekend after a truck comes through.

Rainbow Trout are on record in 2,312 waters across 31 states, most heavily in Pennsylvania, Washington, Massachusetts, New York and Utah. FishableWaters tracks every rainbow trout stocking from state agency reports — use the state links and most-stocked list below to find waters near you.

Rainbow Trout
Duane Raver / USFWS

By state

Most-stocked waters

How to catch them

Freshly stocked fish are suckers for a slow, natural presentation — cast and let the bait sink, or drift a small spinner just past their nose. Once they've been in the water a few weeks and turn into holdovers, they get wary and start acting more like wild trout, so downsizing your line and slowing your retrieve pays off.

PowerBait, nightcrawlers, and salmon eggs fished on the bottom near a stocking point are close to unfair the first few days after a stocking. Small inline spinners (Panther Martin, Mepps) and light jigs work well once the fish spread out.

Know your fish

Look for a pink-to-red stripe running down the flank, small black spots scattered across the back and tail, and a mostly white belly. Wild rainbows run more silver and streamlined; hatchery fish tend to look a little softer and rounder from a diet of pellets.

Spring and fall are prime, when water temps sit in the 50s and 60s and stocking trucks run heaviest. Many states also do winter stockings in put-and-take waters specifically because trout tolerate cold water better than the anglers fishing for them.

Freshest rainbow trout stockings

Jul 29, 2026East Branch Verdigre CreekNE200
Jul 28, 2026Silver LakeUT500
Jul 27, 2026North Santiam RiverOR2,000
Jul 27, 2026West Fork Black RiverAZ
Jul 27, 2026Willow Springs LakeAZ
Jul 27, 2026Woods Canyon LakeAZ
Jul 27, 2026Breitenbush RiverOR900
Jul 27, 2026East Fork Black RiverAZ
Jul 27, 2026Bear Canyon LakeAZ
Jul 27, 2026Quartzville CreekOR1,650
Jul 27, 2026McKenzie RiverOR5,000
Jul 27, 2026Cataract LakeAZ
Jul 27, 2026City ReservoirAZ
Jul 23, 2026Wood PondUT203
Jul 23, 2026Aspen-Mirror LakeUT945

Rainbow Trout — FAQ

Where can I catch rainbow trout?+

Rainbow Trout are stocked across 31 states, led by Pennsylvania, Washington, Massachusetts, New York and Utah. Pick a state below to see every water stocked with rainbow trout.

What's the best bait for rainbow trout?+

PowerBait, nightcrawlers, and salmon eggs fished on the bottom near a stocking point are close to unfair the first few days after a stocking. Small inline spinners (Panther Martin, Mepps) and light jigs work well once the fish spread out.

When is the best time to catch rainbow trout?+

Spring and fall are prime, when water temps sit in the 50s and 60s and stocking trucks run heaviest. Many states also do winter stockings in put-and-take waters specifically because trout tolerate cold water better than the anglers fishing for them.

How many waters are stocked with rainbow trout?+

2,312 waters across 31 states hold rainbow trout on record, updated daily from agency stocking reports.