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Fly Fishing For Rainbow Trout |
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Written by Ognjen Nikolic
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Monday, 18 February 2008 06:57 |
 Meet the Fish: Rainbow Trout
The resident relative of the steelhead, the rainbow trout is native to the Kenai, Southern Interior, Bristol Bay and limited parts of Southeast Alaska. Available from April to November in both lakes and rivers, the prime fishing time for rainbows occurs in August and September. The rainbow will respond to a large range of patterns, and "Matching the Hatch" in Alaska takes on a whole new meaning, as Alaskan rainbows are voracious feeders. From alevin and fry patterns in the spring to dry flies, nymphs, and mice in the summer and flesh flies in the fall, these hungry trout like meat. Throughout most of its range, the rainbow averages 2-6 lbs, but some rivers host trout that can reach 20+ lbs.
Known for its fierce fighting ability and amazing jumping prowess, the rainbow is one of Alaska's premier sport fishing attractions. To view photos of fly caught rainbows in our photo gallery, click here .
Gear and Flies
Rainbow trout are found in a wide range of water types, and these types will have a bearing upon the choice of rod weights for the angler. A five-pound rainbow in still water can be subdued with a 4wt, but the same fish in the heavy flows of the Kenai would be unmanageable. For still waters, 3, 4, and 5 weight rods are good choices, and for river and stream fishing, 5, 6, and 7 weight are the tool of choice. Reels should also be chosen with water types in mind, as a large rainbow in a big river can peel line off in a hurry. For river applications, the large-arbor, high capacity reels are tough to beat. Depending upon the method of presentation, fly line choices include weight-forward floating lines, sinking tip lines, full-sink lines, and multi-tip systems to deliver your offering to the proper depth. Fly choices for rainbows are many and varied, but popular patterns include the Loco Mouse, afg custom string leech, Big River Bead Selection, and Lead Eye Articulated Flesh Fly.
Rods
Winston BIIx 9' 5wt
Sage Z-Axis 9' 7wt
Sage FLi 9' 6wt
Winston Vapor 9' 4wt
Reels
Abel Super 7
Nautilus FW 5+
Galvan Torque T-6
Ross CLA 3
Lines
Scientific Angler Sharkskin Floating Line
Rio Versi-Tip
Rio DC 7' Type VI Sinking Tip
Flies
Big River Bead Selection
Sleech - Two Tone Rotten Flesh
Mr. Hankey
Dolly Llama Black/White
Sculpzilla
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 11:49 |
