Redband Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri
Redband trout are wild native rainbows of the inland West, tough enough to live in desert rivers and strong enough to put a real bend in a 5-weight.
- 4States
- 140River guides
- Spring & fallBest time
Where to find redband trout
Darker states have more redband trout river guides. Tap a state to see its rivers.
Most redband trout rivers
- Oregon92 rivers
- Idaho38 rivers
- Montana7 rivers
- California3 rivers
Top rivers for redband trout
Fly fishing for redband trout
Redband trout are a native form of rainbow trout found east of the Cascades and Sierra in the inland West. The Columbia Basin redband lives in rivers and streams in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and western Montana. Other groups include the Great Basin redbands of southeast Oregon and northern Nevada and the McCloud River redband in California.
Many redbands live in harsh, high-desert water that gets warm in summer, and they handle it better than most trout. Well-known redband waters include the Deschutes River in Oregon, where the native rainbows are called redsides, the Kootenai River drainage in Montana and Idaho, and the Spokane River system in Washington.
Fly anglers chase redbands because they are wild, native and strong. They take dries, nymphs and streamers readily and fight hard in fast water. Many populations are small and isolated, so catch-and-release and careful handling help keep them healthy.
How to identify redband trout
Redbands look like rainbow trout with richer colors: a brick-red to orange stripe along the sides, dark oval parr marks that often stay into adulthood, and heavy black spotting. Many have white or yellow tips on the dorsal, anal and pelvic fins.
How to catch redband trout
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Wade carefully
Many redband rivers have slick boulders and fast current. Use a wading staff and studded boots on big rivers like the Deschutes.
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Fish the edges
Redbands often hold close to the bank in fast water. Fish the soft seams near shore before wading out.
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Watch for the stoneflies
Salmonflies and golden stones often hatch on the Deschutes and other redband rivers in late spring. Big dries can bring up the biggest fish.
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Respect the heat
Desert streams can get warm in summer. Fish early, land fish quickly and stop when water temperatures climb into the upper 60s F.
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Use a 5- or 6-weight
Redbands fight hard in heavy water. A 9-foot 5- or 6-weight with 4X or 5X tippet is a good choice on larger rivers.
Find redband trout water near you.
- Fishability score for every river near you, updated live
- Live flows and water temps for the rivers you fish
- Hatch timing for your watershed
Redband trout FAQ
What is a redband trout?
A redband is a native form of rainbow trout found in the inland Northwest and Great Basin. It is adapted to rivers east of the Cascades and Sierra.
Where can I fly fish for redband trout?
The Deschutes River in Oregon is the best known. Redbands also live in the Kootenai drainage of Montana and Idaho, the Spokane River system and many smaller streams in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Nevada.
What is a Deschutes redside?
Redside is the local name for the native redband rainbows of Oregon's Deschutes River. They are known for their red stripe and strong fight.
What flies work for redband trout?
Pheasant Tail and Prince nymphs, stonefly nymphs, Elk Hair Caddis and stonefly dries work well. Small streamers are good in high or off-color water.
Are redband trout the same as rainbow trout?
They are the same species but a distinct native group. Redbands are adapted to the inland West and often show brighter colors.
Can I keep redband trout?
It depends on the water. Many redband streams have catch-and-release or special limits. Check state regulations before you go.
