Trout & Salmon
Rainbow Trout Fishing in Wisconsin
The most widely stocked game fish in the country, found in cold rivers, tailwaters, and mountain lakes. Rainbows feed heavily on insects and eat dries, nymphs, and small lures.
- Waters
- 3
- State
- Wisconsin
- Water
- Freshwater
- Methods
- Fly, Spin & Bait
Best Months in Wisconsin: Mar to Jun, Sep to Nov
Licenses & Regulations
Most anglers need a Wisconsin fishing license; age cutoffs and exemptions are set by the state. Seasons, limits, and tackle rules vary by water, so check current regulations before you go.
Wisconsin Department of Natural ResourcesPlan by Month
Best Flies, Lures & Bait for Rainbow Trout
12 picks for October.
Parachute Adams #12-20
FlyDry Fly
Shop This FlyBlue-Winged Olive #16-22
FlyDry Fly · Overcast days.
Shop This FlyPheasant Tail Nymph #14-20
FlyNymph
Shop This FlyHare's Ear Nymph #12-18
FlyNymph
Shop This FlyPat's Rubber Legs #4-10
FlyNymph
Shop This FlySan Juan Worm #10-14
FlyNymph · After rain.
Shop This FlyEgg Pattern #8-16
FlyNymph
Shop This FlyWoolly Bugger #2-10
FlyStreamer
Shop This FlyInline Spinner 1/16 to 1/4 oz
LureSpinner
Shop This LureCasting Spoon 1/4 to 1 oz
LureSpoon
Shop This LureNightcrawlers Whole or half
BaitLive Bait · Where bait is legal.
Trout Dough Bait Pea size
BaitPrepared Bait · Stocked lakes.
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Rod & Reel
Rainbow Trout Setup
Fly
9 ft 5 wt rod, weight-forward floating line, 9 ft 4X to 5X leader. Add a sink-tip and 3X for streamers.
Spin / Cast
6 to 7 ft ultralight or light spinning rod, 1000 to 2500 reel, 4 to 6 lb mono or fluorocarbon.
Wisconsin
Where to Catch Rainbow Trout
Lakes & Reservoirs · Wisconsin
Lake Michigan (Algoma)
Lake Michigan off Algoma in Kewaunee County, where state creel surveys counted more than 42,000 Chinook salmon kept in 2023, plus rainbows and coho.
Chinook Salmon · Rainbow Trout · Coho Salmon
Lakes & Reservoirs · Wisconsin
Lake Michigan (Manitowoc)
Lake Michigan off Manitowoc and Two Rivers, where state creel surveys counted more than 17,000 Chinook salmon kept in 2023, plus rainbows, coho, and lake trout.
Chinook Salmon · Rainbow Trout · Coho Salmon
Lakes & Reservoirs · Wisconsin
Lake Michigan (Sheboygan)
Lake Michigan off Sheboygan, where state creel surveys counted more than 13,000 Chinook salmon kept in 2023, along with coho, lake trout, and rainbows.
Chinook Salmon · Coho Salmon · Lake Trout
Wisconsin
Shops to Stock Up
Recommended
Gear for Rainbow Trout
Bait
Berkley PowerBait Trout Dough
Floating scented dough for stocked trout in lakes.
Check PriceFly Rods
Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod
A smooth, moderate-action rod that is forgiving for new casters and protects light tippet.
Check PriceFly Rods
Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Outfit
A complete rod, reel, and line outfit that covers most trout water and small-stream bass.
Check PriceFly Reels
Redington Behemoth Fly Reel
A strong, sealed drag at a modest price, made in sizes from trout to saltwater.
Check PriceFly Lines
RIO Gold Fly Line
A trout line that casts dries delicately and turns over nymph rigs.
Check PriceFly Lines
Scientific Anglers Mastery Infinity Fly Line
A smooth-shooting, all-around freshwater line.
Check PriceLeaders & Tippet
RIO Fluorocarbon Tippet
Low-visibility tippet for nymphs and wary fish in clear water.
Check PriceLeaders & Tippet
RIO Tapered Trout Leaders
Nine foot tapered leaders in 3X to 6X for dries and nymphs.
Check PriceWaders & Boots
Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders
Durable, breathable waders that hold up to seasons of wading.
Check PriceWaders & Boots
Simms Freestone Wading Boots
Supportive boots with good grip on slick rock.
Check PriceNets & Tools
Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net
A fish-friendly rubber net that does not tangle hooks.
Check PriceSunglasses
Costa Polarized Fishing Sunglasses
Polarized lenses cut glare so you can see fish, structure, and flats.
Check Price