Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout are known for their acrobatic displays on Lake Michigan, often leaping as high as four feet out of the water when hooked. These lively fish are a joy to catch and taste fantastic on the grill. They can be caught throughout the season at various depths, but the best time to target them is offshore during the summer months.

Fishing for Rainbow Trout offshore means venturing up to 8 miles out into waters that are over 200 feet deep. To catch these fish, trolling at speeds of 2.5 to 3 miles per hour with baits in the top 60 feet of water is effective. When you encounter a school of Rainbow Trout, hookups can be frequent, but their energetic jumps often result in lost fish. Don’t get discouraged, there are plenty more to catch. Spoons are commonly used to reel in these trout.

Rainbow Trout are considered the best-tasting trout in Lake Michigan, making them a prized catch for both their fight and their flavor.