Gear for River Rainbows
A light to medium-light spinning rod roughly 6 to 7.5 feet long, paired with a small reel (often a 1000 to 2500 size) and 4 to 6 pound monofilament or fluorocarbon, handles most rivers. Some anglers prefer a braided main line with a fluorocarbon leader, which is a reasonable setup if you manage knots carefully. For help choosing, see our guide to the best trout fishing rod.
Basic extras: small hooks, split shot, a few inline spinners, a small float, line clippers and polarized sunglasses, which make it much easier to see fish and the bottom.
Where Rainbows Hold in a River
Trout sit where they can rest in slower water close to faster water that brings food. The general approach is covered in how to know where fish are, and fly anglers can fish the same seams with the patterns in our must-have trout flies guide.
- Current seams: the line where fast and slow water meet.
- Behind boulders and logs: pockets where the current is broken.
- Pools and tail-outs: deeper water offers cover, and the tail of a pool, where it shallows and speeds up, often holds feeding fish.
- Undercut banks and shade: overhanging cover protects fish from predators and bright light.
- Riffles: shallow, fast, oxygen-rich water can hold active fish, especially in low light.
If you cannot find fish after a few casts in one place, move on. Covering water is often better than working one spot too long.
Fishing Spinners
Cast an inline spinner, commonly 1/8 ounce or similar, slightly upstream or across the current and retrieve just fast enough to feel the blade turning as it swings downstream. Aim for seams, behind rocks and the heads and tails of pools. Fish the water closest to you first, then lengthen your casts, so you do not spook nearby fish.
Fishing Bait in a River
Drift a worm, salmon egg or similar bait with enough split shot to bounce just off the bottom. Cast upstream, let it tumble down naturally and keep a bit of tension so you can feel bites. A small float is another option for deeper runs: set the depth so the bait hovers a few inches off the bottom. More detail on choices is in our guide to the best bait for trout.
Stealth and Approach
Trout in clear rivers spook easily. Approach from downstream so you are less visible to fish facing upstream, stay low, avoid stomping on the bank, and wear muted clothing. Keep shadows off the water.
Best Time of Day
Early morning and evening are often productive, and overcast days can be good all day. Dress for the conditions; our guide to what to wear to go fishing covers layers and wading gear. In cold weather, mid-day tends to be better; in hot summer weather, early and late hours are usually better as water temperature rises. See trout fishing in winter and trout fishing in fall for seasonal details.
Is a 5 lb Rainbow Trout Big?
In most rivers, yes. Many stream rainbows are well under 20 inches and a pound or two, so a 5 pound fish is a good one in most waters. Size varies a lot by fishery, with larger fish in some tailwaters, big rivers and lakes.
Wading Safety and Regulations
Wade carefully: rocks can be slick, and current is stronger than it looks. A wading belt, wading staff and a plan for high or rising water are sensible. Check your local rules for licences, seasons, size and bag limits, gear restrictions and catch-and-release areas.
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Using line that is too heavy.
- Approaching from upstream or walking right to the water’s edge.
- Staying in one place too long.
- Too much weight, which snags the bottom and spooks fish.
- Ignoring water conditions: after heavy rain, see fishing for trout in muddy water.