Lightning Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Lightning Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Salmoniformes
Family: Salmonidae
Genus: Oncorhynchus
Species: m.

In Nevada

Stocked Sport Fish

Nevada stocks rainbow trout extensively in over 200 waters statewide, including Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake, the Truckee River, and numerous reservoirs and high-elevation streams. The state's hatchery system produces millions of catchable-sized rainbows annually to support year-round fishing opportunities. Pyramid Lake is particularly notable for its Lahontan cutthroat trout fishery, but also receives rainbow trout plants. Wild, self-sustaining rainbow populations exist in some Sierra Nevada tributaries along the western border.

Special Notes: Hatchery stocked extensively. Native to Columbia River drainage of NE Nevada. Counts toward trout daily limit. More NV regulations

Body Type: Lightning Trout are a selectively bred color variant of Rainbow Trout developed by California hatcheries. They display an unusually pale, almost white to cream body with faint pink lateral striping and reduced spotting — giving them a striking, ghostly appearance unlike wild Rainbows.

Preferred Water Temperature: 50°F–65°F. Identical temperature requirements to standard Rainbow Trout. Perform best in cold, well-oxygenated water.

Habitat: Exclusively found in put-and-take stocked waters in California — lakes, ponds, and lower elevation reservoirs. Not self-sustaining; all Lightning Trout are hatchery fish stocked by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for recreational fishing.

Best Lures: PowerBait floating dough in bright colors (chartreuse, white, yellow) is the top producer. Inline spinners in silver or gold catch fish consistently. Small spoons like the Kastmaster work well. Small floating Rapalas in chrome produce.

Best Baits: PowerBait floating dough is the go-to bait. Nightcrawlers fished on a slip sinker produce. Salmon eggs work in flowing stocked waters. Wax worms and mealworms catch fish in cold conditions.

Size & Weight: Stocked at 10–12 inches; fish grow to 2–4 lbs in well-managed put-and-take fisheries. Occasionally stocked at trophy sizes up to 10+ lbs for special events.

Top 5 Places to Catch Lightning Trout: 1. Lake Chabot, California — regular CDFW stocking program 2. Convict Lake, California — high Sierra stocked fishery 3. Lake Skinner, California — Southern California put-and-take lake 4. Piru Creek, California — stocked stream access 5. Various Southern California urban lakes — CDFW urban fishing program

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