Redband Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri)

Body Type: A distinct subspecies of Rainbow Trout native to the interior Columbia River basin. The body displays vivid coloring — an intense red to orange lateral band (wider and more colorful than coastal Rainbows), heavily spotted sides with spots below the lateral line, and parr marks that often persist into adulthood. Coloring intensifies dramatically during spawning.

Preferred Water Temperature: 50°F–68°F. Significantly more tolerant of warm water than coastal Rainbow Trout — an adaptation to the warmer interior basin streams. Can survive temperatures that would stress coastal Rainbows.

Habitat: Desert streams, spring creeks, and canyon rivers of the interior Pacific Northwest — primarily Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Nevada. Found in waters that experience wide temperature fluctuations unlike typical cold-water trout habitat. Steens Mountain streams, the Deschutes River tributaries, and desert spring creeks.

Best Lures: Inline spinners in gold are excellent in small streams. Small dry flies and nymphs on a fly rod produce outstanding results. Small spoons work in larger rivers. Beetle Spins produce in desert streams.

Best Baits: Nightcrawlers and red worms are the top bait. Hoppers and crickets are excellent in late summer. Salmon eggs work in larger streams. Small minnows produce larger fish.

Size & Weight: Desert stream fish typically 8–14 inches and under 1.5 lbs. Larger river fish reach 18–22 inches and 3–5 lbs. World record: 10 lbs 6 oz.

Top 5 Places to Catch Redband Trout: 1. Deschutes River, Oregon — outstanding native Redband fishery 2. Steens Mountain streams, Oregon — remote and pristine 3. Williamson River, Oregon — trophy fish available 4. Chewaucan River, Oregon — desert spring creek fishing 5. Klamath Basin streams, Oregon/California — good wild populations