Trophy rainbow trout to be had this month
“Are you SURE that’s a rainbow?”
We were recently asked that question after posting a photo of a 34-inch, 16 1/2-pound rainbow Cindy had just caught. Not your typical rainbow, to be sure, and here is why.
Around here, savvy anglers know that we do indeed get BIG rainbows, fish that rival our largest lake trout.
And talk about fighters: Males will leap and run, usually taking several runs before being brought to the net.
But what is the difference between these fish and the rainbow trout that are common in rivers, streams and lakes, planted by the hundreds of thousands in Montana alone and probably the most sought-after trout in America? Would you believe an international border and 9 degrees Fahrenheit?
The fish I am talking about has its roots in Canada.
The Gerrard strain of rainbow trout is raised in British Columbia’s Kootenay Lake to eat kokanee. It is a strain that takes the most advantage of its great genetics and, when exposed to water that is approximately 9 degrees colder than the average rainbow trout habitat, it shows several unique characteristics that cause it to grow faster, larger and stronger.
For years, researchers thought that the Kamloops rainbows were a genetically different trout but they actually found out that colder water caused these fish to differ from most — an environmental condition and not a genetic one. A Gerrard strain rainbow, exposed to this colder habitat, becomes an exceptional trout and one we are lucky to have transplanted into several of our Northwest Montana lakes, including Little Bitterroot and Lake Koocanusa.
To take advantage of these fish requires gear that is a little more specific that just fishing for your ordinary rainbow trout. And with the upcoming derby on Lake Koocanusa May 17 and 18, anglers will be getting ready to “catch the big one.”
Technique and style are the same, with most anglers using side planers to place the lures well out to the side of the boat.
These rainbows tend to feed on the surface, and boats will spook these fish out to the sides, where your lures of choice await. Large trolling flies or lightweight balsa or plastic plugs are the standard lures. And when these fish hit, they hit hard, with line-peeling runs that will test the requisite tackle to its limits. Heart-pounding? You bet it is.
The best way to learn this technique is to get on a boat with someone who knows how to do it and learn hands-on.
Other events coming up this month include Hometown Heroes weekend at Cabela’s May 17-18. There will be special sales and events. On Saturday I will present a seminar on fishing Flathead Lake and on Sunday the focus is on our backcountry rivers and streams with special guest Andy Breland of Trailhead Supply and the Back Country Horsemen.
Montana’s opening weekend is this Saturday and conditions vary wildly throughout the state. I suggest taking advantage of Snappy Sport Senter’s Fishing Hotline for the most up-to-date info by calling 756-Bait (2248).
All our area bait and tackle shops have some great deals for the opener so check them out.
Howe runs Howe’s Fishing/A Able Charters. Contact him at Mike@aablefishing.com