General Description: Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are typical trout-shaped, fusiform fish with a dorsal fin set behind the middle of the back and a small adipose fin ahead of the trail fin. Coloration is variable, but they are marked with dark spots densely distributed over the lighter back and sides. There often is a reddish stripe down the center of the side (the "rainbow").

Taxonomy: Family: Pacific salmon and trout (Salmonidae).

Diet: These predatory fish eat flying insects, aquatic insects, and small fish.

Favored Habitat: Cold, clear waters.

Where to Find: Rainbow Trout are native to western North America, and they have been widely planted elsewhere as sport fish. Around Las Vegas, look for this species in Lake Mead and the Colorado River, and also in Cold Creek on the northeast side of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area.

Comments: Rainbow Trout were planted all over the world and are the most important sport fish in Nevada.