The rainbow is also the most common type of trout, which come in many varieties, including golden, steelhead/sea-run trout, brown, brook and lake, to name a few.
Where to Find Them
The rainbow trout, which is actually a member of the Pacific salmon family, is stocked in six continents and can be found in freshwater streams, rivers and lakes, not to mention saltwater bays and open ocean as steelhead (the sea-run form of the fish, which returns to freshwater during the spawn).
Trout seem to prefer moderately moving creeks and streams with plenty of cover and pools, although trout also do well in food-rich backcountry lakes and rivers.
In general, trout feed near the bottom about 75 percent of the time.
Their size generally relates to the size of the water they can be found in. Smaller creeks are usually home to smaller fish, while double-digit steelhead are common in the larger saltwater fisheries along the coast.
Generally speaking, a three-year-old rainbow trout in a general trout stream grows to 12 inches but can exceed 20 inches of food is abundant and water temperatures are mild and stable throughout the year.
**Cache at your own risk**
Geocaching, hiking, backpacking and other outdoor activities involve risk to both persons and property. There are many variables including, but not limited to, weather, fitness level, terrain features and outdoor experience, that must be considered prior to seeking a Cache. Be prepared for your journey and be sure to check the current weather and conditions before heading outdoors. Always exercise common sense and caution.
**Remember to be good ambassadors to nature. We as geocachers have a responsibility to leave it as we found it, so others may enjoy nature's glory. Always replace the cache the way you found it, so others may enjoy the find.
For more on geocaching in Iowa, visit the
Iowa Geocachers Organization home page
