Rainbow Trout (up to 25 pounds)
State Record - 42 pounds, 3 ounces

Alaska Rainbows are usually focused on salmon fry, bait fish, salmon flesh and salmon eggs. Except for a fun couple of weeks in June, very little action happens on top. Consequently, most Alaskan rainbow trout guides will rig you up to fish a variety of tackle right on the river bottom.

The single most effective Rainbow Trout lure is a good salmon egg imitation and the best imitation is a painted bead. Using these relatively new 'lures' has revolutionized trout fishing. Even the biggest most educated of rainbows simply cannot tell the right bead from a real salmon egg. Of course, size, color and presentation are critical if you want to fool the big ones...