Rainbow Trout

While Cleveland, NY, sits on the shores of Oneida Lake, which is renowned for warm-water species, Rainbow Trout require a different approach. You'll need to target the tributaries that feed into Oneida or head to nearby stocked streams. The Salmon River, while a bit of a drive north, is a premier destination for trout and salmon, including rainbows. Shorter drives might include smaller streams in the area stocked with trout, check the NY DEC stocking reports for the most up-to-date information. Spring and fall are the best times to target rainbow trout, coinciding with stocking and spawning runs. In streams, drifting nymphs or small streamers is effective. In the Salmon River, egg patterns and beads are popular during the salmon run, which also attracts rainbow trout. A local tip is to be mindful of regulations on specific streams, as some may have catch-and-release only sections or seasonal closures. Also, be prepared for crowds on popular streams, especially during peak stocking times.