Rainbow Fishing in Winter

[Practical Approach]

I took my son out for the first time for rainbows this spring.  Action was fairly steady trolling a wedding ring.  I noticed some winter releases, is it more difficult catching them in the winter as the temps drop?  Is there a good chance for the fishing to be slower this time of the year?  Any different methods?  Thanks.

[Yelper Guy]

My brother is an avid ice fisherman. Forth of July, Eloika, or Bead lakes are popular spots once the ice gets thick enough.
Usually just drop some corn or a night crawler and your good to go.
 I know Lake Roosevelt near Davenport is also a popular spot - without the ice.
He's pulled some nice rainbows from shore in that area.
Good luck!

[Smokeploe]

In the winter time remember troll slow. 3/4-1 mile/ hr.   You don't move fast in the winter fish are the same.   
Big fish did not get big by chasing fast minnows, the small fast fish got caught first

[boneaddict]

Fish slow, fish small, and usually I stick to darker colors if not doing naturals

[buckcanyonlodge]

Just remember..you can't keep these in Lake Roosevelt anymore.

[Boss .300 winmag]

Just remember..you can't keep these in Lake Roosevelt anymore.

Nice fish!   

What’s the reason behind that rule?

[buckcanyonlodge]

They claim they are the only native trout in Roosevelt. After stocking hatchery spawners in Lake Roosevelt for 50+ years WDFW-Spokane/Colville Tribes say the redside is the only "native" to the Columbia River...Those 50 years of hatchery spawners never spawned with native fish.....or something like that.  They only stock Triploids now so they don't contaminate the redsides. See pic

[WapitiTalk1]

Holy Bows!  Looks likes a blast mister. 

[buckcanyonlodge]

It was 2 below zero. We caught 15 'bows in 45 min. I threw the fish in the back of my truck and they were mostly frozen by the time we got back to the Lodge.BRRRRRR

[Practical Approach]

Great advice everyone.  I am on the west side so it is a bit warmer but wetter.   Thanks again.