Fishing on the Caney Fork is a favorite past time for locals and travelers alike. The Rainbow Trout is by far the most encountered form of trout, these beautiful fish have been stocked in most streams by state hatcheries, and have become the backbone of our fishery. The Caney Fork River is stocked with over 100,000 Rainbow and Brown trout each year which makes them much easier to catch. Rainbow Trout's have glowing rows of black spots on the back, sides and tail. A pinkish (rainbow) band can be found on both sides. The Rainbow trout is noted for its spectacular leaps and hard fighting when hooked.
Rainbow trout thrive in clear, cool streams and rivers but have been known to survive in warm silt bottom streams. Rainbow trout's are heartier than their Brook cousins and generally dominate areas shared by the two species. Rainbow Trout's prefer a temperature range of 55° -60° F.
The adult rainbow trout migrates to shallow riffles or small, clear streams to spawn in early spring, as the water temperature begins to rise. Spawning can continue through the month of June. Spawning trout are characterized by generally darker coloration. Rainbow Trout that are spawning prefer a temperature range of 44° -50° F

Rainbow trout will feed mainly on crustaceans, plant material and aquatic insects during the first two or three years of life. At approximately 3 years of age, they will move into larger water (lakes, rivers) and change their diet to fish, large insects, and even small rodents.
The best time of year to catch Rainbow Trout's is the spring and fall, before and after spawning. They become powerful animals with an incredible appetite and can be caught on an assortment of spinners, flies, and baits. Many trout fishermen have success with small colorful spinners, spoons, and jigs. Popular flies include mudders, streamers, nymphs, and egg patterns.