tuboshu Loc: Kennebunk, Maine

I agree with the light line guys. 4# mono, #10 or #12 hook baited with a small wad of cheese. Best I've found is American Cheese slices, orange color, individually wrapped so the unused ones don't dry out. Cast carefully so the cheese doesn't fly off. The longer the rod, the better.

fishrmans Loc: Waushara Cnty Wisconsin and Port Charlotte Fl

Blue fox vibrax # 2 0r 3 blade size. Piece of crawler or power bait.

doc alden

Ultralight rod and reel, 4 lb monofilament, Mepps spinners.

Fishing Fool Loc: redding, ca

We used to use crawdads on the Deschutes River and drift them with no weight and catch some dandies.

ReelT Loc: Montana

Wild Rainbows (and hatchery fish that live long enough and learn to eat real food) are opportunistic predators and feed on a wide variety of organisms including other small fish, terrestrial and aquatic insects (adults and larvae) , worms, etc.
Anything you fish with should be or imitate what they have available in their environment (moving or still water).
Make sure your choice of bait is legal within the water you fish. Here in Montana, there are areas where it is illegal to use anything but artificial flies or lures. Check your regulations.

Hatchery rainbows as it has been said dream about eating pellets, so bait that looks/smells like hatchery food should produce.

Part of the allure of fishing (pardon the pun) is to try and figure out what the fish are interested in eating. Spend time learning about the food sources in the water you fish, when those food sources are most available (time of year, time of day, etc) and have fun trying to anticipate what the fish will be looking for. When you catch one, open it’s stomach and see what it has been eating, then fish with something that looks like what they are eating or fish with that kind of live bait.
The “best bait” for rainbows (as with most every species of fish) will change with seasons, weather, time of day, water temperature etc.
Have fun learning as much as you can about the specie you are trying to catch. It will make your time on the water richer and more productive.

My two cents worth ....

War Eagle Loc: Sioux city

What bait is the best to fish in Iowa ?

ReelT Loc: Montana

Good Morning War Eagle!
I have never fished in Iowa- would love to some day, but haven’t yet.
I’m sorry I don’t have specific help.
I’d check with your local tackle shops or local fishing guide services for their recommends.
Best of success to you! Send pics of your fish!

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

I concur with practically every tip mentioned above, with the possible exception of some of the hook size/type choices. I have never used Powerbait on a single, rather than a treble hook... ever. It simply won't stay on, period. If you want to use a single, you are going to have to get the carp-bait type that have a spring similar to the trebles w/a spring, I grew up using with "stinkbait" for cats. And then you have more weight to float !?!
I use a #16or#18 gold treble with just enough Powerbait to cover the hook, rigged as Jeremy said above (we Oregonians rig and fish the same, it seems). There is no need to use bigger than a#10, ever, since you encounter diminishing returns by needing more bait (which is unnecessary and wasteful) to compensate for the hook weight (remember....not "neutral buoyancy"... floating).

My lure suggestion is the Panther Martin, size is dependent on target, I use big ones for Steelies, tiny for stockers, mid-range (3/8oz?) if I am uncertain what's there to be had. I usually tip with a small piece of worm. And here's the rub... while I have caught on pretty much every size and color they make, my absolute go-to is the black, yellow dots, gold blade, with the little red yarn/feather added (IF you can find'em with it, the bare treble works, just not as well, imo, plus you can add a little scent to the yarn).
My latest "fun way to catch trout" has been to slow troll a big articulated weighted Steelhead fly with a fly rod and the fastest sink line I have. These flies have like #8 & #10 hooks and are as much as 4" long, fur or fuzzy. I have added just a bit of scent.... vicious strikes...6wt fly rod makes a 17" holdover stocker feel like a Steelhead. Go get'em !

Wayne Orzel

Flies

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Disagree fixorfish. I never ever use treble hooks for power bait and I have no problem with it coming off. I use #8 barbless circle hooks. I would use smaller but I haven't found any. I know, I know, pinch the barb down with a pair of pliers. B.S.

War Eagle Loc: Sioux city

Sometimes I go home without catching anything and I used every kind of bait , I can think of . I fish along the river banks . Don't own a boat .