Rainbow trout are a relatively new presence in Nova Scotia waters. Partially by accident and partially be design, these west-coast imports are now found in an increasing number of lakes & coastal rivers around the province. The pedigree of these fish is a mixed bag with hatchery-reared river rainbows stocked in various watersheds by the provincial government and escaped aquaculture fish of steelhead strain that occasionally break out of their sea cages and find their way into various coastal river systems. The good news for anglers is that these rainbows, especially the salt-runners, are a terrific addition to the fly fishing fun. The bad news may be in the predation and displacement of native trout and salmon populations as well as the increased risk of disease being spread by the aquaculture fish. In particular, the deadly Infectious Salmon Anemia, which has shown up in two Nova Scotia aquaculture grow-out sites is a worry. Regardless, one thing is certain, rainbow trout are now firmly established in Nova Scotia. Generally they will take the same flies as brookies and browns.

The top destination for rainbow fishing is the salt water Bras d'Or Lakes in Cape Breton. Other hot spots around the province include Everetts & Bright's Lakes in Digby County, Hidden Hills Lake in Queens County, Sunken Lake in Kings County, Rumsey Lake in Annapolis County, Albro Lake in Halifax County, Gairloch Lake in Pictou County, Goose Harbour Lake in Guysborough County and the South River, Gillis, Cameron and Donnelly's Lakes in Antigonish County.