If you want to really match the hacthery rainbows, a light or sliver colored swimbait is a better imitation. You see, these DFG 'bows have been raised in holding pens and fed crud pellets till their stocked. They don't have too much color in most cases. But after a couple months in the water, they become darker in color. If it's been a couple weeks since the last stock, you can probably go darker. I think if the fish see a lot of similar colored baits, a darker one might work better. But, it really all comes down to personal preference...