Trout Fishing in California

The 5 primary trouts are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Brown trout are considered the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts and the brook trout is the most sensitive to temperature. The others are comfortable in slightly warmer waters.

Trout Fishing Lakes In Northern California

Northern California has clear cold water lakes which the trout adore. You can find trout in Lake Almanor, Lake Berryessa, Bullards Bar Reservoir, Folsom Lake, Lake Natoma, Lake Oroville, Lake Shasta and Trinity Lake. Feeder streams and waters coming out of the spillways may also provide some exciting trout fishing. Lake Natome holds the state record for rainbow trout.

Trout Fishing Lakes In Central California

Consider trying your luck for trout at Lake Camanche, The Delta, Lake Don Pedro, Lake McClure, Millerton Lake, New Melones Lake and Pine Flat Lake. It's always a good idea to stop by the marina or local bait store and pick up some local gossip about where the best stringers of trout are coming from.

Trout Fishing Lakes In Southern California

With generally warmer waters in Southern California, trout fishing opportunities are limited to some larger, deeper impoundments like Big Bear Lake, Lake Cahuilla, Lake Castaic, Laguna Niguel Lake, San Vicente Lake and Lake Silverwood.

California State Record Trout Waters:

Brook trout - Silver Lake
Brown trout - Upper Twin Lake
Bull trout - McCloud Lake
Cutthroat trout - Lake Tahoe
Golden trout - Virginia Lake
Lake trout - Lake Tahoe
Rainbow trout - Lake Natoma

Visit the California Department of Fish & Game website for information regarding trout stocking in California.

Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss

Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis

Brown Trout
Salmo trutta

Lake Trout
Salvelinus namaycush

Cutthroat Trout
Salmo clarki

Golden Trout
Oncorhynchus aguabonita aguabonita

Native to Golden Trout Creek, Volcano Creek and the South Fork Kern River it is the California state fish. Native golden trout are generally found in locations above 10,000 feet, like the high Sierras

While it may be difficult to get to the remote areas where they reside, golden trout are often easily caught. Fish for them like you would their cousin, the rainbow trout and you should do well. Roe (eggs) or flies mimicking roe is a favorite bait of many golden trout anglers.

Organizations & Resources

Cutthroat Trout Conservation
DMOZ Trout Section

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The states list to the left can direct you to information about trout in other states.

All About Fishing for Trout in California.

42 lbs - 2 oz

23 lbs - 0 oz

52 - 68 Degrees

Prefers generally clear flowing waters with turbulence for oxygenation over gravel, rock or sandy bottoms.

14 lbs - 8 oz

9 lbs - 12 oz

52 to 64 Degrees

Prefers clear cold water with moderate current over gravel, rocks or sand.

40 lbs - 4 oz

26 lbs - 8 oz

56 - 64 Degrees

Prefers slightly stained cool water with minimum current over rock or sandy bottoms with heavy cover.

72 lbs - 0 oz

37 lbs - 3 oz

52 - 68 Degrees

Prefers clear to slightly stained water with significant depths and sandy bottoms in the shallows.

41 lbs - 0 oz

31 lbs - 8 oz

68 - 72 Degrees

Prefers slightly stained to murky water with little or no current.

11 lbs - 0 oz

9 lbs - 8 oz

52 - 64 Degrees

Prefers cool clear water and is found primarily in high Sierra streams, ponds and lakes.