WikiCatch
Golden trout

Golden trout

Oncorhynchus aguabonita

Family
Salmonidae
Max Length
71 cm
Max Weight
5 kg
IUCN Status
NE
Water Type
freshwater
Fishing Spots
192

Overview

The California golden trout is a species of trout native to California. The golden trout is normally found in the Golden Trout Creek, Volcano Creek, and the South Fork Kern River. The Golden trout has been the official freshwater state fish of California since 1947.

Best Baits & Lures

Live Baits

  • Earthworms

    Small pieces on a small hook work best.

  • Mealworms

    Effective for stocked trout, easy to use.

  • Grasshoppers

    Natural bait, especially in grassy areas.

  • Salmon Eggs

    Bright color attracts attention.

  • Nightcrawlers (Pieces)

    Use smaller pieces; too large is ineffective.

Artificial Lures

  • Mepps Aglia #0Spinner

    Small size perfect for clear streams.

    Buy
  • Blue Fox Vibrax Minnow Spin #2Spinner

    Good for deeper pools and runs.

    Buy
  • Rapala Original Floater 05Minnow Bait

    Cast and twitch near structure.

    Buy
  • Thomas Buoyant Spoon 1/6 oz GoldSpoon

    Cast and retrieve with varied speed.

    Buy
  • Panther Martin Spinner 1/8 ozSpinner

    Compact size for small streams.

    Buy

Techniques

Golden trout are often found in high-elevation streams, so fish during the warmer parts of the day when they are most active and use an upstream approach to avoid spooking them.

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Where to Find Golden trout

California, United States89 spotsColorado, United States26 spotsIdaho, United States23 spotsWyoming, United States14 spotsMontana, United States9 spotsUtah, United States7 spotsWashington, United States4 spotsFlorida, United States2 spotsLouisiana, United States1 spotsNew Mexico, United States1 spots
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best bait for Golden trout?+

Popular baits for Golden trout include Earthworms, Mealworms, Grasshoppers, Salmon Eggs, Nightcrawlers (Pieces). Tip: Golden trout are often found in high-elevation streams, so fish during the warmer parts of the day when they are most active and use an upstream approach to avoid spooking them.

Where can I catch Golden trout?+

Golden trout can be found in many locations worldwide. Top regions include California, United States; Colorado, United States; Idaho, United States. WikiCatch lists 192 fishing spots where this species is found.

How big do Golden trout get?+

Golden trout (Oncorhynchus aguabonita) can reach up to 70.99999785423279 cm in length and 5 kg in weight. Their IUCN conservation status is NE.

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