California Heritage Trout Challenge

Challenge Overview | Requirements | Application Form (.pdf) | Resources | Heritage and Wild Trout | Other Awards

Qualifying Trout

California has a large and diverse collection of trout that are native to the state’s waters. The state’s Legislature recognized the special value of these trout by passage of an act (Fish and Game Code Sections 7260 and 7261) that acknowledges the importance of designating Heritage Trout waters to provide angling for the following forms of California native trout.

These three subspecies of cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki) and eight forms of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are your targets to complete the Challenge.

Catching six different forms of native trout from their historic drainages may take you to varied locations around the state. Some may be caught in roadside waters while others may only be caught in wilderness areas.

 

Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarki)

coastal cutthroat trout

Lahontan cutthroat trout

Paiute cutthroat trout

 

Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

coastal rainbow trout

Eagle Lake rainbow trout

McCloud River redband trout

Goose Lake redband trout

Warner Lakes redband trout

Kern River rainbow trout

California golden trout

Little Kern golden trout