Heritage and Wild Trout Program

Wild Trout List | Heritage and Wild Trout Program | Heritage Trout Challenge | Program Staff

about the program

The Heritage Trout Program is a feature of the Wild Trout Program that highlights restoration, education, and angling activities relating specifically to California's native trout.

The objectives of this program are to:

• Increase public awareness about the beauty, diversity, historical significance, and special values of California's native trout and their habitats.

• Build public support and increase public involvement in native trout restoration efforts.

• Promote collaborative efforts with organizations and individuals involved with native trout restoration and management.

• Diversify opportunities to fish for, observe, and enjoy native trout in their historic habitats.

The California Fish and Game Commission established this program in 1998, by expanding its Wild Trout Policy so that streams or lakes featuring one or more of the State's native trout, and meeting other specific criteria, may be designated as Heritage Trout waters. Heritage Trout waters are a special subset of Wild Trout waters. Therefore, they will be monitored and managed by the Department's Heritage and Wild Trout Program staff. In addition, the management of designated Heritage Trout waters will be guided by written management plans which identify actions and policies necessary to protect native trout habitats, and maintain or enhance native trout populations.