Learning About California Golden Trout

June 20, 2019

Question: I have to do a report on the California golden trout at my school. Is the California golden trout important to California because it looks colorful, or is it because the state of California is called the ”Golden State” and the fish’s colors are close to looking gold? California golden trout are amazing fish to me! (Kaito N., 4th grade)

Answer: What a great school project! We hope the project helps you develop a better appreciation not just for golden trout, but for all of California’s native fishes. Golden trout were first described by fish biologists in 1892 and were named golden trout because of their brilliant golden yellow body color. Some say they are the most beautiful trout in the world. They were designated as the official state fish of California in 1947, in recognition of their great beauty and because they are native only to California. Other state symbols, such as the golden poppy (state flower) were also designated for the same reasons; they are distinctive to California.

We encourage you to establish a goal to see golden trout with your own eyes in its natural habitat. (Hint: it may require you to hike to a high elevation stream!) If your family enjoys fishing, you might also want to check out the Western Native Trout Challenge at https://westernnativetroutchallenge.org/, a recently launched program that challenges anglers to catch native trout in their home state, at their own pace. California golden trout is included on California’s list!