Bull trout in California
Where bull trout live in California, with limits.
- 5 a daydaily bag
- 9 lbs., 11 oz.record
Angling for bull trout across the state
Bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) is a fresh water species CDFW lists in its trout group. Bag and size (Statewide: inland lakes, reservoirs and ponds): 5 a day, none.
The California record is 9 lbs., 11 oz. from Lake McCloud (1968).
bull trout in CDFW words
“Closely related to and commonly misidentified as brook trout (both are members of the char family).”
“A distinguishing characteristic is the lack of black spots on the dorsal fin.”
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
Rules for bull trout
| Where | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide: inland lakes, reservoirs and ponds | 5 a day | none | All year |
| Statewide: inland streams, rivers and canals | 5 a day | none | Last Saturday in April through November 15 |
CDFW 2026 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations. All California limits.
Record bull trout from California
| Category | Method | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater angling | Lure | 9 lbs., 11 oz. | Lake McCloud | 1968 |
CDFW Angling and Diving Records. Angler names left out.
Related to bull trout
- Rainbow trout and steelheadtrout
- Brown trouttrout
- Brook trouttrout
- Lake trouttrout
- California golden trouttrout
- Little Kern golden trouttrout
- Kern River rainbow trouttrout
- Eagle Lake rainbow trouttrout
- Goose Lake redband trouttrout
- McCloud River redband trouttrout
- Warner Lakes redband trouttrout
- Coastal cutthroat trouttrout
Short answers on bull trout
Does California set a size limit on bull trout?
5 a day (Statewide: inland lakes, reservoirs and ponds), size none.
Is there a state record for bull trout?
9 lbs., 11 oz. from Lake McCloud (1968).
Where in California should I fish for bull trout?
Its range is described above.
Will CDFW plant bull trout this year?
It is not in the 2026 plan.
How big do bull trout get?
Scientific name Salvelinus confluentus.
When can I target bull trout?
All year
Do I need a license for bull trout?
The $64.54 resident annual, with cards for steelhead, sturgeon and lobster.
Where do I hire a boat for bull trout?
No operator reports it; try the guides page.
Chase bull trout statewide
Each water named here opens to its own page.