Coastal cutthroat trout in California
How to find and keep coastal cutthroat trout in California.
- 5 a daydaily bag
- 31 lbs., 8 oz.record
Where coastal cutthroat trout fit in California
The trout group in CDFW references includes Coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii), a fresh water fish. The Statewide: inland lakes, reservoirs and ponds limit is 5 a day, size none.
In 1911, a 31 lbs., 8 oz. fish from Lake Tahoe set the state record.
CDFW notes on coastal cutthroat trout
“More body spots, particularly below the lateral line, and sometimes heavy spots on paired and anal fins.”
“Large head with characteristic red, orange, or yellow slashes under the jaw.”
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
coastal cutthroat trout bag and size rules
| 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 |
| North Coast District: anadromous waters tributary to and north of Humboldt Bay (not Klamath/Trinity, not liste | 2 a day | none | Fourth Saturday in May through Oct. 31 |
| Sierra District: anadromous waters of Tehama and Shasta cos. not listed in §7.40 | 2 a day | none | Last Saturday in April through Nov. 15 |
| Valley District: anadromous waters not listed in §7.40 | 2 a day | none | All year |
| South Central District: streams west of any Highway 1 bridge (not listed in §7.40) | 2 a day | none | Dec. 1 through Mar. 7, but only on Sat., Sun., Wed., legal holidays and opening and closing days |
| North Central District | see rule | none | see rule |
| Southern District | see rule | none | see rule |
CDFW 2026 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations. All California limits.
California record coastal cutthroat trout
| Category | Method | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater angling | Lure | 31 lbs., 8 oz. | Lake Tahoe | 1911 |
CDFW Angling and Diving Records. Angler names left out.
Neighbors of coastal cutthroat trout on the list
- Rainbow trout and steelheadtrout
- Brown trouttrout
- Brook trouttrout
- Bull 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 trout: the usual questions
Can I keep coastal cutthroat trout in California?
5 a day (Statewide: inland lakes, reservoirs and ponds), size none.
What is the biggest coastal cutthroat trout caught in California?
31 lbs., 8 oz. from Lake Tahoe (1911).
Where do anglers catch coastal cutthroat trout?
The range notes above cover it.
Where does CDFW plant coastal cutthroat trout?
CDFW lists no 2026 plants.
How can I tell coastal cutthroat trout apart?
Scientific name Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii.
Is coastal cutthroat trout season open now?
All year
What stamps apply to coastal cutthroat trout?
From 16 you need a license ($64.54 resident); some species add a report card.
Can I book a trip for coastal cutthroat trout?
The guides page lists every operator.
Target coastal cutthroat trout this season
Each water in these lists opens to its own page.