Paiute cutthroat trout in California
California rules, records and waters for Paiute cutthroat trout.
- 5 a daydaily bag
California Paiute cutthroat trout at a glance
CDFW covers Paiute cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus henshawi seleniris) among its trout species, found on fresh water. CDFW sets a Statewide: inland lakes, reservoirs and ponds bag of 5 a day and a size rule of none.
How CDFW describes Paiute cutthroat trout
“Differentiated from other cutthroat trout by a lack of body spots, although some exhibit a few, particularly towards the tail of the fish and along fin margins.”
“Sides are a gradual blend of colors, starting with a copper-green back, fading to peachy-pink, then light yellow, and finishing with a white belly.”
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
How many Paiute cutthroat trout you may keep
| 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.
If you like Paiute cutthroat trout
- 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
Things to know about Paiute cutthroat trout
What is the California bag limit on Paiute cutthroat trout?
5 a day (Statewide: inland lakes, reservoirs and ponds), size none.
Where was the record Paiute cutthroat trout caught?
CDFW lists no record for it.
Which California waters hold Paiute cutthroat trout?
Check the range notes on this page.
Is Paiute cutthroat trout part of the stocking plan?
Not in the 2026 trout and inland salmon plan.
How do I identify Paiute cutthroat trout?
Scientific name Oncorhynchus henshawi seleniris.
Does California close the season on Paiute cutthroat trout?
All year
Which California license covers Paiute cutthroat trout?
A license from age 16 at $64.54; check the card rules for salmon and sturgeon.
Which landings report Paiute cutthroat trout?
None list it in their counts; see the guides page.
Plan a Paiute cutthroat trout trip
Choose a water from the lists on this page.