California State Fish

Golden Trout

(Salmo agua-bonita)

Adopted in 1947

The golden trout, Salmo agua-bonita, is native only to California and was named the official state fish by act of the State Legislature in 1947.

South Fork Golden Trout (Blue Book p.23) Designated in 1947 (This information was listed in the California Blue Book of 1975. However, it is not mentioned in the Government Code section on State Emblems, 2000.)

Description

A brilliantly colored fish, the golden trout has bright red markings on its sides, underbelly, and cheeks. Along its spine, dorsal and caudal fins, are large, black spots. It grows to 28 inches in length.

Habitat

Originally the species was found only in a few streams in the icy headwaters of the Kern River, south of Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the United States outside of Alaska. Stocking of wild and hatchery-reared fish has extended its range to many waters at high elevation in the Sierra Nevada from El Dorado and Alpine Counties southward. The golden trout was originally found only in the waters of the Kern River in the southern San Joaquin Valley. Later it was introduced to mountain streams throughou other states.