Also known as: California Golden Trout
Description: Golden Trout have distinctive green and golden coloration, often featuring a few black spots concentrated toward the tail. They are described as a striking fish with notable golden and green coloring. Native to California, golden trout have been successfully introduced to Wyoming's high-altitude lakes and streams.
Habitat: Golden trout thrive in the cool, clear waters of high alpine lakes. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department employs helicopters to stock these fish in lakes where they cannot sustain themselves naturally, in order to access the highest alpine lakes in the state's backcountry.
Diet: Insects, freshwater shrimp, and zooplankton.
Size: Averages 12 to 16 inches in length, up to 25+ inches. Weight averages 1–2 pounds.
Lifespan: 4 to 7 years in the wild.
Habitat & Range
Golden trout thrive in the cool, clear waters of high alpine lakes. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department uses helicopters to stock these fish in the highest alpine lakes in the state's backcountry.
Life History
Golden trout are late-spring and early-summer spawners (May through July). Females deposit eggs in redds (gravel beds), and males fertilize them externally. A female can lay between 1,000 to 3,000 eggs depending on size and age. Lifespan: 4 to 7 years.
License & Regulations
A valid Wyoming fishing license is required for anglers age 14 and older. Licenses are available for residents, non-residents, and short-term durations (1-day and annual). Purchase online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website or at authorized license retailers throughout the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Description
Golden Trout have distinctive green and golden coloration, often featuring a few black spots concentrated toward the tail. They are described as a striking fish with notable golden and green coloring.
What is another name for Golden Trout?
Golden Trout is also known as California Golden Trout.
Habitat
Golden trout thrive in the cool, clear waters of high alpine lakes. Wyoming uses helicopters to stock them in the highest alpine lakes in the state's backcountry.
Diet
Insects, freshwater shrimp, and zooplankton.
Size
Average 12 to 16 inches, up to 25+ inches. Weight: 1–2 pounds.
Life Cycle
Golden trout spawn in late spring and early summer (May through July). Females deposit 1,000 to 3,000 eggs in gravel beds. Lifespan: 4 to 7 years.
Regulations
Golden Trout is classified as a nonnative game fish in Wyoming. A valid Wyoming fishing license is required. Check Wyoming Game and Fish Department regulations for current rules.
References
| State | Category | Directory | Subcategory | Content | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | Fishing | License | License & Fees | A valid Wyoming fishing license is required for anglers age 14 and older. Licenses are available for residents, non-resi | Link |
