Golden Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita)

Body Type: California's state freshwater fish and arguably the most brilliantly colored trout in the world. The body is deep golden-yellow to orange-gold with a vivid crimson-red lateral band and belly. Oval parr marks remain visible on the sides throughout life. The back is olive-green with dense black spotting on the posterior body and fins. The fins are tipped orange-red. No other trout matches the Golden's spectacular coloring.

Preferred Water Temperature: 45°F–58°F. Among the most temperature-sensitive of all trout — native to high Sierra Nevada streams and lakes above 8,000 feet where water rarely warms above 60°F. Requires pristine, cold, highly oxygenated water year-round.

Habitat: High Sierra Nevada alpine streams and lakes above 8,000 feet in California's Kern River drainage (native range). Widely planted by aerial stocking drops in California, Wyoming, Idaho, and Washington alpine lakes that are unreachable by road. Found in stunning high-altitude wilderness settings among granite peaks and meadows.

Best Lures: Small inline spinners (size 0–1) in gold or yellow are the most effective lure. Tiny gold or brass spoons (1/32–1/16 oz) produce in alpine lakes. Small floating Rapala minnows in gold/silver work in larger pools. Micro jigs in bright orange, yellow, or chartreuse produce in clear water. Dry flies (size 14–18) produce surface strikes in evening and morning.

Best Baits: Small nightcrawlers and red worms are the top bait — use a tiny piece on a size 14 hook. Single salmon eggs work well in flowing water. Wax worms and mealworms are effective in cold conditions. Small PowerBait works for stocked fish in accessible lakes.

Size & Weight: Typical alpine lake fish run 6–12 inches and under 1 lb due to the short growing season and limited food supply. Fish in more productive waters reach 2–3 lbs. World record: 11 lbs 4 oz from Wyoming's Wind River Range. California state record: 9 lbs 8 oz.

Top 5 Places to Catch Golden Trout: 1. Golden Trout Wilderness, California — native habitat requiring a multi-day pack trip 2. Wind River Range, Wyoming — outstanding backcountry stocked lakes at altitude 3. Cottonwood Lakes, California — accessible via trail from Whitney Portal 4. John Muir Wilderness, California — classic Sierra Nevada backpacking fishery 5. Sequoia National Park, California — stunning scenery with productive alpine lakes