Department of Fish and Game

Heritage and Wild Trout Program

Wild Trout List | Heritage and Wild Trout Program | Heritage Trout Challenge | Program Staff

Native or Wild Trout...Is there a difference?

A wild trout is a trout that was born in the wild and spends its life cycle in the wild, regardless of the origin of its parents or ancestors. A native trout is a trout that was found here originally, prior to human influences. A wild brown trout is not native to California. A coastal rainbow trout is a native California trout (even if it came from a hatchery). A golden trout born in the Little Kern River is a wild, native trout.