Freshwater · Southern
Trout - Lake
These notes are district-general defaults. Search your lake or stream first — special waters override these rules. Full booklet: 2026 Freshwater Guide. Catch reports: Fish data.
Species group
TROUT
Season
District general (CCR §7.00(f)): All anadromous waters except those listed by name in Special Regulations: CLOSED to all fishing all year. Many Southern District streams/lakes have separate Special Regulation entries — look up the water by name. Lakes & reservoirs (unless named in Special Regulations): generally open all year for inland trout under statewide rules — verify in the freshwater guide. IMPORTANT: If your lake, river, or stream is named in the Alphabetical List of Waters with Special Fishing Regulations (2026 Freshwater Sport Fishing Guide), those special rules override this district default.
Season notes
Hatchery trout/steelhead = healed adipose fin clip (adipose absent). Unless otherwise provided, wild trout/steelhead must be released immediately.
Daily bag limit
Anadromous waters under district default: no fishing / no take. Typical lakes/reservoirs (if not listed specially): 5 trout per day / 10 in possession — confirm statewide and special listings. IMPORTANT: If your lake, river, or stream is named in the Alphabetical List of Waters with Special Fishing Regulations (2026 Freshwater Sport Fishing Guide), those special rules override this district default.
Minimum size
See special-water listing; some Southern waters are artificial-lure / reduced-bag only.
Gear restrictions
Closed anadromous default. Open waters: follow Special Regulations and statewide gear/bait rules (Southern District bait restrictions also apply).
Identification
Lake trout are the largest of the chars; the record weighed almost 46.3 kilograms (102 lb) (netted) with a length of 50 inches (130 cm), and 15– to 40-pound fish are not uncommon. The average length is 24–36 inches (61–91 centimetres). The largest caught on a rod and reel according to the IGFA was 72 pounds (33 kg).