Freshwater · Southern
Trout - Bull
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
Like other species of char, the fins of a bull trout have white leading edges. Its head and mouth are unusually large for salmonids, giving it its name. Bull trout have been recorded measuring up to 103 cm (41 in) in length and weighing 14.5 kg (32 lb). Bull trout may be either migratory, moving throughout large river systems, lakes, and the ocean, or they may be resident, remaining in the same stream their entire lives. Migratory bull trout are typically much larger than resident bull trout, which rarely exceed 2 kg (4.4 lb).