Species
Species: A group of related organisms having common characteristics and capable of interbreeding.
Distribution Maps
The references below depict the historic range of native trout species.
Microhabitat Selection by Species
In rivers with multiple trout species, a set of complex interactions amongst each species will determine where they hold, feed, and spawn. Generally, brown trout are the most dominant in these interactions due to their innate aggression and larger size. In streams, browns tend to inhabitat the bottom in shallower areas with slower water and move cover, rainbows move higher in the water column in areas of faster water - often mid-stream - and cutthroat hold in colder water near or in smaller tributaries. These tendencies result from competitive pressures more than habitat preference given each species will inhabit the entire stream environment if not threatened.
Focus on Native Freshwater Trout
Five unique species of trout currently reside in California. Excellent populations of the most common forms of these species can be found throughout the Sierra Nevada range. In the case of subspecies such as Lahontan cutthroat, Eagle Lake trout and the Kern River rainbow their native habitat is restricted to the Sierra Nevada.
California Heritage Trout Challenge
Catch, photograph, and release six different forms of California native trout from their historic range and California Department of Fish and Game will send you a personalized certificate featuring the art of Joseph Tomelleri (similiar to this one).
The EcoAngler describes a number of these native trout that qualify for the challenge including:
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Lahontan cutthroat
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Paiute cutthroat
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California golden trout
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California rainbow trout
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Eagle Lake rainbow trout
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Goose Lake redband trout
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McCloud River redband trout
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Steelhead trout
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Warner Lakes redband trout
Trout Range
Native trout historically occupied certain waters of California by natural means (these waters form part of the native range for each of the trout). Beside natural means, some human-caused actions such as non-native plants or dam building have influenced where native trout are found today.
