Golden Trout

Small lures can be effective, though casting can be challenging in smaller tributaries with riparian vegetation.

Golden Trout readily take dry flies and terrestrials, with caddis patterns, midges, and terrestrial imitations being particularly effective. Small fly patterns work best since these trout feed primarily on small aquatic insects. In lakes, they respond well to midge pupae patterns, especially chironomid imitations.

Summer and fall months when these fish are most active, typically July through October after spawning concludes. During spawning season (late May-June), anglers should avoid targeting these fish to protect the vulnerable population.

Fish the deeper pools and undercut banks where Golden Trout typically hold. In the Cottonwood Lakes basin, focus on the creek connections between lakes and the inlets from higher lakes. Catch-and-release practices help preserve this critically threatened subspecies.

Golden Trout primarily feed on aquatic insects, especially dipteran midges and caddisflies, as well as terrestrial insects. They also consume zooplankton like Daphnia and occasionally small crustaceans.