Golden Trout
Golden Trout in Washington are a subspecies of rainbow trout native to Northern California but successfully introduced to high-elevation lakes throughout the state.
Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita
- These stunning fish feature distinctive golden sides with olive backs, red horizontal bands along the lateral line, and about 10 dark vertical parr marks that persist throughout their lives.
- They average 8-12 inches but can reach 15+ inches in quality populations.
Fishing in Washington
Yakima River
Cedar River
Puyallup River
Snoqualmie River
East Passage
Cowlitz River
Naches River
Commencement Bay
Cle Elum River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Golden Trout primarily inhabit cold, clear mountain lakes above 2,500 feet in western Washington and 3,500 feet east of the Cascades.
- They're distributed across multiple counties including Chelan, King, Snohomish, Whatcom, Yakima, and others.
Key Locations
- Populations found in high lakes like the Enchantment Lakes, Crystal Lake, and many alpine waters in the Cascade Mountains.
- Washington's state record weighing 4.17 pounds from Gunn Lake.
Specific Spots
- Most feeding occurs in shallow water near shore where insect activity is highest.
- Look for areas with shallow feeding zones near drop-offs where fish can quickly escape to deep water.
Golden Trout FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Golden Trout in Washington?
Small spinners and spoons, or bait fishing with worms, e.g.gs, and artificial paste baits.
What flies work for Golden Trout in Washington?
Effective dry fly patterns include black gnat, mosquito, Adams, blue dun, black ant, and deer-hair caddis when fish are surface feeding. Subsurface patterns like wooly worms, chironomids (TDCs), hare's ears, Carey Specials, and scuds are productive when little surface activity is apparent.
When is the best time to fish for Golden Trout in Washington?
Summer is the prime season for accessing high-elevation waters, though many lakes remain ice-covered until late June or July.
How do you catch Golden Trout in Washington?
Fish can be suspended from bobbers or presented with slip-sinkers. During midday periods, fish bait or lures near the bottom 50-150 feet from shore. Trolling requires a float tube or small raft and can be very effective.
What do Golden Trout eat?
Their diet consists of aquatic insects such as midges and caddisflies, terrestrial insects, small crustaceans, and scuds. In lakes with established populations, their flesh often appears bright orange-red from feeding heavily on crustaceans.
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