Heritage and Wild Trout Program

Program Overview

underwater view of juvinile fish
Golden Trout in Golden Trout Creek. CDFW Photo.

The Wild Trout Program was established by the California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) in 1971 and was later expanded in 1998 to include California heritage trout.

Our mission is to protect and enhance California’s heritage and wild trout resources, while providing opportunities for high-quality wild trout angling. Major goals are to:

  • Manage designated Heritage and Wild Trout Waters
  • Each year, recommend new waters to be designated as wild trout fisheries to the Commission
  • Protect and restore native trout and their habitats
  • Conduct research and evaluate angling regulations
  • Engage the public

Wild Trout Management Plans

Northern Region

North Central Region

Central Region

South Coast Region

(Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties)

Inland Deserts Region

Archive

Management plans below have been updated and are no longer in use

Survey Summary Reports

2022

2021

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

Angler Survey Box Data

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

Strategic Plans

Contact

Heritage and Wild Trout Program
CDFW Fisheries Branch
Attn: Heritage and Wild Trout Program
P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090

Fisheries Branch
1010 Riverside Parkway, West Sacramento, CA 95605 | Fisheries@wildlife.ca.gov