Program Overview
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