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The golden trout (Oncorhynchus aguabonita) is species of trout native to the upper Kern River drainage in the southern Sierra Nevada in California. There are three subspecies:
The California golden trout (O. a. aguabonita), the type subspecies
The Little Kern golden trout (O. a. whitei)
The Kern River rainbow trout (O. a. gilberti), also now called the Kern River golden trout
Historically, the golden trout complex included three closely related rainbow trout subspecies of the upper Kern River basin. Subsequently, the golden trout was elevated to species status, with the California golden trout as the type subspecies and the Little Kern golden trout and Kern River golden trout (commonly called the Kern River rainbow trout) as separate subspecies.
California golden trout. USGS photo.
Golden trout should not be confused with palomino trout or golden rainbow trout, which are hatchery-produced color mutations of rainbow trout.
California Golden Trout
The California golden trout (O. a. aguabonita) is native to two drainages: Golden Trout Creek, a tributary of the Kern River, and the South Fork of the Kern River. It is also known as the Volcano Golden Trout. Golden Trout Creek, a designated Wild and Heritage Trout Water, was previously called Volcano Creek. The California golden trout is the State Freshwater Fish of California.
The California golden trout is critically imperiled.
Golden x rainbow trout hybrid
Little Kern golden trout
Little Kern Golden Trout
The Little Kern golden trout (O. a. whitei) is native to the Little Kern River and its tributaries, including Clicks, Fish, Mountaineer, Soda Springs, and Willow creeks.
The Little Kern golden trout is vulnerable.
Kern River Rainbow Trout
The Kern River rainbow trout (O. a. gilberti) is native to the upper Kern River. It is now also known as the Kern River golden trout.
It has been extirpated from most of its historic range. It can only be found in the Kern River and its tributaries above the confluence of Durrwood Creek, including upper Ninemile, Osa, and Rattlesnake creeks.
It was previously thought that the Kern River rainbow trout was the result of natural hybridization between the Little Kern golden trout and the coastal rainbow trout (O. mykiss irideus) thousands of years ago. Recent studies have found the Kern River rainbow trout to be more closely related to California golden trout than anything else.
The Kern River rainbow trout is critically imperiled.
Kern River rainbow trout. CDFW photo.
Angler Challenges
All three trout of the golden trout complex are separately included in the Western Native Trout Challenge and the California Heritage Trout Challenge.
See rules for each challenge and state regulations for restrictions.
Additional Reading
Trout and Salmon of North America by Robert Behnke
Fly Fishing for California Native Trout by Kurt Zeilenga
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