Eagle Lake trout
The Eagle Lake trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss aquilarum), also called the Eagle Lake rainbow trout, is a subspecies of rainbow trout native to Eagle Lake and its tributaries in Lassen County, California.Â
The Eagle Lake trout is critically imperiled.
Propagation of Eagle Lake trout currently depends on hatchery production, though efforts are underway to restore spawning habitat in Pine Creek.
While Eagle Lake trout may exist in the Pine Creek drainage above CA-44, these waters are infested with brook trout. Eagle Lake is the best place to catch an Eagle Lake trout within its historic range.
The Eagle Lake rainbow trout is included in the Western Native Trout Challenge as well as the California Heritage Trout Challenge.
See rules for each challenge and state regulations for restrictions.
Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout by California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Fly Fishing for California Native Trout by Kurt Zeilenga (Trout Adventures)
Trout and Salmon of North America by Robert Behnke