Bull Trout
Salvelinus confluentus
Bull trout are a native char of the cold, clean rivers of the Northwest, and they are a federally threatened species, so most anglers will only see one by accident.
- 5States
- 51River guides
- Cool monthsBest time
Where to find bull trout
Darker states have more bull trout river guides. Tap a state to see its rivers.
Most bull trout rivers
- Montana14 rivers
- Oregon14 rivers
- Washington13 rivers
- Idaho9 rivers
- California1 river
Top rivers for bull trout
The best-known bull trout water in our river guides.
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Fall River
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Fly fishing for bull trout
Bull trout are a char native to the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies, including Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon and a small part of northern Nevada. They need very cold, clean water and connected river systems, and many fish migrate long distances between lakes or big rivers and the small streams where they spawn.
Bull trout in the lower 48 are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. In most waters you cannot target or keep them, and any bull trout you catch must be released right away. A few waters allow limited catch-and-release or harvest under special rules and permits, so check state regulations carefully.
Adult bull trout eat other fish, and large migratory fish can reach well over 10 pounds. In rivers like the Flathead, Swan, Clark Fork and Kootenai drainages in Montana, the Metolius in Oregon and many Idaho rivers, anglers fishing streamers for other trout sometimes hook one. Knowing how to identify and release a bull trout is part of fishing these waters.
How to identify bull trout
Bull trout have olive to gray backs with pale yellow, orange or red spots and no black spots on the dorsal fin. The head is large and somewhat flat, and the lower fins have white leading edges. Brook trout look similar but have worm-like markings on the back and black marks on the dorsal fin.
How to catch bull trout
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Know the rules first
Bull trout are federally threatened. Only target them where state rules allow it, and expect special permits, catch cards or catch-and-release only.
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Learn to identify them
No black spots on the dorsal fin and pale spots on an olive body mean bull trout. Some states require anglers to know the difference from brook trout.
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Keep them in the water
Release bull trout quickly without taking them out of the water. Use barbless hooks and avoid long fights.
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Fish cold water only
Bull trout are very sensitive to warm water. Don't fish for them during hot spells.
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Stay off spawning streams
Bull trout spawn in small, cold tributaries in late summer and fall. Avoid wading on gravel beds and respect any closures.
Find bull trout water near you.
- Fishability score for every river near you, updated live
- Live flows and water temps for the rivers you fish
- Hatch timing for your watershed
Bull trout FAQ
Can you fish for bull trout?
In most waters you cannot target or keep bull trout, and any you catch must be released immediately. A few waters allow limited fishing under special rules, so check state regulations first.
Are bull trout endangered?
Bull trout in the lower 48 are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Populations are protected because of habitat loss, warm water and competition with non-native fish.
How do I tell a bull trout from a brook trout?
Bull trout have no black markings on the dorsal fin and no worm-like lines on the back. Brook trout have both.
Where do bull trout live?
They live in cold rivers and lakes in Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon and a small part of Nevada, as well as western Canada.
What do bull trout eat?
Adults mostly eat other fish, including whitefish, sculpins and small trout. Young bull trout eat insects.
What should I do if I catch a bull trout by accident?
Keep it in the water, remove the hook quickly with pliers and let it swim away. If the hook is deep, cut the line.
