Bull Trout

Salvelinus confluentus

A federally protected char species of the Pacific Northwest, bull trout inhabit the coldest, cleanest rivers and lakes from Oregon to Montana. Where legal to target (regulations vary widely by state and water), bull trout are powerful predators that grow large and fight hard. Their strict habitat requirements make them an indicator species of watershed health, and catching one in its native range is a true wilderness fishing experience.

Seasonal Activity

Best Techniques

• streamer fishing
• trolling large plugs
• casting jerkbaits
• jigging
• bait fishing where legal

Top Baits

• large streamers
• jointed plugs
• jerkbaits
• large spoons
• cut bait where allowed