![]() ![]() This trout occurs in clear, cool waters at elevations higher than 6,890 ft. The golden trout is native only to the upper Kern River basin in Tulare and Kern Counties, California. When this species is brought down from its high altitude habitat and propagated at low altitudes, it loses its brilliant colors and becomes steely blue. The sides of the head and throat are a blend of rosy red and golden yellow. The dorsal fin and the ventral and anal fins have white tips (in some specimens) that are often separated from the rest of the fin by a broad black line. The lower fins are orangish or reddish with no spots. ![]() The upper fins are golden yellow and heavily spotted. The forward part of the body may have spots above the lateral line on the back and top of the head, but not always. Usually the posterior part of the body is heavily spotted. The tail is golden yellow (as is most of the body) and is covered with large black spots that radiate outward toward the edge as in the rainbow, cutthroat, and some other closely related species. A red streak similar to that of a rainbow trout runs along the sides through the ten or so parr marks. It is the only species of Salmonidae in which the parr marks on the sides typically remain prominent throughout life rather than disappearing at an early age. Due to its coloration and markings it is considered one of the most beautiful of all freshwater game fishes. ![]()
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