Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita
This year four of us from the Diablo Valley Fly Fishermen's club will be pursuing the California Heritage Trout Challenge. With the extremely wet winter and the large snow pack in the Sierra's we will be fortunate to be able to fish all the necessary waters to achieve our goal before the seasons close, but we will try!
Following below is the description of the program, its requirements and a list of fish that make up the challenge.
“Taking the California Heritage Trout Challenge”
By catching six different forms of California native trout from their historic drainages and photographing these fish you can receive a colorful, personalized certificate featuring the art of renowned fish illustrator Joseph Tomelleri. Your certificate will show six full-color images representing the trout you caught, along with their dates and locations. It is sized to fit in a standard 16 x 20 inch matted frame.
What are the requirements of the “Challenge”?
Catch six different forms of native trout from their historic drainages in California and photograph each of the trout.
Submit completed application form along with the trout photos to DFG, Fisheries Programs Branch, 1416 Ninth Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Part of “taking the Challenge” will include learning more about the native trout of California, where they are found, and what is being done to conserve and restore these “Heritage Trout.
Which trout qualify for the Challenge?
California has a large and diverse collection of trout that are native to the state’s waters. The following forms are the ones that qualify:
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LAKES REDBAND (No photo available) |
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THE PAIUTE CUTTHROAT IS NOT AVAILABLE AS IT'S ONLY HABITAT IS CURRENTLY CLOSED TO ALL FISHING. |
These eight forms of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and three subspecies of cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki) are your targets to complete the Challenge. Catching six different forms of native trout from their historic drainages may take you to varied locations around the state. Some may be caught in roadside waters while others may only be caught in wilderness areas.
Our game plan (water conditions allowing) is as follows:
As of the publishing of this page, it appears our first trip planned for May 24-26 will have to be postponed due to the high run-off conditions below Mount Shasta. I will update the schedule as decisions are made.
| WE COMPLETED OUR YEAR-LONG CHALLENGE SUCCESSFULLY! CHECK OUT THE STORY OF OUR ADVENTURE WITH THIS LINK: HTC STORY |