This trout has an olive-green back and bright red-to-gold sides and belly. In the spring spawning season, the colors are extremely intense. It is the most colorful of the trouts. Golden trout are native only to a few small lakes and streams at high elevations in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California.

In 1959, they were introduced into a few lakes in the mountains of southwestern Alberta. Golden trout are very specialized for their particular environment, and do not do well in lower-elevation streams and lakes.

The short growing season of the high mountain lakes does not allow this trout to grow fast, and so most golden trout are small. However, they are highly prized by the adventurous angler.

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