Salvelinus confluentus
The bull trout is a large, predatory char native to the cold, pristine headwaters of the Pacific Northwest and northern Rocky Mountains. Despite its common name, the bull trout is technically a member of the char genus Salvelinus, closely related to brook trout, Dolly Varden, and Arctic char. Bull trout require the coldest and cleanest water of any salmonid in the lower 48 states, with water temperatures rarely exceeding 59 degrees Fahrenheit, making them a sensitive indicator species for watershed health. They are powerful, aggressive predators that can grow to impressive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds taken in some river systems. Bull trout exhibit diverse life history strategies including resident stream, fluvial, and adfluvial forms. Due to significant population declines from habitat degradation, dam construction, and competition with non-native species, bull trout are listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act, and many fisheries are catch-and-release only.
Order
Salmoniformes
Family
Salmonidae
Genus
Salvelinus
Species
S. confluentus
Cold, deep pools in headwater streams and large rivers; also deep, cold lakes connected to spawning tributaries with water temperatures below 59°F
Native Range: Pacific Northwest and northern Rocky Mountains, from northern Nevada and Oregon north through British Columbia and Alberta
Introduced Range: No significant introductions outside native range
Highly piscivorous as adults, feeding primarily on sculpin, whitefish, and juvenile salmonids; juveniles eat aquatic invertebrates and small crustaceans
Bull trout spawn in the fall, typically September through November, migrating upstream to cold, clean headwater tributaries with specific gravel composition. Water temperature must remain below 48°F for successful egg incubation. Eggs incubate over winter and hatch in late winter or early spring.
Spawning Months
Spawning Temperature: 36-46°F
The Bull Trout is currently classified as Threatened under the US Endangered Species Act; many populations have declined significantly from historical levels. Responsible catch-and-release practices help protect populations for future generations of anglers.
Bull trout are aggressive predators that respond well to large, articulated streamers stripped aggressively through deep pools and runs. Focus on the deepest, darkest water in the river, particularly around logjams and boulders. Many bull trout fisheries are catch-and-release only, so practice careful handling.
A 9-foot 6 or 7-weight rod with a sinking or sink-tip line for streamer work. Use 0X-2X tippet and stout leaders to handle large fish and heavy flies.
Average Size
14-24 inches, 2-6 lbs
World Record
32 lbs (Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho, 1949)
