Species guide

How to catch Bull trout

Salvelinus confluentus

Stylized 2D illustration of Bull trout
freshwaterbrackishgame fishSalmonidae

Bull trout are large, powerful freshwater fish often found in cold, deep river pools and mountain lakes. They are prized game fish known for their strength and fighting ability. Bull trout typically mature in lakes and spawn in tributary streams where juveniles grow for several years.

Where they live

Bull trout inhabit deep pools in cold rivers and large mountain lakes, especially in areas with snowfields and glaciers. They are found in freshwater and occasionally brackish waters in the Pacific North America region.

Typical size

Up to about 103 cm

What they eat

  • small fish
  • insects
  • crustaceans
  • mollusks

Best baits

  • live baitfish
  • worms
  • insect larvae

Best lures

  • spoons
  • spinners
  • soft plastic lures
  • flies

How to fish for them

  • fly fishing
  • spinning
  • bait fishing

Track every Bull trout you catch.

Bobbr turns each catch into a species collection, quests, and streaks. We're building it now — join the iOS waitlist for $19 lifetime founding access.

Claim founding access
How to catch Bull trout | Bobbr