NativeProtectedProvincial Fish

Bull Trout

Salvelinus confluentus

Alberta's Provincial Fish. A threatened species found in pristine cold mountain streams. Catch and Release only.

AVERAGE SIZE
1-3 kg in streams; up to 10+ kg in lake-dwelling populations
AB RECORD
N/A (catch and release only)
LAKES WITH BULL TROUT
46+ in database
Bull Trout

Habitat

Require the coldest, cleanest water in Alberta. Found in mountain streams, rivers, and cold lakes of the eastern slopes. Extremely sensitive to habitat degradation. Need connected waterways for migration.

Seasonal Patterns

Spring: Rivers opening from ice; feeding aggressively. Summer: Deep, cold pools in rivers; lake fish go deep. Fall: Migration to spawning tributaries (September-October). Winter: Slow metabolism; found in deepest pools.

Fishing Techniques

  • Fly fishing: Large streamers stripped through pools
  • Casting: Large spinners and spoons in rivers
  • Still fishing: (where allowed) with large bait near structure

Best Lures

  • Large articulated streamers (Dolly Llama, Meat Whistle)
  • Big spinners (#4-5) in silver or copper
  • Jointed Rapalas
  • Soft plastic swimbaits

Best Bait

  • Note: Check regulations—bait is prohibited in many bull trout waters

Alberta Regulations

CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY PROVINCE-WIDE. Zero possession limit. Handle with extreme care, minimize air exposure. Report tagged fish to Alberta Fish & Wildlife. Bait fishing prohibited in many waters.

View Official Regulations →

Identification

Large head and mouth. Olive-green with pale spots (no black spots like other trout). White leading edge on lower fins. Often confused with brook trout.

Pro Tips

  • This is a protected species—handle with care and release immediately
  • Use single barbless hooks for easy release
  • Keep the fish in water while removing hooks
  • If you must lift, support the belly—never hold by the jaw
  • Photograph quickly and release in calm water

Size Information

Average Size: 1-3 kg in streams; up to 10+ kg in lake-dwelling populations

Alberta Record: N/A (catch and release only)

WHERE TO CATCH BULL TROUT IN ALBERTA

Gleniffer Lake (Dickson Dam)

📍 Central Alberta

WalleyePikeTrout

Lake Louise

📍 Rockies Alberta

Rainbow TroutBull TroutCutthroat Trout

Abraham Lake

📍 Rockies Alberta

Rainbow TroutBull TroutCutthroat Trout

Spray Lakes Reservoir

📍 Rockies Alberta

Lake TroutRainbow TroutBull Trout

Ghost Lake

📍 Rockies Alberta

Rainbow TroutBull TroutCutthroat TroutBrown Trout

Waterton Lakes (Upper)

📍 Rockies Alberta

Rainbow TroutBull TroutCutthroat Trout

Amethyst Lakes

📍 Rockies Alberta

Rainbow TroutBull TroutCutthroat Trout

Barrier Lake

📍 Rockies Alberta

Brown TroutWhitefishRainbow TroutBull Trout

Bow Lake

📍 Rockies Alberta

Rainbow TroutBull TroutCutthroat Trout

Chain Lakes

📍 Southern Alberta

Rainbow TroutBull Trout

Emerald Lake

📍 Rockies Alberta

Rainbow TroutBull TroutCutthroat Trout

Lake Agnes

📍 Rockies Alberta

Rainbow TroutBull TroutCutthroat Trout

Lake Annette

📍 Rockies Alberta

Rainbow TroutBull TroutCutthroat Trout

Moraine Lake

📍 Rockies Alberta

Rainbow TroutBull TroutCutthroat Trout

Peyto Lake

📍 Rockies Alberta

Rainbow TroutBull TroutCutthroat Trout

Upper Kananaskis Lake

📍 Rockies Alberta

TroutCutthroatRainbow TroutBull Trout

Lower Kananaskis Lake

📍 Rockies Alberta

Rainbow TroutBull TroutCutthroat Trout

Sherburne Lake (Grinnell)

📍 Rockies Alberta

Rainbow TroutBull TroutCutthroat Trout

Beauvais Lake

📍 Southern Alberta

TroutPikeRainbow TroutBrook Trout

Kakwa Lake

📍 Rockies Alberta

Rainbow TroutBull TroutCutthroat Trout

Musreau Lake

📍 Northern Alberta

TroutPike

Gunn Lake (Nordegg)

📍 Rockies Alberta

Rainbow TroutBull TroutCutthroat Trout

Peppers Lake

📍 Rockies Alberta

Bull TroutBrook Trout

Phyllis Lake

📍 Central Alberta

TroutPerch
View All 46 Lakes with Bull Trout