7260-7261

FISH AND GAME CODE
SECTION 7260-7261




7260.  (a) The Legislature finds and declares that California has
the greatest biodiversity of native trout species of any state in the
nation. Trout can be found in more than 18,000 miles of California's
cooler streams. California's trout are the principal sport fish in
3,581 cold-water lakes and reservoirs.
   (b) The commission may designate "Heritage Trout Waters" to
recognize the beauty, diversity, historical significance, and special
values of California's native trout. The commission's designation
shall meet both of the following criteria:
   (1) Only waters supporting populations that best exemplify
indigenous strains of native trout within their historic drainages
may qualify for designation.
   (2) Only waters providing anglers with an opportunity to catch
native trout consistent with the conservation of the native trout may
qualify for designation.


7261.  The following are native California trout:
   (a) Coastal cutthroat trout.
   (b) Lahontan cutthroat trout.
   (c) Paiute cutthroat trout.
   (d) Coastal rainbow trout/steelhead.
   (e) Eagle Lake rainbow trout.
   (f) Kern River rainbow trout.
   (g) Goose Lake redband trout.
   (h) McCloud River redband trout.
   (i) Warner Valley redband trout.
   (j) Little Kern golden trout.
   (k) California golden trout.