Skip to content

Bull Trout

Salvelinus confluentus

Run Timing

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Adult Return
Juv. Outmigration
AdultsPeakJuveniles
Sources: StreamNet, ODFW, WDFW, IDFG

Loading map...

Watershed associations from NFS field surveys. Run timing from StreamNet, ODFW, WDFW, IDFG life history tables, reviewed 2025. Population data from StreamNet when available.

Bull Trout are a native char found in the cold-water rivers of northwestern North American including the Yukon, British Columbia, Alberta, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and northern Nevada. Historically their natural range included northern California. Most Bull Trout are born and mature in freshwater rivers, while some in coastal waters may also use the ocean for feeding. Other populations of Bull Trout live in both rivers and adjoining lake systems. Bull Trout often prey on other fish and so they can grow very large, with some adult fish weighing more than 20lbs. Bull Trout spawn in the late summer and fall months.  Bull Trout eggs remain in gravel for up to 210 days, a very long incubation period, after which the fry emerge. These young fish will live in their natal waters rearing for 1 to 4 years before migrating elsewhere. Adult Bull Trout do not usually die after spawning.