Bowcutt Trout ()

Body Type: A hatchery-produced hybrid cross between the Cutbow Trout (itself a Rainbow-Cutthroat hybrid) and another strain — primarily raised by California hatcheries for stocking in recreational waters. The appearance resembles a robust Rainbow-Cutthroat cross with variable spotting and coloring.

Preferred Water Temperature: 50°F–65°F. Standard cold-water trout temperature requirements. Performs best in well-oxygenated lakes and streams below 65°F.

Habitat: Exclusively stocked in California put-and-take fisheries — ponds, urban lakes, reservoirs, and designated recreational waters. Not self-sustaining; produced for sport fishing programs. A California-specific stocking fish seldom found outside the CDFW program.

Best Lures: PowerBait floating dough in chartreuse or yellow is the top producer. Inline spinners and small spoons produce consistent action. Small Rapala minnows work in deeper water. Kastmaster spoons are effective for shore anglers.

Best Baits: PowerBait dough on a size 10–14 hook floated off bottom is the classic approach. Nightcrawlers on a slip sinker produce. Salmon eggs work in flowing stocked waters. Wax worms and corn attract stocked fish.

Size & Weight: Stocked at 10–12 inches; grow to 2–4 lbs in managed fisheries over a season. Occasionally stocked at trophy sizes for special events.

Top 5 Places to Catch Bowcutt Trout: 1. California urban fishing program lakes — statewide CDFW stocking 2. Lake Chabot, California — regular CDFW program 3. Lake Skinner, California — Southern California stocking 4. Quarry Lakes, California — Bay Area urban fishery 5. Puddingstone Lake, California — popular Southern California destination