Which freshwater fish is the state fish of California?

The California golden trout is the official state fish of California.

Scientifically named Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita, it is a subspecies of rainbow trout native to high-elevation streams and lakes in California’s southern Sierra Nevada. Its bright golden sides, red lateral stripe, and dark spots distinguish it from many other trout. It was designated California’s state fish in 1947.

The California golden trout is often confused with the similarly named golden trout, which is a related trout form found in other parts of the western United States. The California subspecies is strongly associated with the Kern River drainage and alpine habitats. Introduced trout and habitat changes have affected some native populations.