In the mid-1960s a dozen avid trout fishermen and steelhead devotees came together to form the nucleus of what would become California Trout. The trout fishermen were concerned that the state government's answer to deteriorating fishing conditions was to build and operate hatcheries and plant their domesticated products in lakes and streams everywhere. The steelheaders were worried that the state and federal governments were dead set on destroying the last remaining steelhead waters with huge "killer dams."

Initially organized as a local unit of a fledgling national trout group, the founders formed CalTrout during Christmas week of 1970 and filed papers of incorporation the following January. Among its officers and board members was a doctor, an insurance broker, a public relations executive, a tackle shop owner and a real estate agent.

Improving fishing opportunities was and remains important, but it was a secondary goal. CalTrout was the nation's first statewide conservation group supported by trout fishermen with an altruistic goal: to protect and restore trout and the beautiful places where they live. In this way, CalTrout was revolutionary and unique.

Our first year we acquired 600 dues-payers to support a budget of $6,000. Our executives were all volunteers, but they were dynamos. By 1972 they had delivered sensational victories for both trout and steelhead: The California Wild Trout Program and the California Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

Slowly CalTrout built its support and its reputation for effectiveness. Gaining public recognition was difficult then as it is now, but fishermen began to catch on that from a small office in San Francisco a tough advocate was fighting for issues important to them. With growth came professionalism, a full-time staff and evermore accomplishments. Field managers were hired to multiply this effectiveness. And our membership swelled.

Internal fiscal responsibility was a religion from the start and the small but growing budgets produced annual surpluses that were set aside to preserve precious capital for future needs. Financial strength evolved.

Today, California Trout boasts eleven full-time trout warriors, a cadre of volunteers and an annual budget of $2 million for projects and programs. But our dedication to fighting - and winning - for the state's wild fish remains unchanged.

Please browse our site to learn more about what CalTrout is doing today and how you can help.