The bull trout is a char of the family Salmonidae. It is most commonly found in the high mountains of western North America, ranging from the Yukon to northern Nevada. A population of bull trout exists east of the Continental Divide in Alberta, where the bull trout is the provincial fish. S. Confluentus has also been known by the name "Dolly Varden trout."
It has been recorded at up to 103 cm in length and weighing 14.5 kg. Its head and mouth are unusually large for salmonids, giving it its name.
The bull trout favors the deep pools of the larger cold lakes and rivers, where it feeds on zooplankton and zoobenthos, especially chironomids. As they grow larger, they begin to feed heavily upon other fish. Indeed, the fish was once maligned out of fear that they threatened populations of other native species more prized by anglers. In coastal Washington, some of the southernmost populations of bull trout feed heavily on salmon eggs and fry, as well as fish.
Bull Trout are listed as a threatened species under the U.S. Endanagered Species Act throughout their range in the continental U.S.
