Illustration by Steven Schalla, FlyFishingtheSierra.com, used with permission

The Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout is the only rainbow trout native to the east side of California's Sierra Nevada Mountains.  This trout is unique in it’s ability to withstand high alkalinity (Eagle Lake has a pH of 8.4 to 9.6).

The Eagle Lake Rainbow has a rounded nose. The fins and upper part of the body have large elongated spots. The irregularly-shaped spots decrease towards the belly. There is a pinkish stripe along the lateral line. The tail (caudal) fin edge is flat and has numerous, irregular spots. There is also a white tip on the dorsal, pelvic, and anal fins.