The bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) is a char of the family Salmonidae native to northwestern North America. In some cases, we have determined that populations can be identified as bull trout or Dolly Varden. Here is a list of other fish that share habitat with bull trout. Until not too long ago, they were considered the same species (S. malma). All the genetic tissue samples came back saying the fish were all bull trout. Rainbow Trout Dolly Varden Salmon Catcher Lodge 2019-02-25T22:45:51+00:00. Rainbow Trout. The Dolly Varden is usually a coastal species whereas the larger bull trout is found inland in large, cold rivers and lakes draining high, mountainous areas. Bull Trout and Dolly Varden Management Plan September 2000 ii Executive Summary The Bull Trout and Dolly Varden Management Plan describes the goal, objectives and strategies that will be used by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department) for managing bull trout and Dolly Varden in Washington. Almost 18 percent were identified … See more. The Kenai River has long been recognized as a producer of big Bo’s. Historically, S. confluentus has been known as the "Dolly Varden" (S. malma), but was reclassified as a separate species in 1980. From 1921 to 1941, there was a bounty on Dolly Varden in Alaska. A much greater problem arises in trying to separate the Dolly Varden from the Arctic char. There is a lot of confusion over the differences and similarities between the Dolly Varden and Bull Trout. Out there, there is a constant battle to identify the specific distribution and population dynamics of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) vs. Dolly Varden (S. malma). Others believe that they are two separate species. For example, Dolly Varden and rainbow trout are often lumped together, requiring cause for a closer peek before releasing. Once you learn the differences test your ID skills in the bull trout ID quiz. Bull Trout have a complicated taxonomic history, in part due to Bull Trout and Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) being considered for a time as I was just wondering what the differences between bull trout and dolly varden are. These identification tips are designed to make unintentional poaching a thing of the past and allow wildlife biologists to help bull trout increase in number. Here's a quote from another web site: "Dolly varden are an anadromous char--a sea-going relative of bull trout." Dolly Varden vs. Rainbow Trout Feb 16, 2016 . When in doubt, it is always safest to release a fish that might be a bull trout. Many believe that the Dolly Varden and the Bull Trout are the same species, with the Bull Trout being a local variant of the Dolly Varden. Bull trout are listed as a threatened species under the U.S. Bull trout were considered the inland (non anadromous) form of Dollies, most of which are anadromous. The bull trout is a char of the family Salmonidae native to northwestern North America. It was terminated when analysis of the 20,000 tails submitted for payment in 1939 revealed that more than half were from coho salmon, and of the remainder, more were from rainbow trout than were from Dolly Varden. Dolly, red-spotted char, bull char, salmon trout Description The Dolly Varden gets its name from a Dickens character who wore a green dress with pink polka dots. The Department completed a stock status report for bull trout and Dolly Varden in 1998 which identified 80 stocks statewide. Bull trout are listed as a threatened species under the U.S. Rainbow Trout & Dolly Varden Fishing. The further North they are found, the more Charlike, becoming dark Red when mature and displaying white markings on their jaws similar to the Arctic Char. However the LDF said the majority were Dolly Varden. Historically, S. confluentus has been known as the "Dolly Varden", but was reclassified as a separate species in 1980. Interestly with the LDF nearly all the females came back as Dollies - it may be that is because one of the characteristics used is … Changes to the bull trout and Dolly Varden stock inventory in 2004 Genetic analyses of several populations of Washington native char have been conducted since the publication of the 1998 bull trout/Dolly Varden stock inventory.