dolly
Species Facts

Science Name: Salvelinus malma
Other Names: Bull Trout, Red-Spotted Rocky Mountain Trout, Red Spotted Trout or Char, Pacific Brook Char
Ideal Temp: 45 to 55
World Record: 32 lbs. ID
Environment: stream, lake
Techniques: freshwater troll, downrigger, bottom fishing
Range: Western North America


Description The average length of the fresh water form is 12-18 inches long and 18-24 inches in anadromous stocks. The color is variable with size, locality and habitat. Adults living in the sea are a dark blue with silvery sides and those living in fresh water are a olive-green to brown. Spawning adults turn a bright red. All are spotted. For years, many anglers have used the name Dolly Varden to apply to what are now considered two different fish: the Dolly Varden and the Bull Trout. In some regions it's hard to make a clear distinction between the two, while in other areas of B.C. the difference in appearance is substantial.

DISTRIBUTION The Dolly Varden is found in the fresh and salt waters of North America and eastern Asia. The anadromous form do not move out into the open ocean but remain close to shore near the river mouths.

BIOLOGY The Dolly Varden is a fall spawner. The female digs the redd and is attended by 4-5 males. Generally this species lives 10-12 years. The bull trout is known as the most serious predator on young salmon and a bounty was long paid on them in Alaska.

RELATION TO MAN Generally not considered a sought after sport fish, the Dolly Varden does have many of the sporting qualities of other trouts. They have been sold commercially, fresh, fresh-frozen, canned or dried.

TABLE QUALITY The bull trout's pink flesh is good, but not held in such regard as that of Arctic char or brook trout.

Subspecies Currently, only one subspecies is recognized in North America, the northern Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma malma). There is another subspecies in the Far East. Some biologists believe I that Dollies found south of the Alaska peninsula should be given subspecies status. These fish grow 1 to only about 5 pounds, but those farther North reach 12 pounds.

Hybrids Dollies are known to hybridize with bull trout.

Food Habits Dolly Varden have a reputation for consuming large numbers of young salmon. While it is true they eat some, they are no more a threat than rainbows, cutthroats or immature coho salmon. Dollies also eat other small fish, the remains of dead fish, salmon eggs that have drifted from the redd, and many types of larval and adult insects.

Subspecies Currently, only one subspecies is recognized in North America, the northern Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma malma). There is another subspecies in the Far East. Some biologists believe I that Dollies found south of the Alaska peninsula should be given subspecies status. These fish grow 1 to only about 5 pounds, but those farther North reach 12 pounds.

Tips for Fishing

Easy to catch and capable of waging a good fight on light tackle. They make strong runs, but seldom leap. Small ones eagerly take dry flies; larger ones prefer streamers, spinners, spoons or plugs fished near bottom. Dollies also bite well on natural bait, especially salmon eggs and minnows.