Golden trout are carnivorous and primarily feed on aquatic invertebrates, such as aquatic insects, crustaceans, and zooplankton. Their diet varies depending on food availability in their habitat.
Specific food items include:
- Insects: mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, and midges in larval and adult stages
- Crustaceans: amphipods, copepods, and shrimp
- Zooplankton: rotifers, water fleas, and cladocerans
- Small fish: occasionally other trout, minnows, and sculpins
- Organic matter: algae, plant debris, or terrestrial insects that fall into the water
The specific diet can be influenced by life stage, habitat conditions, competition, time of day, water temperature, and food availability.