There are times when goldens will take absolutely nothing other than a fly that precisely imitates their food. But more often, they boil at most any kind of lure or bait you toss into the water.
The largest golden trout are taken from remote waters at high altitudes (10,000 feet or more). There, the only access is by hiking, and the fish have a better chance of long - term survival.
Golden trout are particularly fond of tiny midge and caddisfly imitations, because these insects comprise a large part of their diet.
Look for golden trout in alpine lakes in the West. Because these lakes are at such a high altitude, they do not necessarily have to be deep to have water cold enough for goldens.