Rainbow trout were given Benzo(a)pyrene and 7, 12-dimethylbenz(a)-anthracene by gavage. Experiments were designed to determine assimilation, disposition and elimination of these PAH after single doses and multiple doses. Liver, gall bladder and alimentary tissues were extracted to measure parent compounds and metbolites in the tissues. Separate studies were conducted to determine binding of BaP and DMBA metabolites to DNA and the effects of cooking on the concentrations of the PAHs in the edible flesh. Trout assimilated BaP and DMBA rapidly. Initial disposition of the PAHs was to the muscle tissue followed by redistribution within 6 hr such that most of BaP and DMBA was in the liver-gall bladder compartment. Half-times for assimilation and elimination of the compounds were similar, resulting in low levels of accumulation of PAH from a single dose. Most of the BaP and DMBA in the liver-gall bladder compartment 72 hr after administration of a single dose were in the form of metabolites.