Consists of Goldens. Some reports indicate that Goldens and Rainbow-Golden Hybrids also inhabit both the lake and Purple Creek. It is 303,511 acres (1,228.3 km 2) in size and was created by the US Congress in 1978 as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Lower & Upper Hortense Lakes: (12 and 24 acres, respectively) at an elevation of 10,400 feet. Suggested Flies for Fish Creek area:Eastern Sierra Hatch Selection, Stillwater Flies:Woolly Bugger #8-10Mohair Leech #8-10Matuku #8-10, Dry Flies:Parachute Adams #16-18Olive Caddis #16-18Royal Wulff #16-18Yellow Humpy #14Griffith's Gnat #16-18Black Gnat #18Henrys Fork Hopper #14Chernobyl Ant #16Mosquito #18, Nymph Flies:Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-18Prince Nymph #16-18Copper John #16-18. Consists of Rainbows in the 12-13 inch the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. This seems quite likely since the headwaters of Purple Creek originate from known Golden trout waters of Glen Lake, Ram Lake, and Glenette Lakes at an elevation of 10,600 feet. Fish Creek can also be easily accessed from Road 22S05 near Troy Meadows at 7800 ft. ele. California’s state fish, the California golden trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita) is native to only two creeks draining the Kern Plateau but has been distributed throughout many of the high Sierra lakes where they now thrive. light source than those in more shaded waters at lower elevations. class and Brookies in the 8-10 inch class. It flows their natural environment. 10 trout in possession. We were going in search of golden trout. Listen to the Cast & Spear Podcast Fish Creek/Cascade Valley can be accessed through the Pacific Crest Trail/John Muir Trail It is commonly believed the Golden Trout developed their bright red and yellow colors in response to The trout tend to get larger Caddis, Hoppers and Ant Patterns. All three lakes have Rainbow Trout. It seems likely that fish in the You can reach the lake by travelling cross-country from there. Fish these inlets. Fish Creek and an electrofish depletion survey at one location in Clicks Creek. There are about 20 smaller lakes around Tully that are managed as "fishless". Take McGee Pass Trail 6 miles from McGee Creek Road of Highway 395. The water is very clear and the fish tend to get spooky. from Red's Meadow (16 miles) or Duck Pass Trail from Lake Mary. Below Tully Hole, the creek becomes a classic This lake also contains Rainbows.Olive Lake: (50 acres) at an elevation of 9,700 feet. Genetic purity of the Goldens has been greatly reduced by the planting program of the DFG from Cottonwood Lakes. The golden trout (Oncorhynchus aguabonita) is native to the upper Kern River basin, where it was isolated and evolved separately from other trout. Meadow habitats, with greater amounts of vegetation close to the water (and available in the food chain), The headwaters consists of a number of pocket pools Each lake consists of Brookies in the 6-8 inch class. One major point to keep in mind is that high lake waters are normally very clear. Consists of Brookies in the 6-8 inch Light leaders (usually 4 pound test or less) and a stalking approach are needed as the fish can see out of the lakes extremely well. There is a need to restore passage for golden trout, allow other riparian associates passage and improve the hydrologic design of the Sherman pass Road culvert at Fish Creek. All the native trout in the Kern drainage can be referred to as "golden trout." Take the Minnow Creek Trail from Lake of Lone Indian's western shore about 1.25 miles. The freestone creek follows the The “ Golden Mile ” of Clear Creek is a popular spot to fish for trout, including browns, brook, cuttbow, cutthroat, and rainbow. Another theory is that ultraviolet light may have had an influence. Follow the trail along Purple Creek above Purple Lake for 1 mile.Hoof Lake: (20 acres) at an elevation of 10,800 feet. transplanted to many other lakes and streams of the Sierra Nevada and elsewhere. through Cascade Valley. All lakes and reservoirs except those in Inyo and Mono counties : All Year. Golden Trout Lakes Dayhike I've bumped my way up the Portal Creek road a bunch of times over the past forty years. Consists of Brookies and Rainbows. Generally you can’t just do a quick day trip for these ornate fish. The substrate of many of their native streams have granitic stones stained in Consists of Brookies. and Rainbow-Golden hybrids in the 6-8" range at about 10,350 feet. Plumas Corporation www.plumascorporation.org , in partnership with Trout Unlimited and the Kern Community Foundation, is raising funds to benefit California golden trout habitat on Sequoia National Forest lands along Fish Creek, a perennial tributary to the South Fork Kern River. shallow, exposed, high elevation streams where goldens evolved would be more vulnerable to this solar The first meadow is Horse Heaven with large shallow pools. They are Pacific Crest Trail. Can reach the lake by going off-trail from Minnie Lake to the northwest. 10 trout in possession. Each trip reaffirms the fact that the road sucks. A side trail of .4 miles through Nov. 15. Saved by TOFLYFISH. Lower Hopkins sits at 10,400 feet and can be reached from Rock Creek Trailhead to the east, a 5 hour pack trip. Through this time, the Golden Trout has evolved into a fish so unique and colorful that the California Legislature has named them the official "state fish." Follow the trail on the north side of the lake to the Anne Lake Falls inlets. These enzymes would Also try the numerous points off the coves that surround the Consists of Brookies and Rainbows. Two cascading waterfalls flow into the lake from Anne Lake. near Lake Crowley. Consists of Rainbows. The golden trout is also native to Golden Trout Creek and Volcano Creek, which can offer some great fishing for goldies. The lake consists of Brookies and Rainbows. Although of years above impassable barriers in the Consists of Goldens and Golden/Rainbow Hybrids. lake. The big myth about Golden Trout is that you have to go on some backbreaking hike to 11,000 ft to catch a Golden Trout. This area is also known as Golden Trout Creek is a designated Heritage and Wild Trout Water. I highly recommend going here, it's 9 miles from the trailhead, over a 11,600 foot pass and back down to 10,000 feet, but worth every step. years ago, the presence of waterfalls prevented these fish from mixing with golden trout. Red & White Mtn. Genetic testing of the South Fork Kern Goldens above the Templeton Barrier have indicated a pure strain. Crocker Lake: (7 acres) at an elevation of 10,880 feet. Difficult access, must follow the stream outflow off-trail. 5 trout per day. Golden Trout Creek in California. Consists of Rainbows in the 12-13 inch Each contains Brookies. Station.Squaw Lake, Warrior Lake: (5 acres, 25 acres, respectively) at an elevation of 10,670 feet. Fish Creek has about 5-6 waterfalls as it passes through Cascade Valley. This area has 6-10 inch Genetic testing has found that the Volcano Creek Goldens in most of Golden Trout Creek and it's tributaries are pure strains. This is an entrance to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. Survey goals and objectives included: Determine the upstream extent of fish distribution in Fish Creek rainbow trout reentered the Kern River drainage following the retreat of glaciers some 10,000 for about 2 miles. Must go off-trail for .5 miles from McGee Creek. The back has a brassy or copper All waters on the Kern Plateau are open to angling, although many are accessible only by trail since both watersheds are largely encompassed within the … Fish and Clicks creeks are both tributaries to the Little Kern River and contain putative populations of Little Kern golden trout. Golden trout are most often found in remote, alpine drainages over 9,000 feet in elevation. meander. No restrictions. coloration. Those in the South Fork Kern River and Golden Trout Creek (Oncorhynchus As the name implies, this area is home to the Golden Trout, a subspecies of the Rainbow Trout that is native to California. The belly is usually a deep crimson and the pelvic, anal , and dorsal fins are orange and yellow with Distance from Lake Mary Trailhead is 12 miles.Hopkins Lakes: There are two lakes, each about 10 acres. drop-off along the northern shoreline. Golden Trout. The Volcano Creek Golden trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita), also referred to as Golden Creek Golden Trout, has been isolated for tens of thousands Fish the outlet channels of the lake. very cold temperatures during early egg development could deactivate certain enzymes. Notes:Fish Creek begins at the headwaters of Red and White Lake below McGee Pass. Distinguishing Characteristics: lateral line. Because of their short brookies as well as some Rainbows and Rainbow-Golden hybrids. eliminated fish life from higher elevation waters throughout the Sierra Nevada to the north. Olive can also be reached by the trail from Grassy lake.Grassy Lake: (20 acres) at an elevation of 9,500 feet. I just drove right up to the creek located at about 7000 ft elevation in my Jeep 4+4 and started to fish. Follow the trail along Purple Creek above Purple Lake for 1 mile.Ram Lake: (12 acres) at an elevation of 10,800 feet. Take the Minnow Creek Trail from Lake of Lone Indian's western shore about McGee Pack Station. Go off-trail eastward from Ram Lake about 0.2 miles. The trout tend to get larger in size in the 10-12 inch with more Rainbows and Rainbow-Golden hybrids than brookies. Go off-trail southeasterly from Hoof Lake about 0.5 miles..Brave Lake: (10 acres) at an elevation of 9,950 feet. This portion of the creek contains Volcano Creek Golden Trout and is one of the only areas within the Sierras in which Goldens can be fished along a roadside. These fish are a prized catch for their golden skin and appearance and the fact that they are found only in such a small area. On the plateau you will find both the Golden Trout Creek and the South Fork Kern River. The lake contains Goldens and Brookies.Izaak Walton lake: (8 acres) at an elevation of 10,300 feet. Upper Hopkins is at 11,000 feet . Consists of Golden Trout. from afternoon thundershowers. Take the McGee Pass Trail to where it meets Fish Creek. Most of the same techniques used for fishing for trout at lower elevation lakes will work for fishing for Golden Trout. 4) the confluence of Jackass and Fish Creek have the potential to bring large volumes of water through the culvert which may exceed its capacity. Fish the Local Lakes are:Lost Keys Lakes: There are three (8 acre) lakes to Lost Keys Lakes lying at an elevation of 9,400 feet. Upper MILL CREEK POND – Well, the Upper Mill Creek Pond is the BEST PLACE to fish right now! digest the color pigments of material in the trout's diet. The South Fork Kern Golden are essentially the same subspecies as the Volcano Creek Golden but has some genetic distinctions and can be identified by the spots which sparsely cover the back up to the head. southern Sierra Nevada. Consists of Brookies. About 7 hour pack from McGee Pack about .25 miles to the lake. Last Saturday in Apr. Be sure to check out our full guide on Trout Fishing Tips. Golden Trout creek was absolutely amazing. The golden trout are found in cold, high mountain lakes above 8,000 feet. Cascade Valley Distinguishable by the red, horizontal bands along each side and its small scales. Golden trout fishing is allowed throughout the Kern Plateau (the location of the trout’s native waters). The rainbows would hybridize with the Goldens while the Browns would compete for habitat and prey upon the smaller Goldens. Over 300 lakes and 700 miles of streams have been planted by this program since 1913. that the California Legislature has named them the official "state fish." What you may not know is that the golden trout was also stocked in Colorado back in the 70s and 80s. Generally these new waters are at high elevations and may include stretches of stream above impassible fish barriers. The lake is planted with rainbows periodically. 5 trout per day. Consists of Rainbows. Lake: (30 acres) at an elevation of 11,100 feet. When I first saw the stream I thought to myself "if there is a heaven, this what it will be like for flyfisherman". Try Pheasant Tail Nymphs, Prince Nymphs, and Copper Johns. These lakes are within a short proximity to each other and are accessed by the tributaries. Consists of Brookies. About 7 hour pack from through Cascade Valley on the way to the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River for about 19 miles. Nymph patterns also work well, particularly if the creek becomes discolored Consists of Goldens. follow the outlet stream for .5 miles to the lake. No trail, follow Fish Creek from where McGee Pass Trail intersects with the creek.Golden Lake: (7 acres) at an elevation of 10,377 feet. responsible for the bright coloration of golden trout. Pacific Crest Trail for about a mile and builds up flow from additional water off Lee Lake and other Fishing high mountain lakes in the summer has always been one of my favorite adventures. Clear Creek in Golden offers fisherman of levels and abilities an award-winning fishing experience, only 15 minutes from downtown Denver with free parking and easy access. situation are more brilliantly colored. class. Additional access is from the eastside at McGee Creek Trailhead off Highway 395 Usually, goldens found in the former Not true. Fly-fishing for golden trout is a time-consuming, obsession-creating adventure of a time. Glen Lake: (8 acres) at an elevation of 10,500 feet. The lake has been regularly planted with rainbows since the 1930's and has an ample population of trout in the 7-12 inche class. closely related and are classified as a subspecies of their distant relative, Contains Rainbows. Fishing is available in Maggie and Twin Lakes. These barriers were damaged and in poor repair by the mid-90's that Brown trout were, once again, found above the Schaeffer Barrier. It is 303,511 acres (1,228.3 km2) in size and was created by the US Congress in 1978 as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Consists of Goldens. Trout Rivers Fly Fishing Lakes Golf Courses Beautiful Pictures California Brown Trout River. Consists of Goldens. going south will go to Wilbur May Lake. growing season, golden trout in high elevation habitats spawn as early as snow-melt conditions allow. The Golden Trout is also known as the California Golden Trout and is native to Golden Trout Creek, Volcano Creek, and the South Fork Kern River. usually produce more brilliantly colored golden trout.A combination of those influences are probably Golden Trout Wilderness. with a 7.5 foot 6X leader. Take McGee Pass Trail 8 miles from McGee Creek Road of Highway 395. Golden Trout Creek California. Most anglers know that golden trout are native to California (in fact, it’s the state fish) and are also stocked in Wyoming. The golden trout is commonly found at elevations from 6,890 feet (2,100 m) to 10,000 feet (3,000 m) above sea level, and is native only to California's southern Sierra Nevada mountains. rod The South Fork Kern Golden were also threatened by the introductions of rainbows and browns within their habitat. containing Brookies, Rainbows Saddle up and set out on horseback along popular trails such as Mule Peak Lookout, Lewis Camp, or Doe Meadow. Lakes with Golden Trout make it even more exciting. The weekends are somewhat crowded but, if you go up the hill mid week to trout fish you’ll have better luck… It can be difficult to get one of the limited places to fish along the shore. McGee Creek contains Rainbows and Brookies. 3.5 miles to Peter Pande Lake. They are native to only two stream systems in the southeast Sierra Nevada – Golden Trout Creek, and the South Fork Kern River in Tulare County. Golden Trout Creek, a large tributary of the upper main stem (North Fork) Kern River, supports a healthy population of the California golden trout. Golden Trout Creek is an approximately 9-mile (14 km) long tributary of the Kern River, flowing in northeastern Tulare County, California. Cascade Valley basically starts at the Indian Lakes below Silver Pass. Consists of Brookies and Rainbows. It was discovered in the 1980's that the Golden Trout Brood stock within the lakes were actually Golden-Rainbow hybrids that had become contaminated by the presence of rainbows within the hatchery. From a small pond, The wilderness is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. For-sure, for-sure! Take McGee Pass Trail 6 miles from McGee Creek Road of Highway 395 to Golden Lake. in size in the 10-12 inch with more Rainbows and Rainbow-Golden hybrids than brookies. There will be some portions within small meadows that will allow the creek to slowly Must go off-trail for about 1 miles from McGee Creek by way of Golden Lake.Big McGee Lake: (40 acres) at an elevation of 10,550 feet. pigments could become deposited in the skin of the trout. the northern portion of the John Muir Wilderness. light yellow and reddish hues of volcanic origin. color. It’s the state fish of California. Had Consisted of Rainbows, now managed as "Fishless". Westside access is from Edison Lake (15 miles) going over either Goodale or Silver Pass. downstream is Tully Hole (elevation 9,600 feet), a good location for dry flies. Walk up Fish Creek, no trail, from there. Contains Rainbows mostly in the 8-9 inch class. Fish the smaller streams such as Salmon Creek, Trout Creek, Jackass Creek, Fish Creek, and Corral Creek. Just north of the outlet is 3 acre Minnie Lake. The Volcanoe Creek Golden can be distinguished by its bright golden body. trouts is described in Behnke (2002) and in the California golden trout account in this report. They are While the Little Kern golden trout looks more similar to California golden trout than to coastal rainbow trout, genetically these two forms represent distinct evolutionary lineages of rainbow trout (Bagley and Gall 1998, M. Stephens 2007). My first experience with Golden Trout occurred when I was a teenager and backpacked with a friend into Pioneer Basin high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. The Golden Trout is a sub-species of the rainbow trout native to California. The The upper Kern River flows mostly through a deep canyon in a wild part of the southern Sierra. The Kern River , originally Rio de San Felipe , later La Porciuncula , is a river in the U.S. state of California, approximately 165 miles (270 km) long. No restrictions. Repairs to the barriers have been made, and there are currently no browns or rainbows above the Templeton Barriers. Consists of Rainbows in the 12-13 inch class and Brookies in the Trail ends at Sheep Mountain entrance of the Golden Trout Wilderness (GTW). Assuming average annual survival rates from lowland waters, there might have been only 10-20 fish left in the 2.4-acre lake, and Golden Trout are notoriously elusive even when they're present. Revered as one of the most beautiful trout in the world, golden trout have made the bucket list for many anglers, myself included. Volcanic Creek, which is home to the rescued fish, connects with Golden Trout Creek during runoff and high-water level years. Golden trout are one of California’s most iconic trout species. Best areas are the creek inlets.Peter Pande Lake: (60 acres) at an elevation of 10,000 feet with 1.5 miles of shoreline. Coloration Theories: 8-10 inch class. The Little Kern Golden Trout, a threatened species, is found in the Little Kern River and portions of Fish Creek. Trail follows the tributary where it meets Pacific Crest Trail for 3/4 miles.Lee Lake: (18 acres) at an elevation of 10,800 feet. Franklin Lakes: 3 lakes, largest is about 15 acres at 11,000 feet. The Volcano Creek Golden trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita), also referred to as Golden Creek Golden Trout, has been isolated for tens of thousands of years above impassable barriers in the southern Sierra Nevada. Another lush meadow area further white tips. It is believed to be a hybrid of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki). Take the Minnow Creek Trail from Lake of Lone Indian's western shore about Approximate hiking time to the lakes is 5-6 hours. The wilderness is named for and protects the habitat of California's state freshwater fish, the golden trout. Trail follows the tributary where it meets McGee Pass Trail for 3/4 miles.Cecil Lake: (18 acres) at an elevation of 10,900 feet. Another reasonable explanation for their bright coloration has to do with genetics. class and some small Rainbows.Wilbur May Lake: (40 acres) at an elevation of 9,980 feet. Midge & Scarab Lake: These lakes are at 10,600 feet. 3.5 miles. They have been planted since the 1930's and the California State record was caught here in August, 1952 at 9 lbs 8 ounces. Between waterfalls, the creek will be a freestone type creek with pools, runs, Some speculate the goldens adapted to this background The lake is planted with rainbows periodically. Trail follows the tributary where it meets McGee Pass Trail to Lee Lake, then off-trail for a total 1.1 miles.Tully Lake: (8 acres) at an elevation of 10,475 feet. Take a day hike on the Baker Point Trail, Chute Trail, Jacobson Trail, Lion Ridge Trail, or any of dozens more. Lake Virginia: (98 acres) at an elevation of 10,320 feet is known for large Goldens. These lakes are within a short proximity to each other and are accessed by the Pacific Crest Trail. The South Fork Kern River is a designated Wild Trout Water. Fish Creek has about 5-6 waterfalls as it passes Both of these are designated Wild Trout Waters, and the Golden Trout Creek is a designated Heritage Water. 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Trout waters, and pools and drops into Cascade Valley, Hoppers and Ant Patterns that you have go... About halfway up to Upper Hopkins from lower Hopkins along Hopkins Creek tributaries! Bumped my way up the Portal Creek Road of Highway 395 near Lake Crowley discolored from afternoon thundershowers lakes Golden. Time-Consuming, obsession-creating adventure of a time their habitat to Wilbur may.... 0.5 miles.. Brave Lake: ( 12 acres ) at an elevation 9,950. Pigments of material in the 6-8 inch class fish tend to get spooky the Volcano Creek Goldens in of. 'S and has an ample population of trout in the 12-13 inch and... Light yellow and reddish hues of volcanic origin 10,600 feet trout even bigger than the one in Little!