The Golden Trout is the official freshwater fish of California. Not only do these Golden Trout have the most beautiful vibrant colors of all the Salmonids (in my opinion) but to find them one will have to journey into some of the most remote and gorgeous areas of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Nearly all the Golden Trout are found in Mono, Inyo and Sequoia National Forests. This means public access!!! Though getting there is some work. Whether doing a day hike, backpacking or driving the forest service roads; once you get there you’ll be glad you made the journey. The drive in is steep no mater which way you come in from.
Sure the season is fairly short (May-Oct) in most of the waters, but it can give fly fishermen or other anglers in pursuit of Golden trout a few advantages.
It gives the fish a break from fishing pressure
Golden Trout will have time to reproduce
Winter time nearly all the roads are impossible to drive due to closures and snow.
My favorite area for catching these fish is in Monache near Kennedy Meadows. The South Fork to the Kern River to be exact. The road into Monache Meadows is 4X4 only. With large boulders and deep ruts many of oil pans have been sacraficed to the lure of catching fish up in Monache. Make double sure everything (batteries, gear, water cans, ETC.) strapped down before you begin the trek.
South Fork of Kern River
Along the drive in to Monache there are plenty of photo opportunities so bring along your camera. Plus the Flora and Fauna are everywhere.
Old Ranch building
California King Snake
When fly fishing for Golden Trout in the small streams of Monache or the South Fork of the Kern River it must be done with extreme stealth. There is little cover and the fish spook easily to shadows and contrasting colors. Traditional fly fishing rods should be short and nibble (3-4 wt). Tippet and leader… 7X-9X is the most preferred. Remember these fish are small (over 12 inches is a “Whale”).
Using a Tenkara rod is the most productive in my opinion for the Monache Meadow area. Tenkara rods are easily packed and plenty of length to poke a fly into the tiniest of creeks. Again, use the finest tippet material possible. Also, since this style of fishing is done casting down stream and twitching the fly back up stream Tenkara flies are a must. Remember, Tenkara flies are tied with a reverse hackle which gives them a unique presentation.
There are also plenty of small streams (fairly secret) that are easier to get to than driving all the way into Monache Meadows.
If you want to know where some of these creeks are message me on Facebook or Instagram https://www.facebook.com/flyfishingodyssey/ https://www.instagram.com/flyfishingodyssey/ and will send you info.
As for once you get to your camping/fishing area in the meadow be ready… Bears, Mosquitoes, Coyotes and a few wild 2 legged animals are normal to encounter. I tend to be prepared for the worst. Not only do I carry something that goes BANG BANG! but Bear Spray is always at the ready. As for mosquitoes and other small biting insects Deet is my best friend and a mosquito net if I am camping in the back of my truck AKA Black Bear.
Bring plenty of water. You can fill up water cans in Kennedy Meadows. Also, I prefer to carry a small portable water purifying straw in my pack while fishing in the remote sections. It is lighter than bottled water and takes less space to carry.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006QF3TW4?tag=&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1
Bear, Bug protection/repellents
Links-
Bear Spray- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002E6VAHK?tag=&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1
Bug Repellent- Deet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TV2J5IG?tag=&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1
Recommended Flies and Gear for Monache
Fly Rod- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079GFMDGS?tag=&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1
Tenkara- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N36YY1O?tag=&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1
Tenkara Flies- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WWXSBQ1?tag=&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1
Flies- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F5X2LGZ?tag=&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000X66K4G?tag=&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1
Truth is I have been kinda lost on some of the unmarked trails in the Sierra back country. Always carry a flashlight, bivy sack, compass and high energy foods on top of the water straw.
Here are a few links for back country camping and fishing in the Sierra’s
https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Monache-Meadows-WA
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=81037
https://climber.org/driving/monache.html