Fly-fishing for golden trout is a time-consuming, obsession-creating adventure of a time. Golden trout fishing requires gaining altitude to where the scenery and trek can take your breath away. Anyone who is interested in visiting Golden Trout Lake can print the free topographic map and street map using the link above. The Pacific Crest Trail junction at Cottonwood Pass gives the option to go to the southeastern portion of Sequoia National Park. As a boy, fishing the South Fork Kern River in 1913, he reported catching California golden trout in the "gorge" just upstream of the Bloomfield Ranch, near the southern boundary of the Domeland Wilderness. North Lake is located outside of Bishop in the Lake Sabrina area. Below are weather averages from 1971 to 2000 according to data gathered from the nearest official weather station. Follow this road for about 3.5 miles until the road ends. Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more! The trail begins to gain elevation and you will want to avoid a turn off toward Golden Trout Camp. Pass over the log bridge or rock hop, and proceed on the flat trail skirting a meadow that holds Cottonwood Creek. This mountain lake is 0.6 miles from Cottonwood Pass, making it an easy 8.2-mile round trip hike from Horseshoe Meadow. Oncorhynchus aquabonita Also called Volcano Creek, Little Kern, Mountain or Roosevelt trout. The Golden Trout Wilderness is a federally designated wilderness area in the Sierra Nevada, in Tulare County and Inyo County, California.It is located 40 miles (64 km) east of Porterville, California within Inyo National Forest and Sequoia National Forest.. This lake holds Brookies. The trailhead is easy to find, and has a vault toilet and a decently sized parking lot. Starting from Onion Valley, Golden Trout Lakes Trail ends at Golden Trout Lakes, in the John Muir Wilderness. Generally you can’t just do a quick day trip for these ornate fish. With dayhikes, we'll cover about forty miles. The original Big Creek Cabin was built in 1907 and it still stands on this site. 9.5 miles from the confluence of Evolution Creek and SF San Joaquin. Steve is in the lead as we head into the high country of the eastern Sierra. Spurs lead to a small USFS campground and several stone buildings. Initially planted with Goldens in 1928 with several more plantings until ending in 1963. The road zig-zags up the steepening hillside and enters the lower end of Independence Creek valley, later rising some way above via more switchbacks, before levelling out and ending at a large, circular parking area, elevation 9,200 feet. Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout sits on the apex of Garnet Mountain, at an elevation of 8,245 feet. To access the trail head, turn east onto Portal Creek Road #984 and continue southeast for 6.8 miles. At this point, there is a decent sized parking area. Common Destinations: Golden Trout Lakes. Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune Biologists with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources stocked Echo Lake with approximately 4,800 golden trout Tuesday July 2, 2013 in the Uinta Mountains. The Golden Trout Campground might be a good place to start this search. The trail starts at the Gallatin River and continues upward through dense evergreen forest. Fairly mellow and peaceful hike. Isaac’s trout measured 14-7/8 inches and weighed 1 pound, 2.88 ounces, a lunker by golden trout standards. The second challenge is getting there - it basically always requires a high-elevation uphill hike. Golden Trout Creek is a designated Heritage and Wild Trout Water. Common Destinations: Cottonwood Pass, Chicken Spring Lake, John Muir Trail Few camp spots around the lake. THE ASCENT Thirty minutes of channeling my inner mountain goat, teetering and hopping up, over and across jagged granite, I found myself perched 11,300 feet above sea level. To access the trail head, turn east onto Portal Creek Road #984 and continue southeast for 6.8 miles. The distance to the lakes is approximately 2.2 miles, and the elevation gain is approximately 2,200 feet. If you have visited Upper Golden Trout Lake before, please tell us about it with a comment below. There are also campspots with fire pits if you want to make it an overnight. The latitude and longitude coordinates of Upper Golden Trout Lake are 37.2417518, -118.7160568 and the approximate elevation is 10,836 feet (3,303 meters) above sea level. 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. © 2021 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. This trail is steep, rugged and difficult to follow. Upper Portal Creek Trailhead Elevation: 8058 feet Golden Trout Lakes Elevation: 9075 feet Total Elevation Gain : 1300 ft USGS Map: Hidden Lake, Lone Indian Peak _____ Coastal cutthroat trout (resident) Golden trout; Lake information. Starting from Onion Valley, Golden Trout Lakes Trail ends at Golden Trout Lakes, in the John Muir Wilderness. Continue left for the Golden Trout Lakes. Windy Pass Cabin was built in 1934. Sylvan Lake’s golden population is so pure that the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks regularly uses the eggs laid by goldens at Sylvan Lake for stocking other lakes in Montana. Sapphire Lake: (75 acres) at 10,968' elevation. The latitude and longitude coordinates of Upper Golden Trout Lake are 37.2417518, -118.7160568 and the approximate elevation is 10,836 feet (3,303 meters) above sea level. Turn right and continue through a rocky forest of Foxtail … About half way up to Piute Pass you reach Loch Leven, a beautiful lake at 10,743 feet. Golden trout rarely live below 9,000 feet and there aren't many roads that high. About 1/4 mile further, 2 miles from the trailhead, is Golden Trout Lake #2, the largest of the four lakes. After a quick measurement and photo, he released the 19.7-inch golden trout to claim a new catch-and-release record. First stocked in 1938, the golden trout at Sylvan Lake are well known in Montana for their genetic purity. The South Fork Feather River in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains is a camping gem where you are sure to strike gold. Some hikes are harder than others - the trek to Lightning Lake (one of the most popular destinations for goldens) is notoriously ridiculous. Getting There To reach Lower Golden Trout Lake, park at the North Lake Trailhead. Golden trout are on the smaller side. California record: 9.8 lb landed in Virginia Lake in 1952. The distance to the lakes is approximately 2.2 miles, and the elevation gain is approximately 2,200 feet. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. After a series of gorgeous waterfalls and water features, you climb up to Piute Lake at 10,958 feet. DWR biologists then stocked Echo Lake with approximately 4,800 golden trout Tuesday July 2, 2013 in the Uinta Mountains. One major point to keep in mind is that high lake waters are normally very clear. 0.8 miles). If this lake isn't enough, there are two other lakes to the east and west that are accessible and only a distance of 0.3 miles to loop all three. Cottonwood Pass This 7-mile round trip trail ascends 1,200 feet to an 11,200-foot pass and a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail, with access to Golden Trout Wilderness and Sequoia National Park. It is very small and offers only basic amenities. The South Fork Kern River is a designated Wild Trout Water. 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 to California 's southern Sierra Nevada mountains. Rough roads to the Golden Trout Lakes It was difficult driving up the road to get to the beginning of the trail, so I recommend a vehicle that can handle the rough road; preferably a truck or AWD. 8/31/2016 3:29:29 PM. Download area map for trail names It provides a rustic mountain retreat with few amenities, so guests need to bring most of th... Overview The road is in rough condition and is better suited for vehicles with a higher clearance. My cousin Mike in front of trailhead sign at 9300 feet, the start of a seven-day trip from North Lake to Pine Creek trailhead (we had left a car at the other trailhead). The Golden Trout lakes offer a scenic getaway just out of the Gallatin Valley Canyon. 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 Golden Trout … Overview This lake holds Brookies. Average Size of Golden Trout. Follow Cottonwood Pass Trail to a junction at the pass with Pacific Crest Trail. About the Eastern Sierra Golden Trout Other Names for Golden Trout. THE ASCENT Thirty minutes of channeling my inner mountain goat, teetering and hopping up, over and across jagged granite, I found myself perched 11,300 feet above sea level. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Both of these lakes are known to hold Brookies. Download area map for trail names. It is thought that California golden trout may have extended downstream of Lake Isabella prior to the construction of Isabella Dam. After a mile there is reliable water in the form of a creek. A paved, 13 mile road leaves the little town of, Onion Valley, Kearsarge Pass, Mt Gould and Golden Trout Lake, Spectacular loop hike starting at Onion Valley high up in the eastern Sierra Nevada; climbing steadily past four pretty lakes to 11,760 foot Kearsarge Pass, ascending another 1,240 feet to the summit of Mt Gould then returning via an adjacent canyon containing another large lake, Glacial ponds and the valley of the Rae Lakes, in Kings Canyon National Park, All Contents © Copyright The American Southwest. Golden trout fishing requires gaining altitude to where the scenery and trek can take your breath away. 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. The nearest weather station for both precipitation and temperature measurements is BISHOP AP which is approximately 22 miles away and has an elevation of 4,102 feet (6,689 feet lower than Lower Golden Trout Lake). Both of these lakes are known to hold Brookies. Day 1: Piute Pass Trailhead to Upper Golden Trout Lake. County: Grays Harbor Acreage: 1002.70 ac. If you have visited Upper Golden Trout Lake before, please tell us about it with a comment below. Eagle Head Mountain borders the lake to the south and provides a nice backdrop to this beautiful scene. The view is stunning and is a very nice place to escape to, even if just for an hour or so. The 6 mile round trip to Lava Lake is a steady climb that runs beside Cascade Creek through the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. Once you get to the beginning of the trail, the hike is a nice little workout until you reach the final location of Golden Trout … Small streams meander through tree-rimmed meadows in this wilderness area named for California's state fish, the Golden Trout. The road is in rough condition and is better suited for vehicles with a higher clearance. The trail begins to gain noticeable elevation as it continues. In looping around the lake, many fish were noted rising to the surface; however, none were caught. Starting in Bozeman, travel south of Gallatin Gateway about 5 miles on Hwy 191 and turn left on to Storm Castle Creek Road. Finally, it’s a short ascent to Piute Pass at 11,423 feet. The first lake is #1 (11,264' elevation) which is the only lake known to hold some Golden Trout. This trail is steep, rugged and difficult to follow. The trail leaves from right next to the toilets, and is very easy to follow. Swim in the river, hike on some trails, fish for your dinner, and enjoy the serene campsites under golden … Contains Goldens 7-10 inches. The Golden Trout lakes offer a scenic getaway just out of the Gallatin Valley Canyon. Golden Trout Lake is a lake in Idaho and has an elevation of 8153 feet. 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. After all, to get to where golden trout live, a long arduous journey is often required. The Hike The trail to Lower Golden Trout Lake starts in a forested area and works it's way westward and uphill for the first 1.4 miles. 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 Golden Trout … Historical Weather. The first lake is #1 (11,264' elevation) which is the only lake known to hold some Golden Trout. Taking the trail fork to the southwest are Golden Trout Lakes #3 and #4 (11,374' elevation). Upper Portal Creek Trailhead Elevation: 8058 feet Golden Trout Lakes Elevation: 9075 feet Total Elevation Gain : 1300 ft USGS Map: Hidden Lake, Lone Indian Peak _____ Golden Trout Lake from Mapcarta, the free map. Please explore responsibly! Contains Goldens 7-10 inches. The nearest weather station for both precipitation and temperature measurements is BISHOP AP which is approximately 22 miles away and has an elevation of 4,102 feet … It is, however, popular with fisherman and some artists. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/golden-trout-lake-loop Some hikes are harder than others - the trek to Lightning Lake (one of the most popular destinations for goldens) is notoriously ridiculous. The trail head is equipped with adequate parking. Fox Creek Cabin is a former ranger station located in a remote area. Golden trout rarely live below 9,000 feet and there aren't many roads that high. The lookout provides a panorami... Overview The Golden Trout lakes offer a scenic getaway just out of the Gallatin Valley Canyon. The lake itself is not that large, but plenty of Golden Trout cruise near the shores and the gothic spires of Raymond Peak offer superb background scenery. Golden Trout Lake is a lake in Idaho and has an elevation of 8153 feet. The final challenge is getting them to eat. The nearest weather station for both precipitation and temperature measurements is INDEPENDE which is approximately 9 miles away and has an elevation of 3,950 feet (7,451 feet lower than Golden Trout Lake). Rough roads to the Golden Trout Lakes It was difficult driving up the road to get to the beginning of the trail, so I recommend a vehicle that can handle the rough road; preferably a truck or AWD. Taking the trail fork to the southwest are Golden Trout Lakes #3 and #4 (11,374' elevation). Golden trout are native to the Kern River watershed in California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, more specifically the Kern Plateau. After passing a large open field (possibly a marsh, depending on weather and time of year), the trail hits a steep section before leveling off for the final approach to the lake. Raymond Lake is somewhat of a hidden gem, because it doesn't appear in many (if any) of the Sierra Nevada hiking books. The Golden Trout Wilderness is a federally designated wilderness area in the Sierra Nevada, in Tulare County and Inyo County, California.It is located 40 miles (64 km) east of Porterville, California within Inyo National Forest and Sequoia National Forest.. Once you get to the beginning of the trail, the hike is a nice little workout until you reach the final location of Golden Trout … Golden trout are most often found in remote, alpine drainages over 9,000 feet in elevation. Golden Trout Lake is displayed on the Kearsarge Peak USGS quad topo map. With just 1,330 feet of elevation gain en route to the lake, this is a desirable destination for day-hikers and a good first camp for backpackers. adventures and follow local regulations. Elevation Change (ft.) Trailhead Locations 101 Hart Lake 0.8 me-dium ... other salmonids such as brown trout, cutthroat trout, golden trout, grayling, rainbow trout, and splake (brook trout-lake trout hybrid) are available to anglers. Sylvan Lake’s golden population is so pure that the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks regularly uses the eggs laid by goldens at Sylvan Lake for stocking other lakes in Montana. Cheyenne - The name golden trout conjures up images of pristine, remote, wilderness, spectacular, sore knees and an aching back. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. First stocked in 1938, the golden trout at Sylvan Lake are well known in Montana for their genetic purity. Golden trout are native only to the Upper Kern River basin in … Golden trout lakes is a 5-mile rout trip hike with the opportunity to fish for Golden Trout. Most of the same techniques used for fishing for trout at lower elevation lakes will work for fishing for Golden Trout. The trail starts off easy and winds past a few small ponds before reaching the cutoff to Hidden Lakes Trail (approx. 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