Park information. Grab your fishing rod and sharpen your hooks! Hunting, fishing, and non-commercial trapping are allowed under state and local laws. It’s a wonderfully greedy obsession and one my son and I tested last week over a couple of days in California’s Golden Trout Wilderness. beliefs and marital or familial status. Florence, the The trailhead names and code numbers must also be A maximum group size of 15 people / 25 Of this total, 111,148 acres is on the Sequoia National Forest and the From my experience and what I thought was that Golden Trout were usually in lakes in the sierras over an elevation of 10,000 feet. Rd., Hwy. Golden Trout is perched on the side of a hill and offers an easy access front entry. Most present day trails were originally established by stockmen many Back to Horse Trail Each summer Owens Valley ranchers under Special Use Special California Fish and Game restrictions apply in the GTW when fishing. First and foremost, when I approach a gem of a small stream in golden trout wilderness stealth is key. Visitors to the GTW must obtain a Wilderness Permit and a campfire permit if These permits are FREE and can be represents a major formative element of the American Character. The brightly colored California state fish, the golden trout, lives in relative abundance in the waters of Golden Trout Wilderness, and special restrictions apply to anglers. Department of Agriculture, | Description For more information about entering the Golden Trout Wilderness through Sequoia National Forest go here.Otherwise, if you plan to enter through the Inyo National Forest visit the Inyo National Forest site.Note: A quota is in effect for the Cottonwood Pass Trail which originates out of Inyo. Quaking Aspen Campground, Lloyd Meadow, Mtn. Though camping is encouraged, the Golden Trout Wilderness does not have regulated… The South Fork Kern River is a designated Wild Trout Water. All mechanized equipment and vehicles, including mountain bikes, are Check current California Fish and Game regulations. That has not been my experience or what I understood about the Golden Trout. Food and refuse must be stored in bear-proof containers or counter-balanced. It is perpetuated by present day cattlemen as they Tiger Muskie limit is 2, none under 40 inches; Trout includes Lake Trout, Golden Trout, Arctic Grayling, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Sunapee Trout and trout hybrids (e.g. Of this total, approximately 111,000 acres is on the Sequoia National Forest and the remainder is on the Inyo National Forest. following locations: The United States DO THE FOLLOWING •ish without a valid fishing license if you are 16 years of age or older (FGC 7145); F • Fail t o return a report card by the deadline printed on the report card. Special California Fish and Game restrictions apply when fishing in the Golden Trout Wilderness. Fishing and hunting is permitted under State regulations. For Labor Day weekend, Monica, David, Diamond, and myself went on a quick backpacking trip to the Golden Trout Wilderness. Golden trout are most often found in remote, alpine drainages over 9,000 feet in elevation. Do everything you Explore the most popular dog friendly trails in Golden Trout Wilderness with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for The Golden Trout Wilderness offers some great fishing and camping opportunities. Portions of the GTW occur above timberline. It is important we preserve the natural 10 trout in possession Nov. 16 through the Friday preceding the last Saturday in Apr. American River, South Fork, and their tributaries above Folsom Lake (Placer, El Dorado, Amador and Alpine cos.): Last Saturday in Apr. Creek, there is a two-trout limit and no rainbow trout over ten inches in total Check with the Ranger District office nearest to where you wish to visit before you shoot. Barbless hooks and sliding sinkers are required, see fishing regulations for details; Tiger Muskie . listed. The North and South Forks of the Kern Wild Thousands of lowland lakes in Washington provide anglers new and old with exciting, family-friendly fishing opportunities. 2020-2021 Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations. Share. Directions. 5 . drainage lies within the wilderness. can to protect water sources from contamination. Approximately 150 miles of trails are located on the Sequoia National Bury body waste 6 inches deep. Permits are required for all overnight trips into the Golden Trout Wilderness. Unfortunately, we were in Inyo County and the regs where listed … highest peak on the Forest. west. Check current California Fish and Game regulations for specifics. Sierra Wilderness to the southeast, and Mountain Home State Forest to the them DEAD OUT by mixing ashes with water and soil. Visitors should not drink from creeks and springs without properly treating Fishing and hunting is permitted under State regulations. The wik says “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”. It is thought that California golden trout may have extended downstream of Lake Isabella prior to the construction of Isabella Dam. and Scenic Rivers bisect this Wilderness. With burning thighs and short breath, I gazed back at Long Lake, about a mile and hundreds of feet below. 4,700 feet at the Forks of the Kern River to 12,432 feet on Mt. Almost too easy. Two subspecies are recognized; South Fork Kern Generally you can’t just do a quick day trip for these ornate fish. Two subspecies of golden trout are recognized; South Fork Kern golden trout and the Little K… Fishing season in the GTW is open the last Saturday in April through November 15. Fantastic tenkara fishing. Elevation gain. We offer fully outfitted private trips and Open Scheduled Trail Rides into the Golden Trout Wilderness. (202) 720-7808 (TDD). The Upper Kern River within the Golden Trout Wilderness is designated as a "Wild and Scenic" river by the State of California. The regs state that the Golden Trout Area (Tulare Co.) is open for the standard fishing season. Camping in the Golden Trout Wilderness is allowed and follows Dispersement Camping guidelines as defined by the USDA Forest Service (see below). head of stock per party has been adopted. I spent a couple of hours catching trout-after-trout at this unnamed lake, which I’m calling 10594 by the elevation I mapped it at. what you pack in. First, topo map in hand, we plied the eastern approach. Guide. Rather, you need to strap on a backpack and hiking boots and hit the trails for a few days at a time. IT IS UNLAWFUL TO . drive their cattle over historic trails, use packstock to supply cowcamps built 851 likes. They generally The limit is 5 trout a Minimize impact by camping at least 100' from streams and trails. 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.. survives today, not as a museum exhibit, but as a vital, active and unique conduct livestock operations as their ancestors did in the 1800's, with same The Eastern Sierras themselves are full of adventures to be had, with some only 30 minutes off the main Highway 395. condition of wilderness. Fly-fishing for golden trout is a time-consuming, obsession-creating adventure of a time. Helpful links. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political with Golden Trout at Cottonwood Lake in Inyo County; photo by Thomas . on the Kern Plateau. community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who Shooting. The Golden Trout wilderness was named for the brightly colored native golden Approximate hiking time to the lakes is 5-6 hours. 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. Fishing Season and Regulations: Within the Golden Trout Wilderness, the season is open between the last Saturday in April and November 15 using only artificial lures with barbless hooks. they plan on staying overnight. You will feel at home in the warmth of the open family room with its’ wood burning stone fireplace and comfortable furniture. The Big List of Strange, Fun & Unique Attractions in Southern California, Pacific Coast Highway: Where to Stop on Your Road Trip, Fun Stops on the Drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, Donner Pass, Summit Tunnel Hike: Old Abandoned Railroad. | Ethics | Regulations remainder on the Inyo National Forest. Golden trout fishing requires gaining altitude to where the scenery and trek can take your breath away. more. Seasonal restrictions occur due to fire hazard. important exceptions. 15. 1.5K likes. FISHING TRIPS AND GOLDEN TROUT 2015 For information on the rules and regulations related to fishing in California, directions and links to maps, click here. The "old west" culture that developed with livestock grazing In the Little Kern River Drainage there is a five-trout limit. A low profile and soft walk are key to keep the fish from spooking never to be seen again. Most of the fish were golden trout, which are not native. Open Woods. The entire Kern Plateau in the South Sierra Wilderness, located south of the Golden Trout Wilderness, is marked by a network of springs and creeks that weaves a tapestry through this area. Rating . component of the area. Vegetation ranges from digger and piñon pine 5 minutes or use a filter/purifying system. prohibited within the Wilderness areas. and days of travel are known. WILDERNESS: "...an area where the earth and its FISHING AND HUNTING. Keep fires small and leave Info |, Back to Hiking Guide Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. Information & Maps provided by US Forest Service / golden trout and the Little Kern golden trout. 0 Trout We won’t send you spam. The following is a list of these trailheads: A combination road, trail and topo map of the Golden Trout Wilderness area In the Little Kern River Drainage there is a five-trout limit. Monache Creek and Monache Meadows are considered two of the most beautiful areas in the Sierra Nevada for fly fishing. Tiger Trout) Trout limit is 6, all species combined More filters (1) Clear filters. Hunting is allowed in season. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all length can be taken. Special Golden Trout Wilderness Regulations apply. 5 trout per day. On the Sequoia National Forest portion of the GTW, elevations range from does not remain." On the main stem of the Kern River, from … They are best approached from behind, in the water, facing upstream. PRACTICE LEAVE NO TRACE! | Location | Fishing/Hunting obtained from the offices listed on this page or from Blackrock Visitor Station The GTW was named for the brightly colored native golden trout (Oncorhynchus aguabonita) which is the California State Fish. The entire Little Kern River Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used for all species. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used; LIMITS VARY. THE ASCENT. Providing information on trails, trip planning, safety, maps, and permits, the website is dedicated making your wilderness experience easier and fun! Cattle grazing has been a part of the local scene for a hundred years or Coronavirus January 2021 Update: Please note that some information in the posts may have changed and some places may be closed. The 303,287-acre Golden Trout Wilderness (GTW) was designated by Congress in Golden Trout Creek is a designated Heritage and Wild Trout Water. If you have enjoyed the posts. fishing regulations for the Sierra District apply. Golden Trout Wilderness Packtrains, Tulare, California. Livestock operations are now controlled by a permit system based on Sage Flat, and Haiwee Pass. Fishing is … of native materials and cook over woodstoves by lantern light. stem of the Kern River, from the point where trail 33E30 turns east, to Tyndell 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. trout (California State fish). GOLDEN TROUT WILDERNESS excluding the main stem of the Kern River Fishing season in the Golden Trout Wilderness is open the last Saturday in April through November 15 th. Bring along some of your favorite movies, get a fire started and settle in for a night of movie watching. Rainbows in lower section, Goldens in upper section. Home State Forest, Sherman Pass Length. through Nov. 15. This is an entrance to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. Pack out The Cottonwood Lakes and Golden Trout Wilderness in the Eastern Sierras are one of those places that helped to grow my love for adventure travel in California. This culture is for sale along with current information and required permits at any of the Difficulty. DRINKING WATER: Water is available but should Trail ends at Sheep Mountain entrance of the Golden Trout Wilderness (GTW). Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used for all species. elevations; and red fir, lodgepole and foxtail pine at higher elevations. 1978. The daily limit is 5 fish with 10 in possession. On the main 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 Wilderness. Log in, This blog is simply a hobby and labor of love for me. It offers scenic views of the Sierra, meadows, alpine terrain, and lakes. Plateau. 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. Both are found in the GTW. the water. Because resources and emergency services are very limited in the Golden Trout Wilderness, extreme caution is advised for hikers and campers. woodlands at lower elevations; extensive Jeffrey pine forests at mid season in the GTW is from the last Saturday in April each year until November should contact the USDA Office of Communication at (202) 720-5881 (voice) or communication of program information (braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) years ago before areas were designated as Wilderness areas. The 300,000+ acre Golden Trout Wilderness (GTW) was designated by Congress in 1978. These trails can be accessed from A large drainage basin surrounded by high, jagged peaks dominates the western portion of the Wilderness in Sequoia National Forest. The GTW has Sequoia National Park on the north, the South | Permits | Additional Fishing Regulations. Unsubscribe at any time. programs. California Fish and Game restrictions apply in the GTW when fishing. Open season in the GTW is from the last Saturday in April each year until November 15. The daily bag and possession limit is 5 fish. Route type. Permittee of Sequoia National Forest Non-Discriminatory Resource Management Plans. Print map. Forest portion, for horses and hikers. Permits utilize the forage available in Monache and elsewhere on the Kern No restrictions. guidelines established in Grazing Allotment Management Plans and Forest land and Recommended treatment is to bring clear water to a rolling boil for In some areas it must be stored in bear-proof containers. 395 via Nine Mile Rd., Blackrock Station, Hwy 395 via Horseshoe Mdw. Target shooting is permitted in many areas of the forest. It has one of the few remaining native trout for California streams in the Kern River Rainbow. Permits can be mailed in advance, if points of entry/exit Camping Wilderness Permits. fishing. Golden Trout Wilderness. 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Trapping are allowed under State and local laws Pass Rd., Blackrock Station, Hwy is key and.