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As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The day hike to Blue Lake is very popular. Located in Yosemite National Park about two miles north of the Tioga Pass entrance to the park, Tioga Lake is a tranquil retreat if you want to escape the more crowded Yosemite Valley. By continuing to use this website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. From South Lake, you can hike to many beautiful alpine lakes in the region. Golden trout are native to California. But the best sound by far was the wind whistling through the pass just south of here all night long. Look for wildlife and birds! He caught his 1st golden trout! From left to right (beginning with the first entirely visible peak) are Rosy Finch Peak, Pyramid Peak, Bear Creek Spire, Pip Squeak Spire and Mt. There are thousands of lakes and reservoirs in California, so no matter which part of the Golden State you are visiting, odds are there are a few beautiful lakes nearby you can explore. From iconic Lake Tahoe to charming June Lake, there are so many lovely lakes in California to visit that you could explore a new one every weekend for a long time! Little Kern golden trout are still found in their native habitat in the Little Kern River. A short two years ago, there was a cloud of gloom hanging over California trout anglers. They provide a unique opportunity to catch a beautiful fish in a pristine environment. Success! Be Kind to These, the Last of the Tallest Trees. What they eat and when. Dade. What you may not know is that the golden trout was also stocked in Colorado back in the 70s and 80s. These trout have been transplanted to lakes have been recorded up to 11 pounds. Boating and fishing are the two most popular activities at South Lake. We made basecamp at Chickenfoot Lake. Located in the Shasta Cascade region of northeastern California, Shasta Lake is a reservoir, created by the damming of the Sacramento River. I stayed up each night to watch the moon rise — it was too good a show to miss, especially from my front row seat at Penthouse Camp. This wilderness contains all of the Little Kern River’s drainage as well as the North and South Fork of the Kern River plus 117 miles of streams; the Golden Trout Wilderness is a true trout haven. Why not rent an RV and spend a few days at one of these beautiful lakes? Part of the John Muir Wilderness, this glaciated landscape is surrounded by jagged spires of granite and dotted with alpine lakes. Lake Tahoe is so stunning that it is a must-stop spot on any California road trip itinerary that includes the eastern portion of the Golden State. Others, like Tenaya Lake, are protected inside a national park. Cook lake. You can also walk the trail around the lake. White bass fishing is popular. My dad leading the way on the leisurely hike out, probably thinking about all the fish he caught and not much else. But no matter the location, every single lake in California we have visited so far has been an experience to treasure. Common Destinations: Golden Trout Lakes . You can swim in the lake, go boating or fish for trout. Trout and catfish are most abundant here among a few others. Originally native to the high Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, golden trout have been introduced to a number of high altitude mountain lakes throughout Western North America. Golden trout are native to the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California and they are California's state fish. Golden trout eat the same things that other trout … The reservoir has a beautiful setting and if you visit in the spring, you will see lots of wildflowers. You will find campgrounds at or near most of the lakes we have listed here. For day hikers, Kearsarge Pass is the main destination (4 miles), and the four scenic lakes en route, with other options being to descend a little way into Kings Canyon National Park to the Kearsarge Lakes, to climb the nearby summit of Mt Scott (off-trail), or to take a much less traveled path to Golden Trout Lake, in a side canyon north of Onion Valley. Gunther leading the way, with my dad close behind, as we hike back over Morgan Pass on our way to camp after a successfull afternoon of fishing. Notably, the fish were transported and proliferated within a number of lakes in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, though the species has since been largely hybridized with other trout species outside its native territory. This trout is usually found in clear, cool waters at elevations higher than 6,890 ft. 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 Lakes. The first night I slept here, I was awoken by a pack of coyotes howling as they ran through the rocky canyon below (my dad had a bear poking around his tent that same night). Joseph caught the remarkable trout on July 20th using a wet fly (rigged on spinning tackle). It is unknown whether California golden trout naturally occurred in the Kern River, although it is likely that some level of movement occurred between these formerly connected rivers. The ideal habitat for a golden trout is clear cool lakes and streams above 6,600’, but above 10,000’ is your best chance at catching one. We ate beef stroganaf and watched rings appear then vanish as trout fed in Checkenfoot Lake. With a picture postcard location at the base of tall peaks, Convict Lake is a darling of sunrise photographers. 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. We stayed at Mosquito Flat Backpacker Campground, which is reserved for backpackers carrying wilderness permits. Average Size of Golden Trout. You can swim and boat in Mono Lake. These are the Kern River rainbow trout, which is found in the Kern River system and the Little Kern golden trout, which is found in the Little Kern River Basin.These three trout are referred to sometimes as the golden trout complex.. In the summer, you can go swimming, boating, windsurfing, and waterskiing. Golden Trout. This trail is steep, rugged and difficult to follow. At this time, places may be closed and information is constantly changing. It’s interesting how two lakes in the same valley just a couple miles apart can feel so different. Just a few miles from Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada mountains is another gorgeous lake: Donner Lake. Golden trout creek. (Photo by Ron Sinfelt) The fishing outlook is promising, and these California trout destinations have been producing great angling action. Lake Tahoe has to be number one on any list of lakes in California. Those that have been transplanted to lakes get somewhat larger. A few years ago, trout anglers in California had a huge dark cloud hanging above their heads. Golden Trout Lake Loop, Independence: Address, Golden Trout Lake Loop Review: 4/5 Located in Lassen Volcanic National Park, Manzanita Lake is another picture postcard lake, especially on a still day when Lassen Peak is perfectly reflected in it. As an AirBnB associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Kayaks and pedal boats are available to rent. Pitt river. There are many beautiful hiking trails around Lake Sabrina, some of them leading to beautiful alpine lakes! Golden Trout Extracted from the California Dept of FIsh and Wildlife: The golden trout is the State Freshwater Fish of California and has long been recognized for its unparalleled beauty. Golden trout are native to California. 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