Hi FNNers!
Full trout fishing video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n09o86gcipQ
This trip took place in early January, but I am just now getting to post it. One other FNN member and I hiked in for several hours to reach a secluded Angeles National Forest mountain stream. No trail, just scrambling over boulders and 'rock hopping' up the creek. We found some amazing fishing locations: crystal clear pools, sparkling water, and eager trout.
Our lures were simple: microjigs or flylined hooks with a small plastic trout worm. Plenty of missed strikes, but we managed to land well over 15 wild trout, each! The hike was fairly arduous but definitely well worth it. I can't wait to go back!
Most interesting was the coloration on the trout. We ran into two distinct trout during this trip and I would like to ask you all about these. Half of the fish we landed were typical rainbow trout. Most of these were quite well fed, proportioned well and healthy-looking.
However, the other half of fish we caught were fairly unusual. They were very golden-colored, with a thick red/pink stripe over the body and most of the gill.
They were also almost always the 'dominant' fish in the pools that we found 'em in, being the largest and taking up the 'best' spot to ambush prey. They also had large heads but bodies that were fairly skinny in proportion to the rest. This was in sharp contrast to the 'typical' rainbows, which were much more silver and had a faint light pink band.
Unfortunately, my photos didn't really capture the colors on these fish as well. You can see a few of them in the video and the best shot of one of these 'golden' trout is here:
(will post later tonight)
Edit: Posted:
The is the closet shot I have, sadly.
I'm curious as to whether these were some sort of 'hybrid' trout, true Golden trout, or something even more interesting, like a Lahontan Cutthroat? What do you think?
Finally, just FYI: If you recognize this location, please keep it secret. These wild fish won't last with any sustained pressure. Feel free to PM me if you want to discuss the actual body of water, but not just 'plz tell me where this spot is?"
Tight lines!
Also, I have one more closeup shot that shows the trout much better. It's sitting on another computer right now, I'll upload it to the thread once I return.
Finally, if you missed it at the top of the page, here is the video I shot of the trip, with some close up shots of the fish in question: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n09o86gcipQ