Wild Golden Trout in Los Angeles National Forest (perhaps?): Trout Report

[carpanglerdude]

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

[Viejo]

Ah the fantasy fish....Rainbow trout in spawning colors or just adapting to their surroundings but no Cuttbow/Brook/Golden Brown hybrid.

I am constantly amazed at folks who continuously post these "look at me" shots and then ask folks not to fish it cuz it won't sustain any pressure. ("Finally, just FYI: If you recognize this location, please keep it secret. These wild fish won't last with any sustained pressure.") It would only take five "bros" to clean those fish out of that section of %&(#$#@ creek. You know....the ones who would never tell anyone else and always practice C & R.

Sorry man....it just don't make sense.

[troutsniffer]

I go once a month. Lot's of nice trout there. PM me if your interested in hiking directions

[fishmounter]

There is a waterway up above the Los Angeles/Inland Empire area that has Rainbows AND Brown Trout. (And Rattlesnakes too!) I have held the Browns in my hands and I know fish very well. Don't want to say if your fishing spot is the place, but YES, there are Browns above the LA basin area. Not many, but enough to sustain themselves if there is not too much fishing pressure. That trout in your second pic looks like a Brown, but I'd need to see a better closer, clearer shot to tell for sure. Hey nice pics, looks like you guys had a good time.

[WAHBAM]

I am so jealous, I've been looking for a trail for something like this actually.

[carpanglerdude]

Ah the fantasy fish....Rainbow trout in spawning colors or just adapting to their surroundings but no Cuttbow/Brook/Golden Brown hybrid.

I am constantly amazed at folks who continuously post these "look at me" shots and then ask folks not to fish it cuz it won't sustain any pressure. ("Finally, just FYI: If you recognize this location, please keep it secret. These wild fish won't last with any sustained pressure.") It would only take five "bros" to clean those fish out of that section of %&(#$#@ creek. You know....the ones who would never tell anyone else and always practice C & R.

Sorry man....it just don't make sense.

Thanks, interesting to learn about that change in coloration.

Viejo, I understand where you are coming from and you know my opinion on this. As long as I feel a spot is adequately hidden away in the video/photos, I feel considerably less concerned about the 'bros' locating it. That, and the several hour long hike are fairly effective deterrents.

I've received a lot of positive feedback for my videos on hidden waterways, both urban and rural. Most memorable amongst these was an individual thanking me for allowing him to again experience the great outdoors, since he was physically handicapped from doing so as he used to. Call it naive, but getting to share such an experience and bless others with it, while taking adequate steps to keep an area hidden, seems like the right thing to do.

I've added the new photo better showing off the trout's colors

[FKNChristopH]

Whoa...

Awesome shots and adventure brotha.

*shakka*

[CrownTown]

The off colored ones sort of look like rainbow/brown hybrids, very pretty fish for around here. Some even look like they have a slight hook jaw, pretty cool. Thanks for the report

[Ifishtoolittle]

The off colored ones sort of look like rainbow/brown hybrids, very pretty fish for around here. Some even look like they have a slight hook jaw, pretty cool.

So what you're saying is that the rainbow was too big for the brown to eat, and the brown ended up mating with it? LOL

[Stalker Of Fish]

Thanks, interesting to learn about that change in coloration.

Viejo, I understand where you are coming from and you know my opinion on this. As long as I feel a spot is adequately hidden away in the video/photos, I feel considerably less concerned about the 'bros' locating it. That, and the several hour long hike are fairly effective deterrents.

I've received a lot of positive feedback for my videos on hidden waterways, both urban and rural. Most memorable amongst these was an individual thanking me for allowing him to again experience the great outdoors, since he was physically handicapped from doing so as he used to. Call it naive, but getting to share such an experience and bless others with it, while taking adequate steps to keep an area hidden, seems like the right thing to do.

I've added the new photo better showing off the trout's colors

I gotta ask what's with the masked fisherman photos ? I understand keeping your spot on the D.L. but your face?
Unless you have been featured on Americas most wanted or are an aspiring Taliban apprentice I have to wonder why .
I am new here so maybe there is a great reason for it . If so I would like to know . By the way some people are savy enough
to use foliage clues to find areas as well as geological and other natural clues so be advised a picture does speak a thousand words
to those who care to listen . I keep my guesses to my self but I think it's fun to use clues and try and name the spot .
I enjoyed your post and am glad you provide someone disabled a means to experience Wild Trout fishing !
Koudos on a great writeup I love river and stream fishing more than any other .
Thanks