The Native Trout Waters of California Details Six of the State’S Most Scenic, Diverse, and Significant Native Trout Fisheries

Michael Carl The Ecological Angler

www.ecoangler.com TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUTION – THE ORIGINAL SIX 4

ABOUT THE BOOK 4

CLAVEY RIVER 5

BACKGROUND 6 TROUT POPULATION DATA 6 STREAM POPULATIONS, REGULATIONS, AND ACCESS 7 DIRECTIONS TO REACH SEGMENT 3 AND 4 (E.G., BRIDGE CROSSING CLAVEY RIVER): 7 AREA MAP 8 CLAVEY RIVER FLOW STATISTICS 9 FISHING TECHNIQUES 9

EAGLE LAKE 10

BACKGROUND 11 BIG TROUT FOOD – TUI CHUBS 11 REGULATIONS AND ACCESS 11 DIRECTIONS TO EAGLE LAKE FROM RED BLUFF, CALIFORNIA: 11 AREA MAP 12 PRODUCTIVE TIMES AND ZONES TO FISH 13 FISHING TECHNIQUES 13 SPALDING TRACT – TOPO MAP 14 PIKES POINT – TOPO MAP 15

GOLDEN TROUT CREEK 16

OVERVIEW OF THE WATERSHED 17 ABUNDANCE OF CALIFORNIA GOLDEN TROUT 17 CALIFORNIA GOLDEN TROUT GENETIC DATA 17 STREAM POPULATIONS, REGULATIONS, AND ACCESS 18 DIRECTIONS TO COTTONWOOD PASS TRAILHEAD 18 AREA MAP 19 PHOTO JOURNAL – COTTONWOOD PASS TO TUNNEL MEADOW 20 FISHING TECHNIQUES 23 HEENAN LAKE 24

BACKGROUND 25 FLY ANGLER STATISTICS – 2007 SEASON (8/3/07 TO 10/28/07) 26 REGULATIONS AND ACCESS 27 AREA MAP 27 DIRECTIONS 27 PRODUCTIVE ZONES TO FISH 28 FISHING TECHNIQUES 28

UPPER KERN RIVER 29

BACKGROUND 30 KERN RIVER RAINBOWS 30 DISTRIBUTION OF KERN RIVER RAINBOWS 30 STREAM POPULATIONS, REGULATIONS AND ACCESS 31 MAP – LLOYD MEADOW ROAD TO FORKS OF THE KERN 32 SPOTLIGHT – FORKS OF THE KERN 33 DIRECTIONS AND TRAIL DESCRIPTION 33 RECOMMENDED FISHING GEAR 33

UPPER TRUCKEE RIVER 35

OVERVIEW OF THE WATERSHED 36 ABUNDANCE AND SIZE OF LAHONTAN CUTTHROAT 37 STREAM POPULATIONS, REGULATIONS, ACCESS & DISTANCE 37 DIRECTIONS TO REACH TRAILHEAD: 38 AREA MAP 39 TRAIL DESCRIPTION 40 FISHING TECHNIQUES 40

Introduction – The Original Six The Native Trout Waters of California details six of the state’s most scenic, diverse, and significant native trout fisheries. In fact, the California Fish and Game Commission designated these same six as California Heritage Trout waters on April 5, 1999. The Original Six, as I refer to them, are:

 Clavey River  Eagle Lake  Golden Trout Creek  Heenan Lake  Upper Kern River  Upper Truckee River

The key ingredient to the state’s designation and my motivation for writing this book is of course the unique species of trout residing in each of the above places. Each of these lakes or streams hold only indigenous strains of native trout. The various native trout are:

 Coastal rainbow trout (Clavey River)  Eagle Lake rainbow trout (Eagle Lake)  California golden trout (Golden Trout Creek)  Lahontan cutthroat trout (Heenan Lake & Upper Truckee River)  Kern River rainbow trout (Upper Kern River)

California is home to 11 unique kinds of native trout, and you’ll find descriptions for five of these native trout in the pages that follow. Whether your goal is completing the California Heritage Trout Challenge, or just finding some of the Sierra Nevada’s most scenic stretches of water to wet a line, The Native Trout Waters of California will help you reach your goal.

About the Book The book’s chapters describe each of the six waters listed above. Each chapter includes:

 Background – an overview of the watershed and its significance  Description of Native Trout  Stream Population  Regulations  Access  Area Map  Directions and Trail Description  Fishing Techniques

Some chapters contain extra material including - Angling Statistics and a Photographic Journal.

CLAVEY RIVER

“The Clavey River may be the only ‘rainbow trout’ river left, in the Sierra Nevada, with its original fish assemblage still intact and relatively unaffected by introduced species.”

-- Clavey River: Wild and Scenic River Value Review (December 1997)

Background The Clavey River represents one of the first streams in California to be designated as a Wild Trout Stream by California’s Department of Fish and Game in 1972. By definition, wild trout streams are purely self-sustaining trout fisheries and are not supplemented by stocking of hatchery fish. Evidence supports that nearly the entire Clavey River basin contains only native rainbows. These native rainbows inhabit the length of the Clavey and its tributaries which are capable of supporting cold water fish.

Besides forward looking fisheries management on this river, the complete lack of dams and diversions has been a key factor in maintaining the native fish assemblage.

Trout Population Data Rainbow trout population sampling data is broken up over the following segments of the Wild and Scenic stretch as:

Segment 3 - Clavey River from Bell & Lily Creek to Road 3N01 ( 5 mi.)

Segment 4 - Clavey River from Road 3N01 to Cottonwood Road ( 8 mi. )

Segment 5 - Clavey River from Cottonwood Road to Tuolumne River (16 mi.)

Surveys found only rainbow trout in the upstream Segments 3 and 4. Expanded population estimates have ranged from about 2,000 to over 5,000 trout per mile. The samples from these areas have been comprised of mostly smaller trout. Rainbow trout over six inches in length are usually about 10 to 15 percent of the total captured. The habitats sampled in the index stations are largely shallow riffle, run, and boulder-pocket water. Deep pools have not been evaluated in this sampling. It is likely that larger trout are concentrated in the deeper habitats found in the more remote, lower and middle parts of the river (Segments 4 – 5). The population data is presented in detail below along with fishing regulations and access points. Stream Populations, Regulations, and Access Stream Segment Trout per Mile Trout per Mile Fishing Access Larger than Regulations 150mm

Segment 3 2177 428 last Saturday in Forest Service April to mid- Road 3N01 to November Clavey River Bridge. (Note: road access subject to winter closure.)

Segment 4 4327 524 last Saturday in Forest Service April to mid- Road 3N01 to November Clavey River Bridge. (Note: road access subject to winter closure.)

Segment 5 1512 283 last Saturday in Cottonwood Road April to mid- to Clavey River. November

Directions to reach Segment 3 and 4 (e.g., bridge crossing Clavey River): 1. From Mi-Wuk, California, take State Route 108 east 3.6 miles to Long Barn and follow 108 Business signs.

2. Turn right after signs onto Long Barn Rd and go 1.2 miles to Merrill Springs Rd.

3. Turn right, onto Merrill Springs Rd (Forest Route 31 or Road 3N01)

4. For overnight stays consider camping at Hull Creek Campground. From Long Barn Rd go 10 miles to campground on left. (Note: The campground stretches along the seasonal Hull Creek through Douglas fir and other conifers. The campground is crisscrossed by ATV tracks giving evidence of this campground's OHV/ATV popularity.)

5. Otherwise proceed past Hull Creek Campground for several more miles until you reach the bridge crossing the Clavey. Area Map

Clavey River Flow Statistics Statistics of monthly flow discharge (CFS) for water years 1987 to 1994 on the Clavey River near Long Barn, California.

Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep

Mean 7.47 9.20 12.1 30.9 42.7 158 243 201 71.9 15.9 1.92 1.53

Max 44.9 21.8 25.7 133 93 331 392 414 216 61.0 5.50 7.70

Year 1990 1990 1988 1993 1993 1989 1993 1993 1993 1993 1993 1989

Min 0.11 1.04 1.47 2.68 4.95 67.7 151 97.4 15.0 2.12 0.30 0.11

Year 1989 1991 1987 1991 1991 1987 1988 1992 1992 1987 1987 1988

Based on historic flows over this period, the optimal time to fish the Clavey River would be mid-June through July. The critical factors in this recommendation are (1) access to the river, and (2) water temperatures. The upper Clavey at flows below 100 cfs will permit the angler the greatest access since the watershed is difficult to fish without the ability to wade and cross the river at multiple points. If the flows are up, then your wading access along the river might be limited. The Clavey should be fishable even at higher flows, but you will need to carefully pick your spots and use caution when wading.

The other factor to consider is water temp. As flows drop in July, the water temp will begin to climb throughout the summer. Temperatures near or above 70 degrees will put stress on this fishery.

Fishing Techniques Catching these native rainbows is not difficult. Keep your gear simple and light and your approach low and quiet. As wild fish, these rainbows will spook and look for cover if they hear or see you. Look for pools, behind structure and tail-outs feeding into deeper water. Gear requirements:

 3 to 4 wt. rod.

 9 ft. leader in the 5X to 6X range.

 Dry flies such as a size 18 Griffin’s Gnat, size 16 elk hair caddis or a size 12 stimulator. All must be barbless.

Keep the casting to a minimum and be sure to get a drag-free drift and you’ll be rewarded with a lightening quick grab.

EAGLE LAKE

Background Eagle Lake is located in northeastern California about 16 miles north of Susanville in Lassen County. Eagle Lake is the only large natural lake in California that contains solely native fish species. Eagle is also the second largest freshwater lake completely within California. Eagle has an above average level of alkaline (pH 8.4 – 9.6) which the Eagle Lake rainbow are uniquely adapted to live in.

Currently, Eagle Lake rainbow populations are completely supported by hatchery plantings. Spawning adults are trapped as they swim up Pine Creek. The hatchery operation is required because of the degraded flows and spawning habitat within Pine Creek. The operation began in 1950 with 2,000 eggs raised and hatched from a single adult fish. Typically these hatchery fish get released into the lake in the spring time at an age of about 1 year.

Big Trout Food – Tui Chubs Large tui chubs live in open waters throughout Eagle Lake and can be sighted swimming just below the surface at times. The chubs are a critical food source to the larger rainbows, especially in late summer when high surface temperatures confine trout to deeper areas. Trout here also consume large amounts of leeches, aquatic snails, and damsels.

Adult chubs have a distinct migration pattern in Eagle Lake. In the spring they move from deep water at the south end of the lake to the shallows where they spawn on submerged aquatic plants. After spawning, the adults return to deep water again. So when thinking of fishing Eagle at or near opening day, think of fishing a minnow pattern (light colored) around the shallows.

Regulations and Access California Fishing Regulations for Eagle Lake's fishing season is the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend to December 31. All tributaries to Eagle Lake open for fishing on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend. Other regulations to note:

 No fishing is allowed in Pine Creek below Highway 44 to the mouth of pine Pine Creek on Eagle Lake.  No fishing inside the breakwater jetty at the Eagle Lake Marina.  No fishing in the Pine Creek Slough between the egg collection facility and the lake.

Directions to Eagle Lake from Red Bluff, California: From Red Bluff, drive east on Highway 36 toward Susanville. Three miles before Susanville, turn left on Eagle Lake Road (County Road Alternative 1) and drive 15.5 miles to County Road 231 and process two miles to the Aspen Grove Campground or continue for less than a mile until you reach the boat ramp and parking area at the Eagle Lake Marina.

Area Map

Productive Times and Zones to Fish The most productive times to fly fish for Eagle Lake rainbow trout can be the fall and early winter. As the water temperature gets cooler (i.e. ideal range 53 to 63 F. degrees), the larger fish move closer to the edges of the lake and can be sighted in 5 to 10 feet of water. Ideal conditions would also include cloud cover and some ripple (i.e., wind) on the water. The more productive zones to explore are:

 Halfmoon Beach east to Sandy Beach - from the mouth of Pine Creek around the shore to Rocky Point. (Reference the SPALDING TRACT detailed topo map at end of this report.)

 Spalding - from the Marina along the shore to South of the Spalding Airstrip. (Reference the SPALDING TRACT detailed topo map at end of this report.)

 Pine Cove to Pikes Point - along the shore between Merrill Campground and Eagle Lake Marina. (Reference the PIKES POINT detailed topo map at end of this report.)

Fishing Techniques Even with excellent access from the shore, I would highly recommend fishing Eagle Lake from a pontoon boat or float-tube. You’ll cover more of the shoreline in far less time and have an easier time placing and retrieving your flies. A word of caution – please check weather report before heading out on Eagle Lake. Eagle Lake sits just below 6000 feet and the area typically experiences high-winds, cold temperatures and storms in the fall and winter seasons. Other gear requirements:

 6 wt. / 9’ 6” fly rod is ideal.

 Floating line and Intermediate sinking line / 9 ft. 4X leader . If targeting rainbows in swallow water, then use a floating line.

 Wet flies such as a size 16 Jay Fair Wiggle Tail are my go-to flies on Eagle. (An olive colored Wiggle Tail is pictured to the right.) I found rust- colored or burnt orange to be the most effective colors. These bright oranges imitate an egg-bearing damsel (e.g., more protein for the fish).

 Various streamer patterns such as size 12 Wooly Buggers in a variety of colors but especially lighter colors to pattern the tui chub that the larger Eagle Lake trout go nuts for.

The wiggle tail essentially imitates a swimming damsel nymph. Tie a wiggle tail and let it act like a suspended damsel by letting it sink to about 8 feet below the water. Then do a slow retrieve using a count and retrieve technique with medium sized pulls and 3-4 second pauses between retrievals.

Spalding Tract – Topo Map

Pikes Point – Topo Map

GOLDEN TROUT CREEK “Although Golden Trout Creek is now a tributary to the main Kern River, it was once a tributary to the South Fork Kern. Thousands of years ago, a lava flow blocked Golden Trout Creek from its connection to the South Fork and diverted it to the main Kern River. The trout of Golden Trout Creek are obviously derived from the South Fork Kern golden trout. As such, the golden trout of Golden Trout Creek are classified… O.m. aguabonita.”

-- Trout and Salmon of North America, Robert J. Behnke

Overview of the Watershed The sources of Golden Trout Creek are on the slopes of Cirque Peak and the various cirques at the south end of the High Sierras at a range of 10,000 to 13,000 feet. Several small streams come together near a series of broad meadows south of Cirque Peak to form the headwaters of Golden Trout Creek. From its headwaters, Golden Trout Creek flows southwest for a distance of about 8 miles and then turns more westerly and drops about 2600 ft. over another 8 mile run down to the Kern River.

The upper section of the creek meanders through a succession of alpine meadows – the largest of these meadows called “Big Whitney Meadow.” In this relatively level section of Golden Trout Creek, the water flows gently with the occasional rapid, and small cascades boosting the current and the oxygen level of the water. From its headwaters to its intersection with the western end of Tunnel Meadows, the creek drops about 1,300 to 1,600 ft. (This section is highlighted in both the map and the photo journal provided later in the report.) The lower section – running west of Tunnel Meadows to its confluence with the Kern River – is markedly different. Rapids, cascades, and sheer falls of large proportions and natural beauty follow each other in a series of drops. Only in Groundhog Meadow and a few smaller meadows are any quiet reaches found.

Abundance of California Golden Trout Following the first California Department of Fish and Game habitat management plan in 1965, a fish survey of Golden Trout Creek estimated about 2,400 to 15,600 California golden trout in a 19 mile stretch. In other words, some stream segments held up to 821 trout per mile. Since that initial survey, studies indicate that about three miles of Golden Trout Creek hold between 400 to 2,600 genetically “true” golden trout today.

California Golden Trout Genetic Data Recent studies of California Golden Trout (CAGT) in the two major drainage systems that comprise their native range -- Golden Trout Creek and the South Fork Kern River -- used a single copy nuclear (SCN) DNA marker and a suite of six microsatellite loci to evaluate levels of introgression in populations both within and outside of the native range. These studies identified low-level, localized introgression in the Golden Trout Creek drainage, specifically in headwater lakes (and associated tributaries) that had been previously stocked with hybridized CAGT (Cordes et al. 2006). On the other hand, the South Fork Kern River exhibited a hybridization gradient, with relatively high levels of introgression (50- 80%) in the lowest reaches of the mainstem South Fork Kern River and decreasing levels (1-13%) further upstream to headwater populations (Cordes et al. in press)

Stream Populations, Regulations, and Access

Stream Trout per Introgression Fishing Access Distance Segment Mile Regulations (one way)

Headwaters to NA Low - Populations last Saturday in Cottonwood Pass 6.5 Miles to Big Whitney threatened in April through Trailhead (*) Big Whitney Meadow Johnson Creek, November 15. Meadow Barigan Stringer, & Stokes Stringer

Big Whitney 133 to 867 Very low to no last Saturday in Cottonwood Pass 13.2 Miles to Meadow to introgression. April through Trailhead to Big Tunnel Tunnel November 15. Whitney Meadow Meadow Meadow(*) Guard Station

Tunnel 133 to 867 Pure populations last Saturday in Cottonwood Pass 17.2 Miles to Meadow to in Volcano Creek April through to Tunnel Little Whitney Little Whitney & Golden Trout November 15. Meadow(*) Meadow Meadow Creek at Little Whitney Meadow

(*) Note – Wilderness Permits are required for overnight stays leaving the Cottonwood Pass Trailhead. A quota is in effect for the Cottonwood Pass Trail in the Golden Trout Wilderness. This quota applies to all overnight visitors, whether you use the services of a commercial outfitter/guide or not. This quota remains in effect from the last Friday in June through September 15. Permits are issued in advance at the Mount Whitney Ranger Station located just south of Lone Pine off Highway 395.

Directions to Cottonwood Pass Trailhead 1. From Lone Pine, California off Highway 396 the trailhead is approx. 24 miles. (Note: check road conditions, but the road to the trailhead is usually open late May to late October.)

2. If headed South on Highway 395, turn left (headed west) on Whitney Portal Road at the traffic signal in the center of Lone Pine.

3. Drive 3.5 miles and turn left (headed south) on Horseshoe Meadow Road.

4. Continue driving up the steep grade for about 20 miles to the campground and Cottonwood Pass Trailhead parking area. (A right turn leads to Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead, so drive straight at this junction.)

Area Map

Photo Journal – Cottonwood Pass to Tunnel Meadow

The ascent to the top of Cottonwood Pass yields this view looking east toward Horseshoe Meadows.

The last few switchbacks leading to Cottonwood Pass. As you can see in the photograph the trail consists of sand, gravel, and rock. The photo was taken in the morning and was heavily sun exposed (i.e., early morning departure will be cooler). A mix of lodgepole and foxtail pines provide some relief from the sun.

Reaching the pass at 11,200 feet and looking west – the edge of Big Whitney Meadow comes into view (left-center of photograph). At this point you will have hiked about 3 miles and climbed about 1,350 feet to reach Cottonwood Pass.

Ah yes, backpack is off and fly rod is strung up. The golden brown grass in late October covers Big Whitney Meadow. Cirque Peak rises up to form the headwaters as Golden Trout Creek meanders just below the meadow grass.

Golden Trout Creek cuts a narrow path through the top of Big Whitney Meadow. The flows are not fast, but the water has cut a fairly deep channel with some undercut banks along its route. These undercut banks hold some of the larger adult California goldens. A size 16 or 18, tan Elk hair caddis drifted along these edges will draw consistent takes.

At the southern edge of Big Whitney Meadow, Golden Trout Creek gathers more volume from other stringers. Angling paradise? With Cirque Peak raising along the northern horizon, thousands of golden trout go about their day – looking for insects to eat. Keep a low profile when approaching and casting to these wild fish.

Flowing south toward Tunnel Meadows the character of Golden Trout Creek transforms. As the photograph to the left shows, the creek cascades down through larger boulders forming small pools and pocket water. Casting becomes difficult with surrounding trees and willows lining the edges. A short “dapping” of a stimulator or EHC will get the attention of the residents lying behind structure here.

Fishing Techniques Catching these native golden trout is not difficult. Keep your gear simple and light and your approach low and quiet. As wild fish, these fish will spook and look for cover if they hear or see you. Look for cut- banks, pools, behind structure and tail-outs feeding into deeper water. Gear requirements:

3 to 4 wt. rod.

9 ft. leader in the 5X to 6X range.

Dry flies such as a size 18 Griffin’s Gnat, size 16 elk hair caddis or a size 12 stimulator. All must be barbless.

Keep the casting to a minimum and be sure to get a drag-free drift and you’ll be rewarded with a lightening quick grab.

HEENAN LAKE The excellent numbers of large Lahontan cutthroat trout prompted the California Fish and Game Commission to select Heenan Lake as one of the first Heritage Trout waters on April 5, 1999.

-- California Department of Fish & Game

Background Heenan Lake is renowned among catch-and-release trout anglers for its large and abundant Lahontan cutthroat trout. From personal experience over the eight seasons that I’ve fished Heenan, the typical length between 16 to 21 inches and can go as high as 24 to 26 inches. (See charts on last page of this report for actual CDFG catch statistics broken out by size.)

These Lahontans are a native species of the east side of the Sierra Nevada. They are listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act as a Threatened species having been eliminated from over 95 percent of their historic range. The cutthroats in Heenan originated from a strain of Lahontans from Independence Lake north of Lake Tahoe. The excellent fishing for large Lahontan cutthroat trout warranted the selection of Heenan Lake as one of California’s first Heritage Trout waters.

CDF&G also uses Heenan Lake as an egg source for stocking waters in California and Nevada with Lahontan cutthroat trout. The Department takes up to 2 million eggs annually from the cutthroat in Heenan Lake. A few thousand yearling cutthroats, reared from these eggs, are stocked back into the lake each year.

Emergency action was taken to close the fishery in September 1994. A nutrient build-up and blue green algae bloom, combined with unseasonably warm weather, depleted oxygen in the lake. The nutrient build-up resulted from seven years of drought and little or no flushing of nutrients during that period. Under normal conditions this natural productivity results in fast-growing, large cutthroat trout. CDF&G observed 1,200 dead fish at the time of the incident. Losses in total may have ranged from 3,000 to 6,000 Lahontan cutthroat trout. The following year, however, saw more than 3,000 mature fish return in the spawning run. CDF&G conducts studies to evaluate appropriate fish population and stocking levels and to help understand the causes of the fish kill. The state has acquired almost half of the water storage rights in Heenan Lake as one of the measures to avoid or at least minimize future fish kills in the lake. Fly Angler Statistics – 2007 Season (8/3/07 to 10/28/07) Fish per Angler 5 4.5 4 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5

Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday

Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday

Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday

Fish per Angler

Fish per Hour 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1

Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday

Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday

Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday

Fish per Hour

Regulations and Access Angling at Heenan Lake is restricted to Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from the Friday before Labor Day through the last Sunday in October. The Lake is managed with catch-and-release only regulations and only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. Almost every year a high percentage of trout caught are over 18 inches! Anglers can park at the Heenan Lake Wildlife Area just off Highway 89, near Monitor Pass. There are good places to fish from shore and walking along, sight-fishing to cruising trout, can be a successful angling technique. Many anglers prefer float tubes and boats without gasoline- powered motors are also allowed.

Area Map

Directions From Meyers, at junction Hwy's 50-89; take Hwy 89 S, go 11 mi. to junction of Hwy's 88-89. Turn E, go 6 mi. to Woodfords. Turn S, go 12 mi. on Hwy 89 (past Markleeville) to junction with Hwy 4. Turn E, continue on Hwy 89 toward Monitor Pass, go 4 mi. up steep hill; turn R at Heenan Wildlife Area to parking lot. Productive Zones to Fish

Fishing Techniques Even with excellent access from the shore, I would highly recommend fishing Heenan from a pontoon boat or float-tube. You’ll cover more of the lake and in far less time. Other gear requirements:

 6 wt. rod.  Floating line and Intermediate sinking line / 9 ft. 4X leader  Wet flies such as a size 16 or 18 BH Prince Nymph (I found purple to be a great color). Various streamer patterns such as size 12 Wooly Buggers in a variety of colors. All must be barbless.

Using the map above, I would head from the launch areas (just below the parking lot) and kick towards the “egg shack” which is located in the far east bend of the lake. Stay approximately 10 to 20 yards off the bank as you move east. Fish the entire area with either a streamer or combination of nymphs. The key to success on this lake is not as much fly selection as finding the correct depth to fish. I prefer to use an intermediate sinking line and initially fish down to 15 feet. I will vary the depth by 10 feet – either going up or down in the water column (e.g., ranging between 5 and 25 feet). One you have allowed the flies to sink, begin to slowly fin and stripe the flies back. Also experiment with stripe techniques such as long pulls – long pauses and short pulls – short pauses.

UPPER KERN RIVER Background The Kern River from Tyndall Creek in Sequoia National Park, flowing 70 miles downstream to the Johnsondale Bridge, is the longest stretch of river in the Wild Trout Program. The Kern Canyon in Sequoia National Park is part of the river designated as a Heritage Trout stream in 1999. The Heritage Trout segment of the Kern River is shorter in length – running upstream from the confluence of the Little Kern River to Tyndall Creek. The Heritage Trout segment is entirely within the Golden Trout Wilderness and Sequoia National Park boundaries and is home to subspecies of trout known as Kern River Rainbow.

Kern River Rainbows The Kern River Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss gilberti) is a subspecies of rainbow trout endemic to the Kern River in central California. Previously found in the main-stem and tributaries of the Kern River, the Kern River Rainbow Trout (KRRT) has been subjected to repeated introductions of both non-native rainbow trout and other native rainbow subspecies into its range.

It is now listed in California as a species of special concern. Despite a historically distinct morphology and preliminary genetic work verifying KRRT as a distinct group, introgression with introduced strains has been rampant, and many individuals no longer represent the original endemic form. It is currently unknown how many, if any, “pure” populations of KRRT are extant. (Reference: U.C. Davis Genomic Variation Laboratory)

Distribution of Kern River Rainbows Populations considered Kern River rainbow trout live in the Kern River from Durrwood Creek to Upper Funston Meadow. This segment of the Upper Kern River represents the largest portion of the KRRT’s native range (e.g., any rainbow caught, photographed, and released in this segment qualifies for the California Heritage Trout Challenge).

Other populations took hold in Rattlesnake and Osa Creeks through transplants. Upper Ninemile Creek and possibly upper Peppermint Creek are thought to hold populations of KRRT. Additionally, an introduced population in Chagoopa Creek appears to have maintained the species genetic integrity.

Reference: Report by Dr. Peter B. Moyle, Dr. Joshua A. Israel, and Sabra E. Purdy Stream Populations, Regulations and Access Stream Trout per Genetic Purity Fishing Regs Access Mile

Chagoopa Creek No known (1) Last Mineral King via Little introgression Saturday in Apr. Five Lakes (Note: hybridization with through Nov. reaching the non-native trout 15. Only headwaters of artificial lures Chapooga Creek is 16.5 with barbless miles and crossing two hooks may be high elevation passes) used or High Sierra Trail

Ninemile Creek See Note (1) Forks of the Kern Trail 33E20 or Casa Viejo Meadow

Osa Creek Transplanted See Note (1) Forks of the Kern Trail population 33E20 to Kern Flat

Peppermint Creek unknown See Note (1) Lloyd Meadow Road

Rattlesnake Creek Transplanted See Note (1) Lewis Camp Trail 33E01 population or via the Franklin Pass Trail from Mineral King

Kern River 600 to 1400 Significant See Note (1) Durrwood Camp Trail (upstream of trout per hybridization with 32E44 or Forks of the confluence with mile hatchery rainbow Kern Trail 33E20 Durrwood Creek to and planted golden trout. the confluence of the Little Kern River)

Kern River 600 to 1400 Hybridization with See Note (1) Forks of the Kern Trail (upstream of trout per hatchery rainbow 33E20 confluence Little mile and planted golden Kern River to trout. Grasshopper Flat)

Kern River 600 to 1400 Possible See Note (1) Lewis Camp Trail 33E01 (upstream of trout per hybridization with Grasshopper Flat to mile hatchery rainbow Upper Funston and planted golden trout. Meadow) Map – Lloyd Meadow Road to Forks of the Kern

Spotlight – Forks of the Kern The Kern River at the confluence with the Little Kern River, known as Forks of the Kern, presents an excellent opportunity to catch and release native Kern River Rainbow. The following factors combine to make a trip to the Forks of the Kern such an excellent opportunity:

 Trout per Mile - Large population of KRRT (e.g., high trout per mile ratio).  Reduced introgression - While it’s currently unknown whether any pure populations of KRRT exist, this section of the North Fork is situated far enough upstream to support a truer population of native.  Access - The Forks of the Kern Trailhead is about 40 miles from the town of Kernville.  Hiking - Reaching the Forks of the Kern is rated as a Moderate-effort and the 4.4 mile round-trip can be completed in a single day. (Note: allocate at least 1.5 hours to reach the Forks from the trailhead and another 2 to 3 hours to return. The return includes an 1100 ft. Climb.)  Wilderness Area – The Forks of the Kern lies within the Golden Trout Wilderness. Directions and Trail Description Directions - From Kernville, drive along Sierra Way for 20 miles to Johnsondale Bridge. Continue across the bridge and up the hill towards the small town of Johnsondale. Above town, turn north onto Lloyd Meadow Road (22S82). Drive about 19 miles until you see the "Forks of Kern 4" sign, then turn right onto Road 20S67 which is a dirt road and proceed approx. 2 miles to the trailhead.

Trail Description – The trailhead starts at an elevation of 5700 ft. The trail drops down to the Kern River along a series of switchbacks over a distance of 2.2 miles to an elevation of 4600 ft. After reaching the valley floor you can access the Kern River. If you continue hiking upstream along the Kern River, you will need to wade across the Little Kern River. There is NO BRIDGE crossing the Little Kern, and extreme caution should be used. Crossing should not be attempted during spring snow runoff.

If the Little Kern River can be crossed, the trail continues on the west bank of the Kern River for several miles to Kern Flat (a large meadow near the river), then crosses the Big Kern River on a bridge 1.5 miles above Kern Flat. (Note: plan to camp overnight if hiking up to Kern Flat.)

Note: most of the trail gets strong sun exposure. Remember to bring plenty of water for the hike.

Recommended Fishing Gear

Gear requirements:

 4 wt. or 5wt. rod.

 9 ft. leader in the 5X to 6X range.

 Floating line / Strike Indictor for nymphing Fly Patterns:

 Elk Hair Caddis (tan / brown / size 14 to 18)

 Parachute Adams (gray / size 16 to 20)

 Royal Wulff (size 16 to 18)

 Rubber Legged Stimulator (yellow / orange / rust / size 12 to 16 )

 Bead Head, Wire Wrapped Golden Stone (brown body / yellow wire / size 12 to 16 )

 Bead Head Dark Lord (black body / gold ribbing / size 16 to 18)

 Bead Head, Rubber Legged Yellow Sally (tan / size 16 to 18)

 Copper John (red / size 16 to 18)

 Hare’s Ear Nymph (tan / brown / size 14 to 18)

 Kern Emergers (olive / pink / yellow / size 16 to 20)

 Pheasant Tail Nymph (green / size 18 to 20)

Upper Truckee River

The Upper Truckee River population of Lahontan cutthroat near Meiss Meadow is one of the few high-elevation meadow populations of Lahontans in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.

Overview of the Watershed In California, Lahontan Cutthroat are native to the Truckee, Carson, Susan, and Walker River systems, including the Upper Truckee River. The upper section of the Truckee River profiled in this report is located in both Alpine and El Dorado counties. The Upper Truckee is a snow-fed tributary to Lake Tahoe draining into the southern end of the lake. This stretch of river provided historic spawning grounds for native cutthroat. The introduction of non-native brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in the Upper Truckee River would ultimately result in the decline of Lahontans in this river.

Starting back in 1988, and with help from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Forest Service, the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) has conducted an effort to restore Lahontans on the Upper Truckee. Stream surveys going forward from 2007 now confirm the removal of all non- native brook trout from the Upper Truckee.

As a result of this effort, a growing population of Lahontans have resettled the Upper Truckee River. Due to the population’s self-sustaining nature (i.e., no hatchery support), and the location of the stream within the Lahontans’ historic range, the California Fish and Game Commission designated the Upper Truckee River as a Heritage and Wild Trout Water.

The Heritage Trout Water is comprised of all tributaries of the Upper Truckee upstream of the confluence with Showers Creek (Showers Creek is the outflow of Showers Lake – refer to the map included for location). Angling on the Upper Truckee is permitted from July 1st through September 30th and special regulations require the use of only artificial lures with barbless hooks. There is a zero trout bag limit.

Abundance and Size of Lahontan Cutthroat In a 2009 survey of the Upper Truckee River a total of 2080 Lahontan cutthroat were captured in the main-stem of the river. A survey of the river’s nine tributary sections turned up another 348 cutthroat.

The chart below provides the total number of Lahontan cutthroat captured on the main-stem of the Upper Truckee broken down by size (Weaver and Mehalick 2009).

Stream Populations, Regulations, Access & Distance Stream Segment Total Fishing Regulations Access Distance Lahontan (one way)

1500M Test 254 July 1 to September 30 / Pacific Crest Trail to 1st 3 miles Zero Limit / Barbless Crossing of Truckee River, then follow downstream

1000M Test 170 July 1 to September 30 / 500 Meters downstream of 3.5 miles Zero Limit / Barbless 1500M Test

500 M test 318 July 1 to September 30 / 1000 Meters downstream 4 miles Zero Limit / Barbless of 1500M Test

Beaver Dams 433 July 1 to September 30 / Pacific Crest Trail to 4.5 miles Zero Limit / Barbless Martinis Pond, then East to intersection with Truckee River

Refer to the map below sample points used by DFG in the 2009 survey of the main-stem Upper Truckee (created by Willam Somer, DFG)

Directions to Reach Trailhead: 1. From South Lake Tahoe, Nevada – West on Highway 50 to junction for Highway 89. 2. Proceed South on Highway 89 until reaching intersection with Highway 88. 3. Turn right going west on Highway 88. 4. Continue on Highway 88 for 8 miles to the Carson Pass. Near the top of the summit (8,573'), on the right (North side) you will see a parking facility (fee required). 5. The trail head for the Pacific Crest Trail is on the northwest corner of the parking lot.

Area Map

Trail Description This trail goes north and follows the Pacific Crest Trail (no mountain bikes allowed) through expansive meadows with views of Little Round Top (10,381'), Elephant's Back (9,585') and Red Lake Peak (10,063'). The trail begins by winding upward 400 vertical feet through a series of switchbacks littered with large boulders for over a mile until you reach the summit where there is a small pond. After reaching the summit, the trail drops down a slight grade into the flatlands of Meiss (pronounced “Mice”) Meadows. The Pacific Crest Trail crosses the Upper Truckee River several times. The last crossing continues away from the river and proceeds to Showers Lake.

Fishing Techniques Catching these native cutthroat is not technical or too difficult. Keep your gear simple and light and your approach low and quiet. As wild fish, these fish will spook and look for cover if they hear or see you. Look for cut-banks, pools, behind structure and tail-outs feeding into deeper water. Gear requirements:

 2 to 4 wt. rod 9 ft. or less  9 ft. leader in the 5X to 6X range.  Dry flies such as a size 18 Parachute Adams, size 18 Griffin’s Gnat, size 16 elk hair caddis or a size 12 stimulator. All must be barbless.

Keep the casting to a minimum and be sure to get a drag-free drift and you’ll be rewarded with a lightening quick grab.