THE ECOANGLER REPORT – CREEK

“Although Golden Trout Creek is now a tributary to the main , 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

I. 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.

II. 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.

III. 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 -- 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).

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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)

IV. 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 . 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 reach 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.)

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V. Area Map

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VI. 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

VII. 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.

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