
"For years I have wanted to make the effort to get up high into the wilderness to chase pure strain Golden Trout. This year, with the push of a long time fishing buddy, I made it happen. Chasing a specific species, like Golden Trout, provides the perfect excuse to get deep into the backcountry.


"Golden Trout are truly unique and gorgeous to look at. Finding them is not a size mission, but truly about the special character of these fish and the usually remote, high altitude lakes and streams they inhabit."

"While they are native only to the Kern Plateau in California, the California Golden Trout has been introduced across the west, and many states maintain a stocking program of relatively pure strain Golden Trout. Finding a "large" specimen anywhere in the west is no easy task, finding a good one really requires many miles of hiking and many hours of fishing. I encourage anyone who is interested in catching one to put in the time."
- Garrison, RYW Co-Founder
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The first fish I ever caught was a golden trout. At age 6, my Dad and I flew into Monache Meadows before it became part of the Golden Trout Wilderness. I remember that the little golden trout made me think of living jewels. It was in 1961, but I still recall that the hot fly was a size 12 Rio Grande King … thanks Dad!