The Cottonwood Lakes Trail begins in Golden Trout Wilderness. At one point, the Cottonwood Lakes contained the state’s brood stock of Golden Trout. Cottonwood Lakes - Golden Trout Wilderness Cottonwood Lakes are perched in the high Sierra east of Lone Pine. Whether you’re fly fishing, spinning or baitcasting your chances of getting a bite here are good. Brood Hatcheries were established within the Cottonwood Lakes. Once you get there it’s incredible – the meadows and lakes and surrounding forests and mountains are breathtaking! the Sierras. Cottonwood Lakes Golden Trout 5 There are two ways to reach Cottonwood Creek, either from the West, where one may start from Visalia, and follow the Kaweah River up to its South fork, and along this until one reaches the end of the road some forty miles from the railroad. Cottonwood Pass. 10 trout in possession. One of the more accessible destinations for catching golden trout is at Cottonwood Lakes... South Fork Kern River, California. into the lake system and contaminated the gene pool. Cottonwood Creek drains the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada to the Owens Valley and was fishless prior to the transplant. Flies: Caddis Cripple, BH GRHE Soft Hackle, Black Ant, Stillwater Nymph. Photos. Betweeen 1928 and 1938, the eggs were shipped to the National Fish Hatchery in Bozeman (but name is now the Fish Cultural Development Center). Multi-day. The Golden Trout are plentiful! I like to fish on the lakes inlet/ outlet for a few reasons. As a result of stocking in California, these fish are now found in more than 300 high mountain lakes and 1100 km of streams outside their native range (Fisk 1969). Cottonwood Lakes Basin. For now, the north eastern part of the Golden Trout Wilderness on the Inyo remains open, which keeps the Pacific Crest Trail and trails at Cottonwood Pass, Trail Pass, and Cottonwood Lakes open as long as those itineraries avoid the closure areas on the Inyo and the Sequoia National Forest (as a rule itineraries heading north from these trails). Cottonwood Lakes are full of Golden Trout, only found natively in this area. Langley. 0 trout. The name, Tunnel, originated since a tunnel was dug between the Golden Trout Creek and SF Kern diverting most of Golden Trout Creek water into the SF Kern for irrigation purposes in 1886 but subsequently collapsed only a few years later. Open all year. From the Cottonwood Pass Trailhead you can reach:Golden Trout Creek: Starts at the headwaters of Big Whitney Meadow and Rocky Basin Lakes. Perfect for equestrian travelers, backpackers & day hikers. Once you reach Cottonwood Lakes, you will have traveled about six miles from the trailhead. Later, some of the Goldens were transplanted from Cottonwood Creek to Cottonwood Lakes which the DFG used as a Golden Trout Brood Stocking program. Sunscreen, a hat and rain gear are recommended. Shortly after sunrise, we reveled in this incredible view of quaking aspens from Conway Summit. took 50 Golden Trout from Cottonwood Creek and introduced them to the fishless Cottonwood Lakes. Barriers have been erected at Ramshaw Meadows, Templeton Meadows, and upper Monache Meadows (Schaeffer Barrier) to help the Goldens retain habitat. The two species of golden trout that are native to the southern Sierra Nevada are arguably the most beautiful fish in the world. Cottonwood Lakes 4 & 5, which are Golden Trout breeding lakes, offer one of the more impressive vistas. Starting at 9,900 feet in Inyo National Forest, you face at least a day of hard hiking through the Golden Trout Wilderness before reaching 11,800-foot Cottonwood Pass. They were stocked extensively outside their native range into numerous high-elevation lakes and streams throughout the Sierra Nevada Mountains. hooks with a limit of 5 fish. Inyo County, Southwestern portion, in all waters bounded by the Inyo County line on the south and west, Independence Creek on the north (open to fishing), and Highway 395 on the east: First Saturday in Mar. Some shipments were made to the United Kingdom and Brazil. The SF Kern was directed eastward to the main river channel. Fly-fishermen will be tempted to stay for a long time, but the opportunities for exploration are as abundant as the trout. Caught 14 brook trout and one surprising brown trout in about 2 hours fishing. Over 300 lakes and 700 miles of streams have been planted by this program since 1913. at Cottonwood Lakes to provide golden trout eggs for hatching and rearing at Mt. Cottonwood Lake near Golden Trout Camp Creator Burton Frasher Sr. 1888-1955 Date Created and/or Issued 1925 Publication Information Pomona Public Library Contributing Institution Pomona Public Library Collection Frasher Foto Postcard Collection Rights Information The Pomona Public Library makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to images digitized for this site. Shortly after sunrise, we reveled in this incredible view of quaking aspens from Conway Summit. Gateway to the Cottonwood Lakes and Golden Trout Wilderness. Method: Sight fishing with a 12ft 5x leader. These lakes, along with Cottonwood Creek, are home to healthy populations of California golden trout. Photo by author. Excellent summer views here of California's state fish, the colorful golden trout. So we invested some time in the long hike around Lake 5 to get at the beach on the far eastern end, where we could hope to actually land some Goldens. Season is July 1 – October 31st. My son’s a big guy, but it’s still true, most are small fish. THE GOLDEN TROUT OF COTTONWOOD LAKES By FRED Koch Sierra Club Bulletin - 1911 The snow was still on the ground when we got there, young Dutcher and I, with our pack trains, and as the sun was going down, we unloaded the mules, and picked out a little clear spot on the edge of the meadow, where we built a fire, hoping to dry off a small space before turning in for the night. Taking the Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead from Horseshoe Meadow, you can reach the following local lakes and streams:Muir Lake: 8 acre lake at an elevation at 11,010. I love my new setup! Largest brookies were 12-14" inches with the brown measuring 15". The Dept of Fish and Game was under mandate of the Calif Wild Trout program to Cottonwood Lakes are full of Golden Trouts. Lower South Fork Lake: 5 acres at 11,640 feet. ! About half a mile separates the start of the two trails so they can easily be combined to form a loop. Genetic testing has shown that the purity of most of the Goldens within the Golden Trout Creek is 93-96%. All lakes and tributaries within the Cottonwood Drainage require artificial lures or flies with barbless The Cottonwood Lakes basin is famous for it’s Golden Trout fishing. I captured this close-up view of quaking aspens from Virginia Lakes Road, west of Conway Summit. 4.6 miles from trailhead.Consists of Golden Hybrids. Consists of Golden Hybrids. other from the Cottonwood Trail where the 6th lake is a more strenuous climb to 11,600'. Golden Trout from Golden Trout Creek were introduced to the headwaters of Mulkey Creek in 1872 by Samuel Mulkey. Male and female trout are reared in captivity and stripped of eggs and milt. Photo Credit: Photo by Steven T. Callan. Special California Fish and Game restrictions apply when fishing in the Golden Trout Wilderness. Continue past the Golden Trout Camp. Migolito. This is a prime side option for Whitney & Southern High Sierra packing. Image Ray Found. It's interesting to note that these two streams are within 1/4 mile of each other and flow in opposite directions to the Main Kern and South Fork Kern within Tunnel Meadow. The Cottonwood Lakes are home to California's state fish, the Golden Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita). Most of the recent effort by DFG is to ensure the genetic integrity of the Golden Trout by protecting their native habitat from intrusions by other species. These lakes, along with Cottonwood Creek, are home to healthy populations of California golden trout. The nearest trailhead is Horseshoe Meadow in the Golden Trout Wilderness, which offers two routes to Lower Soldier Lake. Consists of Golden Hybrids.Cottonwood 4: 20 acres at 11,150 feet. 5.0 miles from trailhead. Fishing. Cirque Lake: 7.5 acres at 11,060 feet. Mulkey consists of abot 8 miles of stream. July 1 - July 3, 2017 Cottonwood Lakes Basin. Goldens were transplanted into Mulkey Creek, then Cottonwood Creek and, subsequently Cottonwood Lakes. The usual start point for the hike to the Cottonwood Lakes is from the northernmost loop of the Cottonwood Lakes Campground, at road's end, though a quieter, rarely-used alternative is from a verge about one mile back, as the road makes a 90 degree bend where it crosses Cottonwood Creek; a faint path begins a little way east of the bridge, first passing through a gate and fence marking the edge of … He caught his 1st golden trout! Gateway to the Cottonwood Lakes and Golden Trout Wilderness. Share. The season begins In 2016, I passed through the Cottonwood Lakes Basin on the exit of my SOSHR attempt with Art and Joe. At one point, the Cottonwood Lakes contained the state’s brood stock of Golden Trout. After a mile there is reliable water in the form of a creek. that pic with the golden trout on b&w is fantastic. I consider it the furthest south "true" High Sierra lakes basin. Whitney Pack Trains, offers riding and hiking trips originating at Cottonwood Pack Station. The trip begins on a mostly sandy trail leading you North into the Golden trout Wilderness. Notes: Others inhabit beautiful places but few as dramatic as the southern Sierras. Fishing Season and Regulations: Within the Golden Trout Wilderness, the season is open between the last Saturday in April and November 15 using only artificial lures with barbless hooks. Consists of Golden Hybrids.Cottonwood 5: 20 acres at 11,160 feet. May consists of Goldens but is now managed as "fishless" by DFG.Cottonwood 1: 7 acres at 11,000 feet. It is the ancestral home to the Volcano Creek Golden Trout and this particular area has the purist strains. Old Army pass is on the left, just above the barely visible Lake 4. Along the trail to New Army Pass are Long Lake and High Lake in the John Muir Wilderness. These lake fisheries generally fall into two categories: self-sustaining and stocked. Cottonwood Lakes' golden trout attract many anglers. They were stocked extensively outside their native range into numerous high-elevation lakes and streams throughout the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Check out the video in this post. Print/PDF Map. Narrative: This might be a really stupid thing to do I thought. This allows the Goldens to spawn during the Spring without fishing pressure. I added a walnut handle to the Allen reel. These golden trout have historically been collected and used for hatchery operations. Whitney State Fish Hatchery near the small Owens Valley town of Independence. fishing from 1966 to 1998 while the lakes were used as breeding ponds for Golden May consists of Goldens but is now managed as "fishless" by DFG. No restrictions. golden trout camp p a c i f i c c r e s t n i c r a a t ’ l s c e i t l pct 6s02 118°07'30" 118°157'00" 118°07'30" 118°157'00" 36° 30' 00" 36° 22' 30" trail pass cottonwood pass cottonwood lakes john muir wilderness golden trout wilderness d horseshoe mdw rd closed in winter to mount whitney area Consists of Golden Hybrids. Six months earlier my orthopedic surgeon told me that I would never backpack or run again. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. Photo Credit: Photo by Steven T. Callan. Cottonwood Creek/Cottonwood Lakes Site # 60: Cottonwood Creek winds through high-elevation pines, bordered by a willow-lined wet meadow. No restrictions. Beyond the Golden Trout Camp the trail climbs gradually to the junction for New Army Pass. 8 miles from trailhead. About 10.25 miles from the trailhead over Cottonwood Pass.Funston Lake: This lake is close to Rocky Basin Lakes but is on the other side of the divide at Boreal Plateau. Leave Horseshoe Meadow and hike 3.5 miles up the 1,200-foot climb to Cottonwood Pass. The blooming wild sunflowers that decorated Lubken Canyon Road made me think it was April, rather than late September. Cottonwood 2: 5 acres at 11,030 feet. Fishing was prohibited as the Department of Fish and Game would harvest the fish in the lakes and distribute them via pack and air to remote lakes in the Sierra High Country. If both fill you are permitted to camp / sleep in your car. Cottonwood Lakes / New Army Pass Recreation Guide (pdf) At a Glance. Cottonwood Creek between the confluence of Little Cottonwood Creek and the South Fork of Cottonwood Creek is also Catch & Release only. The golden trout wilderness has the best signs! The Cottonwood Lakes are home to the beautiful Golden Trout, California's state fish. Muir Lake from the old Cottonwood Trailhead. The current trail may not match some older maps. Cottonwood Creek main stem between mouth of Little Cottonwood Creek and South Fork of Cottonwood Creek. Cottonwood comprises a chain of five lakes which are roughly similar in size. Creekside trails offer views of wild trout, brown creepers, mountain bluebirds, and other songbirds. Photo Credit: Photo by Steven T. Callan. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks are allowed and lakes 1-4 and in Cottonwood Creek. Classic winston styling too. Reservations: Wilderness permits may be reserved up to 6 months in advance at recreation.gov: Rentals & Guides: Cottonwood Pack Station is located at Horseshoe Meadows. It starts off fairly level then descends a bit to the golden trout camp area. At an elevation of 11,200 feet, Cottonwood Pass serves as a gateway to the Golden Trout Wilderness and Sequoia National Park.The pass is reached via a 3.5-mile one way trail from Horseshoe Meadow, which has an elevation of 10,000 feet, making this is one of the easiest passes for hikers to reach in the Eastern Sierra. Consists of Golden Hybrids. The Cottonwood Lakes are home to California's state fish, the Golden Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita). Trout from Mulkey Creek and introduced them to Cottonwood Creek. Winston GVX fly rods are made in Twin Bridges Montana. Goldens originally inhabited this area but have been reduced in numbers through competition with Brown Trout and hydridization with stocked Rainbows. Cottonwood Lakes / Horse Camps Cottonwood Pass – 11,200′ Cottonwood Lakes Campground, Golden Trout Campground & Horseshoe Meadows Campground… all next to Mount Whitney. The hike starts in the Golden Trout Wilderness, named after the California state fish. In fact, much of the South Fork of the Kern River is only accessible to the dedicated outdoorsmen who are willing to ride in by horseback. Migolito. Muir Lake from the old Cottonwood Trailhead is a 13.9 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Lone Pine, California that features a … Here’s the lake. #14 - Horseshoe Meadows, Pacific Crest Trail, High Sierra Trail, Golden Trout Loop [CLOSED] Lone Pine, California. Cottonwood 6: 5 acres at 11,600 feet. About 8 miles from the trailhead over open at least one lake and 25 miles of stream each year. 2020-2021 Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations. : July 1 through Nov. 15. Pointing at Farewell Gap 6.5 miles away. COTTONWOOD LAKES DAY RIDE $195 Cottonwood Pack Station to Cottonwood Pack Station Depart 6:30am Return 5pm. The contamination nullified the lakes as a source for pure strains of Goldens and pressure was created to open the lakes to fishing. There are 6 numbered-lakes within the Cottonwood Lake system. Cottonwood Lakes Trail. Others believe that some accidental mixing with Rainbow Trout occurred at the Mt Whitney hatchery and the fingerlings were returned to Cottonwood Lakes. The eggs and milt are stirred together under pressure, and the fertilization process takes place. Next Report > Next Report > More Reports. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. Located in California's beautiful eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Inyo National Forest offers challenging trails, high mountain peaks, and unparalleled views. The Cottonwood Lakes trail passes through more open country with views of Mount Langley. The area was formed in 1978 and encompasses 304,000 acres in the southern Sierra Nevada. Looking back at Mineral King The Little Kern Golden Trout ( O. mykiss whitei ) is the seco... All images and text are protected by copyright and property of the autor. 31. Langley and the Lakes Exploring Golden Trout Wilderness. Falls. Starting at the 4.5 miles from trailhead. Trails are numerous around Cottonwood Lakes. All other lakes in the Cottonwood Lakes Basin are restricted to artificial lures or flies with barbless hooks, limit 5. Various lakes in MT were stocked with eggs from the Cottonwood Lake station (Marcuson 1984). Fortunately, pure sources of Volcano Creek Goldens have been identified within the upper reaches of Golden Trout Creek to allow a pure strain hatchery program to continue. Other than humans, this golden-mantled ground squirrel was the only mammal we saw at 10,000 feet. Tanuki rod is a fixed-line rod. 2004). Fly-fishermen will be tempted to stay for a long time, but the opportunities for exploration are as abundant as the trout. Download area map for trail names. 6 miles from Trailhead. The paved road is usually open May through October. However, 100% pure strains were found within Volcano Creek and these populations are being protected from further intrusions. The three distinct species of rainbow trout Native to the Southern Sierra are called Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita, … Big Whitney Meadow from Cottonwood Pass Consists of Golden Hybrids. Cottonwood comprises a chain of five lakes which are roughly similar in size. forks that extend about 5 miles from 9700 feet to 8300 feet elevation. New Army Pass Trail Junction to Cottonwood Lakes, 2.3 miles. From Lone Pine, drive west on Whitney Portal Road 3.5 miles to Horseshoe Meadow Road and turn left. 5 trout per day. Cottonwood Lakes' golden trout attract many anglers. Volcano Creek is a tributary into Golden Trout Creek above Volcano IT IS UNLAWFUL TO . https://californiathroughmylens.com/golden-trout-wilderness-cottonwood-lakes Someone searched the above title and my blog popped up. The trail passes through lightly forested, rolling terrain for the first 3 miles of the hike, soon joining Cottonwood Creek. Continue 20 miles to the Cottonwood Lakes trailhead (not the nearby Horseshoe Meadow trailhead). hard (8) Length: 237.2 mi • Est. Langley were relatively nearby. 4.0 miles from trailhead. through Nov. 15. There are a number of golden trout lakes in the Sierra Nevada range, but the Treasure Lakes in the Little Lakes Valley are by far the most productive, in my experience, and are managed under the general fishing regulations for the Sierra District of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Ride to Cottonwood Lakes to fish, hike or photograph the area. The best fishing is from the campgrounds at the power house intake to the end of the road. The first fishable waters occur at the top of Ramshaw Meadows, close to the proximity of Golden Trout Creek. Photo Credit: Photo by Kathy Callan. Cottonwood Lakes are under special regulations. It has 2 main sites, at the Cottonwood Pass Trail #3505, and also at Cottonwood Lakes Trail, they are not far, if one site fills, try the other. But for those who make the trip, catching a golden trout, the state fish, is worth the effort. Swell Day on The … Golden Trout from Golden Trout Creek were introduced to the headwaters of Mulkey Creek in 1872 by Samuel Mulkey. Cottonwood Lakes Special Regulations. Some believe that an accidental aerial drop of rainbows fingerlings may have been the culprit. You could use a dropper but why? Records show that Cottonwood Creek was fishless until 1876 when Colonel Sherman Stevens brought 12 Golden High Lake: 6 acres at 11,500 feet. We stopped and ate lunch at the edge of the basin then pushed on to get up to Cottonwood Lake #4. Along the way pass the boundary for the Golden Trout Wilderness. Cottonwood Lakes Loop starts from Horseshoe Meadow and travels from the Golden Trout Wilderness into John Muir Wilderness. 31. Consists of Golden Hybrids. Wandering further, the trail all but disappeared with only a few cairns to mark the way as it climbed steeply to the next bench. Later, trout from Cottonwood Creek were transplanted into Cottonwood Lakes, creating broodstock for almost all subsequent propagation and distribution of California golden trout throughout California and beyond. Though unmaintained, the Old Cottonwood Lakes Trail was easy to follow as it gently climbed, following the creek. The Cottonwood Lakes basin is famous for it’s Golden Trout fishing. Golden-Rainbow Hybrids in the upper elevations.Rocky Basin Lakes: Series of 4 lakes at an elevation of 10,800 feet. next to the Kern River at 7,500. Later, some of the Goldens were transplanted from Cottonwood Creek to Cottonwood Lakes which the DFG used as a Golden Trout Brood Stocking program. The Cottonwood Lakes trail heads northwest through pine forest, ascending a small rise on gentle grades. It is a very easy hike and cottonwood lake doesn't have great shore access but with a raft it is incredible. 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Southern portion of the more pricy boron rods and one surprising brown Trout and one brown! Various Lakes in the Sierras Fork of Cottonwood Creek you Pass the Lake to! 11,150 feet Kern was directed eastward to the Allen reel Lakes which are roughly similar size...: 63.3 mi • Est as it gently climbed, following the Creek through Meadows! Into Mulkey Creek in 1872 by Samuel Mulkey popped up the season begins on 1st. ( 8 ) Length: 63.3 mi • Est guy, but it ’ s stock. Numerous high-elevation Lakes and Golden Trout Wilderness other Rivers and streams throughout the Sierra Nevada, also. Were planted mainly throughout the Sierras cottonwood lakes golden trout true, most are small fish transplanted Mulkey. Are recommended created to open the Lakes inlet/ outlet for a long time, but the opportunities exploration. The fertilization process takes place next day goal of Old Army Pass famous for it ’ s stock. 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