Inspiration - A Golden Trout Expedition into their Native High Sierras
Often referred to as the most beautiful trout in the world, California’s “state fish” certainly stands out among the salmonid world for its unique colors. The ancient and isolated form of coastal rainbow trout that evolved in the upper Kern river basin’s high Sierras were the inspiration to personally experience them in their native habitat and to create a trophy from their spectacular beauty.
An old friend from Maine (now a fisheries biologist in California) whom commissioned the carving and I drove from Davis to Lone Pine to the Golden Trout Wilderness / Inyo National Forest to begin our 4 day trek to Big Whitney meadow - famous for its landscape and natural abundance of wild Golden Trout Creek Golden trout. Fly rods, single pointed barbless hook flies and cameras would record favorite specimens.
The eastern side of the High Sierras.
Climbing to the 11,200’ summit of Cottonwood pass to access Big Whitney Meadow below (10,000’).
Big Whitney Meadow.
Searching for Gold. While the fish were opportunistically taking dries, a low profile was the order of the day.
This is what it was all about.
Everything you need and nothing you don’t. Four days worth of food, shelter and fly rod.
A beautiful example of a Golden Trout Creek Golden trout - oranges, yellows, purples, reds and the absence of spots over most of its body including the tell-tale white tip and leading edge on the pelvic fins of wild rainbow species.
With stone colors in various shades of orange, yellow and brown, it was easy to see why the Golden Trout Creek species are the colors that they are.
Working our way down the meadow to the stream’s outlet and our next campsite. We caught and released several dozen examples and were looking forward to exploring the lower stream.
Getting a closer look at another specimen.
A spectacular example! Could this be the one?
Or is it this one? The largest specimen of the trip.
Not only was it the largest but a striking example with slightly muted colors and absence of spots on most of its body.
Camp dinner in bear country.
Bear claw marks reminder on the tree next to our camp site.
The chosen trophy specimen and its drawn pattern.
The finished trophy carving. 6.5” Jelutong Golden Trout Creek Golden trout carving on basswood and cedar stream bed. Acrylics.