Creekin' for Local Wild Trout

Hello, local wild trout stream in San Bernardino Mountains

It's been too long since we last met

Taking out my beloved el cheapo Rosewood Collapsible Fly Fishing Rod

Simply gorgeous little pool

Hookup!

Tiniest trout I've ever encountered at the end of my fly line

Good to have been back

Best Southern California Hiking and Wilderness Exploration Blogs: Crashed Planes, Forgotten Canyons, Hidden Ski Runs, and Lost Hikers

Exploring the wonderful outdoors through fishing trips is my primary way of seeking adventure in the local mountains and lakes. However, I also hike quite a bit, and enjoy reading about others who share a similar passion for escaping the urban sprawl of Southern California through wilderness treks. When I come across a good outside blog or similar site, I will often keep coming back to it, pouring through pages of remote hikes and discoveries with eagerness. Some of my favorite, non-fishing blogs and websites to peruse are below for you to enjoy as well:

Joe Idoni hikes to all sorts of airplane and helicopter crash sites. His writeups have intriguing backstories, information on on the particular planes involved (often Cold War relics), and fantastic photos with wreckage starkly contrasted to harsh, desert environments. I've hiked to the crashed plane in Vincent Gulch (video here) but otherwise can only dream of seeing these tragic wrecks on remote hikes. Highly recommended! 

https://joeidoni.smugmug.com/Aircraft-Crash-Sites

Like it? Check out the Wreck Chasing community: http://www.wreckchasing.com

Ever spotted a distant slope that looked perfect for a ski run, but it appeared to be completely accessible, in the local mountains? I've seen plenty, and while I don't ski (for now), I really enjoyed reading the excellent trips on Sierra Descents that are situated in the local Southern California mountains. Check out one of my favorite trip report(s) here, and hold as Andy Lewicky takes you into the San Gabriel back country to a truly hidden gem:

http://www.sierradescents.com/skiing/iron-mountain/couloir-to-nowhere.html

Let's not forget hiking! While it may not be as adrenalin pumping as dropping into a near vertical, virgin ski slope (couloir?), hiking is my passion and has its own rewards. Hikin' Jim, a helpful hiker that often posts on local hiking forums (San Gab Mt Forum, r/socalhiking), has a wealth of information tucked away on his blog. His hike into the depths of Whitewater Canyon is impressive to read and accompanied by excellent photos (as well as some of the best CalTopo maps around)

http://hikinjim.blogspot.com/2017/05/the-road-to-hell-is-paved-with-weather.html

Now, I explore plenty of local canyons while looking for finned friends, but I have never dropped in using rapelling and other technical gear. The exploits of local canyoneers is awe inspiring, and one of the most talked about it Scott Swaney, a legend in such circles. He has explored many local San Gab and San Bern canyons, but his current track to conquer countless Death Valley canyons is nothing short of amazing. Read the OutsideOnline writeup, then check out his RopeWiki page about Death Valley with the map of all the places he's been. Feel like dropping into a 400ft canyon?

https://www.outsideonline.com/2098431/68-year-old-canyoneer-legend-descending-death-valley

http://ropewiki.com/Scott_Swaney's_Death_Valley_Canyoneering_Exploration

Unfotunately, with so much adventure to be had outside, mishaps do occur, and can be fatal. The recent case of the lost Joshua Tree hiking couple illustrates such tragedies. But what about those that are never found, year after year, seemingly swallowed by the vast expanses of desert? Tom Manhood, a veteran Search and Rescue operative, has some of the most detailed and extensive writeups about search, (often on his own) for the remains of those that society has long stopped looking for:

http://www.otherhand.org/home-page/search-and-rescue/the-hunt-for-the-death-valley-germans/ VERY long but fascinating, and horrifying at the same time. Excellent example of how to get lost in a very, very dangerous place. Never underestimate the elements)

Lastly, have an itch for buried treasure? http://www.treasurenet.com

All sorts of local hikers and miners post here, with their "treasures" including many from Southern California. I need a metal detector! 

Late Fall Trout Creek Exploration

Despite my familiarity with many local Southern California streams, there are countless others that I have not yet explored in detail, or even ventured to yet. Of these, I was able to fish two (loosely using the term fishing, as you'll see) just a few days ago. 

Gotta love that cold late fall sun

These particular creeks are absolutely raging in the spring during snow runoff. Both, reportedly, have a variety of trout; and I've caught trout in the lower reaches of one. Thus, I headed out with eager expectations.

Supposed to be a creek here

However, upon arrival, it was clear that fishing wasn't going to be the major player in this trip. Both creeks were dismally low, with barely a trickle of water running in the first one. Both were nearly completely covered in fall leaves, choking pools and riffles alike. In the first creek, I spotted perhaps 1-2 pools at best that might hold fish, and the largest one didn't yield a single strike.

Really a fantastic little canyon

Water?

The second creek definitely had larger pools, including a beautiful 3ft deep one with excellent cover. However, it too was barely running, and previously innudated rapids were high and dry. Made several casts with a dry fly / dropper rig, but also failed to hook anything save a couple of leaves. I spent another few minutes scanning the pool from above - also appeared lifeless.

This area had 4ft of water last time...

Southern California trout fishing, at least for wild trout, is full of highs and lows - this was a low as far as fishing is concerned, but still a successful trip in getting outside, getting a workout while bumbling around massive boulders and steep drops, and also checking off another couple of spot on my mental trout fishing list. This is par for the course while fishing in local SoCal mountains - lots of planning, "blue lining" on maps, scouting out old reports, and then finally making the trip - boom or bust!

More water, just not enough

The best part? I was outside, in beautiful, crisp, clear fall weather, high in the mountains, away from traffic and crowds. I'll take that anyday!