Catching Wild Rainbow Trout in Southern California

High above the urban sprawl of Los Angeles are tiny mountain creeks, holding wild rainbow trout.

They are few in number, small, and undeniably striking in a myriad of colors.

Despite drought, habitat destruction, harvest by uneducated humans, and a host of other challenges, they continue to survive in stream pockets and pools off the beaten path.

How much longer will these creeks continue to hold such beautiful finned treasures? 

For Southern California Oncorhynchus mykiss, catch and release fishing is the option for ethical anglers. 

San Gabriel Canyon: Exploring and Fishing

Took a little hike to the East Fork of the San Gabriel River. Fortunately, the water was flowing well, despite the recent drought. Unfortunately, the trash and destruction wrought by weekend crowds and careless gold prospectors still peppered the shoreline. I also could not find any trout, no wonder given the poor state of the stream. Did manage to land a tiny (or large for his usual size?) Arroyo Chub while fishing for trout. He was safely released, as seen in the following video of the trip. Tight lines!