Another Los Angeles Trout Stream

This stream always skunks me.

Not today. 

Keeping these SoCal rainbow trout well fed. 

A favorite SoCal Trout Stream - Revisited

I'm back! Changing responsibilities have altered my fishing adventures but I'm still out on the water.

Went back to a favorite local wild trout stream in the local San Gabriels. Fly fishing and conventional fishing for a few hours after a rugged hike.

As I have explored the world of fly fishing, I am also getting to re-learn an old hobby - entomology. Identifying insects that serve as valuable forage for local wild trout is part of the fun.

These small beetles were plentiful along the stream. Feeling smart, I tied on a similar pattern as the "dry" on a "dry/dropper" rig, only to see the fast-moving stream whip it as an unfishable pace. Oh well, it was a good thought.

Managed to land this beautiful wild rainbow trout:

Also encountered this large rattlesnake along the streambed. Grateful that I had snake gaiters on, but it was too close for comfort!

California's received much-needed rain. Now the fishing cycle should start again. 

Los Angeles Fly Fishing for Rainbow Trout

Had a hankering to get in another local trout fishing trip in the Los Angeles mountains before summer rolled in. Went out with a couple of good buddies and hiked into a remote, crystal clear stream deep in the San Gabriels. It's one of my favorite creeks - rarely does it produce a "big" fish, but it has a very plentiful wild rainbow trout population and consistent water flow to support them.

We caught dozens of shiny rainbows, amidst the sharp contrast of spring sunshine punctuating the dark canyon floor from above. All fish were safely released to be caught another day.

Canyon Trout - video of the fly fishing trip (and some conventional)

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

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!

Back to Newport Habor

I really enjoy float tubing local harbors, especially Newport. While the fish aren't usually huge (my PB here was a 17" TOAD, but most are 10"), I still get a kick out of the feisty spotted bass fights. This is my likely last trip for the year, glad it worked out alright!

Lake Arrowhead: Fishing Trip and Report

Got invited to fish the famous Lake Arrowhead - a private lake in the San Bernardino Mountains. It's deep (up to 180ft), crystal clear, and has a variety of gamefish (trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, sunfish, and reportedly even kokanee).

Fishing was not easy - I'm not used to fish steep dropoffs right at the shore! Still managed to tie into a smallmouth bass. Had a bunch of little largemouth follow all my lures around, one ended up getting foul hooked, all safely released. Fished spybaits, dropshots, crankbaits, jigs, soft plastics.

Mission Bay Fishing Trip: Red Crab Lure Worked!

Fish were biting from the shore at Mission Bay on a recent trip. A soft plastic red crab-like lure was the ticket. Had a lot of missed strikes, but still landed 4 in 30 minutes. Great trip!

Check out the video of my trip to Mission Bay above. 

Hitting the Salt

Did a little exploring along the coast in Orange County. Found this sweet cove, open to fishing (not MLPA closed), but didn't land anything. Enjoy the video though, beautiful views!

Local California Trout Stream Report

Local water. Local fish. 

 

All day trip into Southern California backcountry (does this actually exist). Fantastic times with fishing friends on the water. The fish were wary but we all still caught several. Grateful for the opportunity and for the folks that made it happen. Location? A secret. 

Video of the trip: