JOSEPH TOMELLERI GRAPHIC
TEXT BY DENNIS BITTON
The most compelling memories created by golden trout come from the physical work it takes to get to them, the scenic vistas that are their homes, and their vivid colors. They are indeed golden, just about everywhere on their bodies. Some consider them to be the most beautiful of all freshwater fish. Golden trout are native only to the headwaters of the Kern River in California, at elevations higher than 6,800 feet above sea level. Today they are California's official fish but have been transplanted into high lakes and streams in many western states and even some Canadian provinces. Golden trout have a red band along the lateral line, running through 11 dark oval par marks. This is the only trout species in which parr marks remain prominent through the adult life of the fish. The back is greenish, fading into a light yellow near the lateral line. Most of the belly is also golden colored, except for a red streak running right along the bottom of the fish (running stem to stern) capping off the side view of this beautiful fish. Pectoral, ventral and anal fins are orange or red colored, tipped in white, and banded by black. The gill plates of the golden trout are usually red, and spots are more profuse toward the tail.
Golden trout transplanted into foreign surroundings may not match this description exactly due to varied surroundings and diet. For instance, when reared at low elevations, they often lose their brilliant colors, and turn a steely blue. Some shrimp-fed golden trout in other states become even more exotic, displaying shades red and/or orange all over their bodies. Golden trout can and do interbreed with cutthroat trout, so cross-bred hybrids are a common occurences outside of their native range.
Because of the nutrient-poor waters in which they live, native golden trout rarely grow large. The California state record is nearly 10 pounds, but most fish run from 8 to 12 inches long. In Wyoming's Wind River Range, introduced, but naturally reproducing goldens feed on scuds and daphnia, and often grow to sizes of 5 pounds or more.
Golden trout are perfectly developed for their high-altitude habitat. Their summers are short, and they have to feed heavily when food is available in order to survive the long winters. As a result, they aren't usually picky about what they eat. A fly box with assorted midges, caddisflies, damselflies, scuds, and small mayfly imiations should serve you well. Because they live in extremly clear, unprotected water, goldens can be very difficult to approach and cast to. In streams, the broken water and streamside vegitation will mask your approach,a nd the fish only get a quick look at your fly. Fishing is easy under these conditions. In alpine lakes above treeline, the fish can be very difficult to catch. Most afficiandoes use 12- to 18-foot leaders tapered to a 6X tippet, and concentrate on stealth presentations
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