An angler might wonder; what will one of Trout Unlimited’s restoration projects do to the fishing?
It’s a valid question.
At times we work with contractors to add numerous logs (or even full trees) and woody debris in a stream to make the habitat more complex.
We break up long, straight riffle sections with j-hook rock structures to slow down the flow and create deeper holding water.
We build beaver dam analogs (BDAs) to slow the flow and spread the water throughout a wider floodplain keeping cold water in the system longer throughout the year, benefitting all water users — fish, wildlife, ranchers, recreationists, etc.
But what is it like to fish these streams after TU and crew leave the scene?
High in the Southern Nevada backcountry lives the headwaters to the Kern River. Streams flow through beautiful meadows at high elevations, and TU and partners installed numerous BDAs.
Since then, fishing for the native California golden trout has turned into an angler’s dream.
The BDAs created new pool habitat with high concentrations of trout. The new holes at each structure keep cold, clean water in the stream longer in the season. This same stretch might have been reduced to just a trickle or even completely disconnected in the past.
Take a lightweight fly rod (a 3-weight or less) with you and classic patterns of dries and a few nymphs. These fish aren’t typically picky, but bushy stimulators or caddis and prince nymphs should work just fine. Target undercut banks when not fishing the pools.
At over 7,000 feet, the growing season is short as is the fishing season. It typically starts in May when the flows can be high and lasts through October. As the season progresses, stealth is mandatory for these spooky fish that don’t often see artificial flies.
So, this summer season, maybe it’s time to trek in the California backcountry to admire TU’s hard work and catch a few stunning golden trout.
