The Golden Trout Wilderness is one of those rare places that captures the imagination—a remote, wild landscape that sits high on many anglers’ bucket lists. Rugged terrain and long miles of backcountry trail can make it feel out of reach, but for those who make the journey, it’s an experience unlike any other.
This past August, members of the Project Healing Waters Martinez program, joined by a select group of veterans and volunteers from Trout Unlimited, made that journey for an unforgettable trip into the heart of the Golden Trout Wilderness, an area that has remained a focal point for Trout Unlimited for some time.
Over the past several years, Trout Unlimited and its partners have built and maintained a network of beaver dam analogs (BDAs) throughout the wilderness. These man-made structures mimic the natural activity of beavers, helping to slow water, reconnect floodplains and create healthier, more resilient stream systems.
More than just a fishing trip
The group didn’t just go in search of fish—they went to give back.
In partnership with Trout Unlimited, California Trout and the U.S. Forest Service, participants spent several days working on stream restoration projects designed to improve habitat for California’s state fish, the native golden trout.
This year’s work focused on constructing new BDAs and reinforcing older ones, ensuring that future generations of golden trout will continue to thrive in their ancestral waters. The effort also provided an opportunity for veterans to engage directly in conservation—combining the camaraderie of service with the shared mission of stewardship.
The weather brought its own set of challenges. Persistent rain, unusual for that time of year, turned the trip into an even greater adventure. Despite the wet conditions and tougher fishing, spirits remained high. Between bursts of clear skies, participants were still able to enjoy remarkable days on the water, landing dozens of fish and finding the kind of quiet connection that only wild places can offer.
Heal, serve and conserve
For everyone involved, the trip represented more than a chance to fish. It was a reminder of how service continues in many forms—whether through restoring trout habitat, supporting fellow veterans or protecting the public lands that sustain both.
The collaboration between Trout Unlimited, California Trout, the U.S. Forest Service, and Project Healing Waters stands as a powerful example of what can happen when people come together to heal, serve and conserve.
As a token of appreciation, TU continues to offer a complimentary, one-year trial membership to all veterans and participants in TU Service Partnership . Please make sure you extend this offer to all of the veteran participants in your local chapter. If you want to grab a few hats for local vets in your chapter (or even some Golden Trout merch- check out our new online store at shop.tu.org).
From all of us at Trout Unlimited, happy Veterans Day. And to the veterans among our leadership, thank you for your service and for being part of our community. Special thanks to Cameron Cushman for the story and Dan Johnson for representing TU on this awesome adventure.