Golden trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita)

Most of the same techniques used for fishing for trout at lower elevation lakes will work for fishing for Golden Trout. One major point to keep in mind is that high lake waters are normally very clear. Light leaders (usually 4 pound test or less) and a stalking approach are needed as the fish can see out of the lakes extremely well. The most effective times to fish are generally early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Midday can be slowespecially in sunny weather. Exceptions are usually related to weather and insect activity. During midday periodswhen fish aren't risingthe more effective approach is to use bait or lures near the lake bottom50-150 feet from shore.

Fly fishing can be very effective in the high lakes under many weather conditions. Back-casting room can be a problem thoughunless you bring a small raft or float tube. Typical fly rods and reels that you would use in low lakes or streams will workwith the main concern being rod length when broken down while hiking. Medium-weight lines (5-7 wt.) will handle most conditions for casting and presentationwhile long leaders (12'+) work better than short ones. Leader tippets should be as small as possible. Where fly-casting is impracticaltossing flies with a light spinning outfit and a casting bubble can be equally productive. Standard spinning rods and reels can be used very effectively to fish with spinners and spoons or with bait. Light or ultra-light weight tackle is recommended. Trolling requires a raftfloat tube or similar device but fishing from shore can be very productive as well. Most fish feed in the shallower water close to shore where insect activityboth terrestrial and aquaticis highest. Bait-fishing can also be effectiveusing wormseggsartificial paste baitsor combinations. Bait can be dangled downward from a floating bobber or can float upward from a slip-sinkerboth of which provide weight to cast the bait outward from shore. Luresmainly spinners or spoonscan be very effective trolled or casting fish. Fly-fishing can be nearly as effective as bait-fishing. Use dry fly patterns when fish are surface feedingand nymphleech or other subsurface patterns when little feeding activity is apparent. Effective dry patterns include black gnatmosquitoAdamsblue dunblack antand deer-hair caddis. Wet patterns of choice include wooly wormschironomids (TDC's)hare's earsand Carey Specials.

Rememberwhen handling any fish you intend to releasewet your hands first so you don't take off the fish's protective slippery coating. Dry hands will remove the protective coating and make the fish vulnerable to bacterial or fungal infectionswhich can kill them.