Fly Fishing for the California Golden Trout! || California Gold Pt 3

Fly Fishing for the California Golden Trout!!
Redds Flies: reddsflies.com
It’s not often you get to mark something off your bucket list. But finally, After 2500 miles of travel, over 20 miles of hiking, and 2 days in the wilderness… Andrew and I were going to be doing just that. The California golden trout is arguably one of the most vibrantly colored and incredible trout on the planet and just being within their native range was something that seemed like a pipe dream only a few years earlier. Day 3 in California had us hiking up a mountain in the middle of the Sierra’s on a quest to finally land one of the most legendary species of trout.
After going on probably the most scenic 3 mile hike of the entire trip, we reached the first spring creek of the day. This particular creek I had almost no information on, but couldn’t figure out why there wouldn’t be golden trout in it. This is what we like to call blue lining, which is essentially just fishing a blue line on a map with no real expectation of what would be in it. The worst case scenario there were no fish and we would head up to the more famous golden trout waters. And the Best case scenario was we find a hidden gem and catch our first ever California golden trout.
We had done it. The legendary California golden trout that we had put so high on a pedestal was now yet another fish to land in our net. After finding the spring head on that stream we decided we’d hit a handful of other creeks within a close hiking distance. That landed us in some of the most incredible country we’d had the chance to fish this far in California.
It’s hard not to fall in love with the variation of color on these little pieces of California gold. The second creek produced fish arguably even more incredible than the first… and after catching more than a few fish we decided to hit yet another spring fed creek. I figured we might as well catch fish in a few different areas to get a true taste of what the California golden trout had to offer… and this stream had some of the most incredibly clear water I had ever seen
That creek was short but sweet. For some reason stalking through the bushes and site fishing has always been among my favorite ways to target trout.. and to do it in this pristine stream for the California golden trout was a surreal experience that I will never forget. After we finished fishing that stream we decided we had energy for one more creek, which was yet another unique stream all of it’s own.
4 creeks, 16 miles, and a set of priceless memories. And just like that the day had come to an end. There’s a weird euphoric feeling you get when you accomplish a goal that you’ve held for so long. The blissful happiness of the moment almost feels bittersweet, and before long you’re heading back down the mountain. As the memory quickly begins to fade I always set my sites on a new goal. Because without something to work towards I feel a sense of emptiness. Spending this time with my brother has also become more important to me as we get older. He now lives across the country so the time we spend together dwindles ever smaller year after year. The days of fishing together nonstop are over, and it signals the end of an era. So I couldn’t care less if this video got 0 views, because I can promise you I would come back and watch this video time and time again just to experience what we got to enjoy on that mountain in the middle of nowhere California. Thanks for watching.
If you enjoyed the video leave a comment and let me know!
#trout #troutfishing #fishing #outdoors #california

[@BVDsGoneFishing]

This three part series was a treat to watch. This could easily be a full documentary on Netflix!

[@user-nc4co2xu2i]

It’s obvious from all the comments here that you touched a lot of people with this 3 part adventure/fly fishing series In California. The way you filmed the videos we were able to almost hike along with you and take part in your experiences. You did a masterful job of taking beauty shots of these dazzling, colorful fish. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many large Golden trout caught by one angler. Even though you and your brother are living in different areas of the country you will always have this special experience together. Thanks again for a great video series. It’s going to be hard to top this in the future but I look forward, as always, to your next fly fishing journey.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you so much for the kind words! It's one of my favorite series I've done. It was hard work but definitely worth it in the end. Glad you enjoyed the videos and thanks for watching

[@leehjones]

I got to catch Goldens on the eastern slope of the Sierras. There's noting like it - thank you for the trip!

[@hardmanfishing]

It's an incredible experience!! Thanks for watching

[@davidleimeister5027]

Once again I would like to thank HFA for taking me on an adventure I couldn't experience in real life. You are truly the best fishing buddies a guy could have. Thanks!

[@hardmanfishing]

Thanks for the kind words!! Glad you enjoyed

[@aleta5873]

I agree.

[@FinesseFishing]

My favourite fishing channel for a reason! Thanks for introducing me to a trout species i have, here in Switzerland, never heard before. Lovely series once again!

[@hardmanfishing]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@thunderboya2571]

thank you @hardmanfishing adventures . for not being ignorent about hte fish you guys catch so many fishing youtubers just dont care to understand that even though a fish its holds life ,an spirt may not feel pain as we do but we all should respect mother natures creatures even these fish Thanks

[@gzeppe4671]

This is what dreams are made of. It must be so hard to embrace every second of that prestine creek with beautiful weather.

[@wnctarheel9626]

I’ll have to admit I’m jealous. Loved the three part series. Beautiful fish. Reminds me of the native brookies of the east but just different colors. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@hardmanfishing]

Very similar style of fishing for sure! Thanks for watching

[@aleta5873]

Not only are we able to see and hear what you and brother experience but your dialogue kinda had me tearful at the conclusion of your adventure. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful dream.

[@iluvoutdoors17]

I could not believe how amazing the scenery looked in this video! It must have been something to experience this trip in person, as I’m sure the video cant compare to this experience in person. Thanks for another absolutely amazing video.

[@hardmanfishing]

It truly was incredible! Thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@michaelsmith7193]

What an exceptional series! Thank you for taking us along on this incredible quest. I especially appreciate how you value your time afield with your brother. Those memories grow richer still as time goes on.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you so much!! I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the videos

[@daveschlom4033]

I thoroughly enjoyed this series of films on the California Golden Trout. And your loving sense of the proverbial clock ticking with you brother. That was my favorite aspect of this film. I would very much like to hear your take on west coast fishing. I thoroughly enjoy watching your skills dissecting your home waters and how you figure out new places. This is a great channel.

[@hardmanfishing]

Maybe I'll give a solid take on what I think about the fishing on the west coast at the end of the series. I still have a few more videos that just aren't related to the golden trout specifically, but are still arguable even more insane videos at least as far as the fishing itself goes. But I'm glad you enjoyed the video!! And thanks for watching

[@EduardoGonzalez-gg9pe]

dam hit me right in the feels at the end,

[@kathleencarland5823]

Nice job fellows, I'm 75 now. I've done a lot of fishing over the years. Your videos remind me of me and my buddies. When I was young. Exploring all the little creeks and ponds and just great to be able to vike. Harris, sleep, go fishing with you, so have fun and keep tyeah. Keep the wild wild Woody Rhode Island.

[@Alanace92]

Man this is my first time coming across this channel, automatically hit subscribe. It’s great to see young folks going out and living their dreams in some of the most beautiful wilderness’s in this country and especially spending it with family.

[@hardmanfishing]

Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for subscribing!! It means a ton.

[@Richard-du7yj]

Absolute solid gold. Love watching your adventures on waters most people would walk right by. Tightlines.

[@hardmanfishing]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video!! Thanks for watching

[@Christoph.403]

Prince nymphs and hares ear are the most versatile where I’m at 👌🏼👌🏼

[@ozmorsley]

Love from the UK......great video, really enjoyed this rare moment. well done guys :)

[@e1000sn]

I grew up in California hiking the sierra nevada every summer. I could SMELL this video; it's unique there, not like the rocky mountains or anywhere else I've hiked. Glad you had a great trip.

[@jimgollach6202]

I definitely enjoyed watching, and it looked like you also had perfect weather. I say, at the right place at the right time.

[@hardmanfishing]

I’d rather be lucky than good! Thanks for watching

[@ChristopherScottATL]

Beautiful. Can't imagine how beautiful those valleys are covered in deep winter snow.

[@hardmanfishing]

They're probably incredible!! If you can even make it in there

[@DaviekFlyFishing]

Some great skill there, casting in those really narrow streams, stunning fish!

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!

[@user-gy6lv8de4p]

I love ur videos so much glad u made part 3!!🎉

[@tgsfishing5979]

Thanks for sharing this golden trout adventure.Another awesome video

[@hardmanfishing]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@stevedavis4087]

That was a great miniseries! Those fish were so naturally beautiful and the landscape you guys moved through. Those bears would've had me spooked though I wouldn't have slept either. That last sentiment about you and Andrew brother was special what a memory to share!

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the series about the golden trout. It's definitely a memory I won't soon forget.

[@theflycrate]

That's truly amazing. What a time to spend with family and in such a memorable spot. Couldn't catch a prettier trout.

[@vagacat69]

Awesome. Plan another trip into those alpine lakes up there. Tons of Goldens up there Midnight lake area.

[@hardmanfishing]

I was wondering about the alpine lakes in the area. One day I'll try to make it back

[@vagacat69]

@@hardmanfishing The lakes holder larger goldens. The problem is not enough food for them so they are skinny. Almost all of the hundreds of lakes in the Sierras are goldens

[@tonywalkingstick8883]

I absolutely 💯 loved this video because of the beauty of those trout. They are the most beautiful I have ever seen in my life. Y'all did a terrific job. Watching y'all stop and allow Andrew to try for that big trout again I thought was so considerate and kind. That's what makes a great team and a great experience. Thank you for sharing and keep making videos like this. God bless y'all and always tight lines.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thanks for watching as always Tony!! Glad you enjoyed our golden trout adventure

[@swr917sr]

Wow! Part 3 was great not just the fishing but the comment about you and your brother. Must people don’t learn what you know till it’s to late. The mountains were beautiful and those streams were amazing. Makes me want to make a trip like that. Keep up the great videos.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you! I agree I think it's even taken me a while to realize some of the reasons for why we do what we do. Thanks for watching

[@SeanLawn71]

Amazing videos!! Been on my bucket list to go up where you were to catch Golden Trout. Cheers to the algorithm for this treat!!

[@hardmanfishing]

The algorithm works every now and again!! Thanks for watching

[@goring19]

Cool set of videos. And I know what you mean by that feeling of having reaching a goal on your bucket list. Back in the '90s me and my buddies hiked up to Hidden Lake above Bishop in the Sierras (10,700') and I caught my first golden trout and that was definitely on my bucket list, that was quite a feeling holding a Golden. Thanks again for posting this video

[@troutwateralberta]

Awesome series guys! Thanks for taking us along. Tight Lines out there! 🇨🇦🤙🏾

[@PlantedElement]

I tried to like this several times. 😁. Thanks for sharing it with us!

[@hardmanfishing]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@antoniomora1255]

One of the most enjoyable fishing videos I have ever seen. The natural scenery is superb and it is a privilege for the two of you brothers to share this adventure and be able to climb up to these heavenly places where the purest genetic lines of golden trout still live. It is a godsend to be able to access the solitude of this paradise in its pristine condition. Inspecting various tributaries in search of the different varieties of this species, which one has the most intense orange colour ...marvellous! Finding those beautiful gems in such narrow streams might be the subject of an actual dream in one´s sleeping. It is quite understandable that bittersweet feeling when this adventure is coming to an end and you think that such blissful experiences are not likely to be repeated in the future, that those moments are unique in a lifetime. Either your brother might live miles away from you or the the pristine condition of the place might be lost or some other unfavourable circumstance. I wish you two brothers will be able to share that video when you are eighty something (or ninety, one hundred…) I also have a brother (less than one year younger than me) and we both shared wonderful fishing trips alongside our late father. Something very similar to the situation depicted in that gorgeous film “A river runs through it” Oftentimes we are delighted recalling together those happy days and anecdotes by the river Guadiana when it was pristine. Now river Guadiana is mostly ruined, unfortunately. There are many beautiful images in this video at times 0:16, 2:17, 2:30, 6:14, 11:30, 16:28, 17:15, 18:02, 27:54, 28:57, 29:24, 29:34, 29:37.

[@freddielangan5802]

Every time I watch your vids it makes me want to get out there.

[@hardmanfishing]

Do it!!

[@mikeney5113]

Stunning. Absolutely beautiful fish.thanks guys for sharing

[@hardmanfishing]

And thank you for watching!

[@LinusCyrilBrown]

That was awesome guys, beautiful trout, thanks for taking me along.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thanks for watching!! Glad you enjoyed it

[@Fishforfun223]

Amazing video hopefully you guys come back one day

[@hardmanfishing]

We will I'm sure!

[@deanvarner9308]

Epic video❤❤❤absolutely amazing

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!!

[@aidanburt4116]

Loved this series! sometime you should come up to British Columbia and fly fish for some bull trout! You have a decent chance of catching a 30+ inches

[@hardmanfishing]

It's been on my bucket list for a LONG time!

[@genecasteel]

Thank you for all of your videos, it allows me to watch something I truly love. I have been fly fishing the souther Appalachia mountains for over 50 years. I am in my late 60’s now and bad knees and hips prevent me from making the long hikes to back country streams. I still fish Tellico and Hiwassee for stockers but miss fishing for natives. Enjoy while you can, it goes by way to fast. Again Thank You

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm glad you enjoy the videos.

[@hikesteepfishhigh]

i love it out there. it is incredibly beautiful. very rugged and hard to get too. ive been all over those same areas but from the eastern side via trail pass. you avoid that brutal climb out of the Kern basin. i love the Kern. last year i did kearsarge pass, bubbs creek, over forester pass through that east bay up to lake south america, down the upper kern basin to the tyndell cutoff, over to shepards pass, couldnt get out shepards pass due to a steep snowfield at top. went back over forester pass, and kearsage pass to get upt. excellent fishing the whole way for Golden's, rainbows, golden rainbow hybrids, brook trout and brown trout.

[@tiredredneck8159]

Sooooo beautiful, thank you for the footage ser.

[@gaemrpaterso-ri2jd]

love these small creek fishings videos keep it up, you guys should go for the snake river fine spotted cutthroat they live in my home range.

[@hardmanfishing]

I'll make it to the snake river at some point I'm sure!!

[@evansupergrany6]

Great content thanks for sharing

[@wesconklin]

I went brook trout fishing in PA on Wednesday, I caught 17, my brother caught 21, and my grandfather caught 4 but they were all 7” ish.

[@TheFinChasers_Media]

Amazing content dude! Fishing those golden nuggets in that kind of scenery is definitely sliding in my bucket list!

[@hardmanfishing]

It's definitely worth the trip! It's some rough country

[@jeffrey4869]

Beautiful trout in beautiful places! Love your videos.

[@hardmanfishing]

Glad you enjoy the videos!!

[@walterdurand9472]

Thanks once again for sharing such a great fishing adventure

[@hardmanfishing]

Thanks once again for watching!

[@obozomustgo5449]

Jon, I commented on the last video that you're a ringer for the sheriff on "Deadwood" so I went and looked it up. It's no joke, buddy. You're a dead ringer for Sheriff Seth Bullock on that HBO show that ran 2004 to 2006. By the way, awesome video, as usual. Those trout are simply beautiful fish that the Creator has made for us to marvel at. Keep up the great work.

[@hardmanfishing]

I'll have to look it up! I'm not super familiar with that show. But thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed the video!

[@mlg2416]

I was so excited to see Part 3 pop up! I love watching these brother trips -- I have learned so much from you both! I placed my Redds fly order and can't wait for them to come in. If you're polling for trip ideas, I'd love to see you two fish Stony, Clarks and Penns creeks near Harrisburg, PA, my hometown.

[@hardmanfishing]

I've been in that general area of Pa a few times! But thanks for watching the video and thanks for the support!

[@wisbacks]

Blue lining...I love it! I've never called it that but i do that all the time! Sometimes it's a bust and sometimes you find a gem! I almost always seek out the harder to get to streams because i don't feel like fighting over fishing spots!

[@mattdudek5336]

Awesome content. Beautiful scenery. Those underwater shots... absolute fire!

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you so much!!

[@bb-fe9ur]

Wow, thank you guys. Incredible video of beautiful fish.. well done 👍👍

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you so much!!

[@Shoreline_Heroes]

What kind of flies do you like I'm new a fly fishing

[@henryleslievermont6004]

WOW! Thanks for sharing. 👍🎣🎣

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you for watching!

[@johnreyes1749]

Solitude is priceless💕

[@renaudbonneville]

The underwater release shots were really nice! Awesome fishes and awesome video! 👌

[@kyleautrey8320]

What's next Gila trout? There are some cool trout species in Europe and Asia too. I would watch it!

[@hardmanfishing]

Nope! Next video is lahontan and then the Paiute. Although I’ll for sure be catching the Gila trout at some point

[@isaiahstanley1148]

Alright watched all three back to back and dude this was like a mini movie. I lived here in CA about 250 miles from the kern and never fished it. Im thinking me and my brother need to head up there. Would have been cool to see a map of where you started and all your stops. Really amazing fishery amazing video 👍🏾🫶🏾

[@christianishima7098]

Cherish every moment with your brother even if it’s long distance I just wish I could still do the same with my brother unfortunately he’s no longer here and I don’t have the opportunity to ever fish with him ever again so watching this brought warmth to my heart and brought back good memories of my little brother

[@charlesjohanesen1651]

speechless... fantastic.

[@lukevass504]

Another great video!

[@caseycravens7062]

@hardmanfishing: I enjoy all your videos. I grew up in the American Southwest and Southeast and have fished many of the same waters. You really capture it well, and you get great fish! I also think your videos have a good natural style. If you're ever planning a trip to NZ giver me a holler.

[@Fishforfun223]

Letssssssss gooooooo time to relax baby!!

[@fishingthelist4017]

I think I would rather catch little Goldens from a stream than big ones from a lake because the coloring on those stream fish is so much better.

[@hardmanfishing]

Yeah I just wanted my first Goldens to be the prettiest / purist fish I could find. Now I may branch out and catch them in other locations, but I think this trip was worth every second.

[@robbieallan6522]

Enjoying the fishing but what you guys do would be a bit of a challenge for me as I went to a local fishing mark a couple miles up the coast out onto the rocks 🪨 I caught a huge wrasse and a couple of smaller ones but my back n hips are killing me and I reckon it's carrying alot of equipment especially lead weight n steel lures, anyway great video guys well done and appreciate your efforts to show us this beautiful country.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!

[@jimmycollrow146]

Completely love the underwater shots

[@petedambski3792]

Great footage.

[@jc9301]

New to channel, great series. Really enjoyed. Thank you

[@hardmanfishing]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@jefftinney3131]

Watched all 3. 3 is incredible.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!!

[@larryhudson4511]

Gold prices closed at 1,914.23 per oz today. I think y'all did better than that.

[@hardmanfishing]

Couldn't agree more Larry! Thanks for watching as always

[@corollaae8645]

Costco now sells Pamp 1 ozt bars, cheap premium!

[@williamstull1471]

Awesome video! I will be doing a big hike to an alpine lake here in Washington St this month. Hoping to catch my first golden trout! They were stocked in the lake back in 1990. So not wild fish but hopefully they will still have some cool colors.

[@hardmanfishing]

I'm sure they'll still be impressive! Thanks for watching

[@user-nk1uo9cu5g]

i love fishing you should fish my home lake in colorado lol

[@Ryanoceros06]

I still have dozens of brookie streams to discover in WV but you're making me wanna get out West haha. Thanks for the vicarious adventure!

[@hardmanfishing]

Shoot I haven’t even hit all of the brookie streams in WV 😂

[@glennhuffaker6411]

Great videos!!!! I am from California. Most of my fly fishing has been on the McCloud which has it's own history as it is the area in which the rainbow trout that is now stocked all over the world is from. Anyways you do a great job!

[@cafishing3167]

Very good👍👍❤️

[@kershawluchaenthusiast5152]

Im a new viewer and i can't believe im so early! I love your vids!

[@zainkhan2895]

the glazing is crazy

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!!

[@98midge]

Now that you’ve caught some of the native goldens it’s time to hit the Winds!

[@matthewherrera9183]

Nice!

[@Sauron124]

Let’s go part 3

[@ithacaster]

I used to do an annual backpacking trip a bit north of the little kern river. It was out of Three Rivers along the south fork of the Kaweah river. The trout looked very similar to the little kern river rainbows you were catching in the small trib. . Some of the fish looked like they had more golden in them like you were seeing. We also saw bear on a couple of trips.

[@tomsmith7742]

There are very remote 11,000' lakes in the Upper Kern Basin where goldens were planted back in the 1930's and grew to very impressive sizes- 18'-20". You can still tie into a fish or two this size if you know where to go. The bigger they are, the redder their bellies Only a true aidiot keeps these fish- always release goldens- especially the big ones!

[@nailswood167]

Crazy, skinny water!

[@briljantje9583]

Amazing video of an amazing adventure. Did you guys caught another species in those creeks or just the golden trout?

[@hardmanfishing]

Nope! The golden trout is the only type of trout in those creeks

[@ocanashreds3635]

It’s almost disrespectful to mention how grateful I am to be able to catch these fish after a three hour drive to the spot, 10 minute hike to the creek… lol it’s a great series so far and love the adventure y’all went on! I believe this is rincon trail? Or maybe a mixture of a few different trials through the series?

[@garyconnors2104]

I wish I could do a bow-and-arrow cast like you.

[@user-hb2gh6wh7e]

@9:11 It looks like you are landing a fish in a flowering Cow Parsnip! Anytime you see those umbrella flowers, don't touch it. Poison hemlock also looks similar. Be really careful out there in the meadows, toxic plants are everywhere.

[@wvlongshooter3912]

12k views and 472 likes. I don’t get it!!!! Thanks guys, unreal breath taking content, thanks!!!!

[@tinubaias4351]

Realy cool

[@AlexRamirez-vz1vj]

9:25..."these stupid".... 😂

[@hardmanfishing]

Listen you don't know what we went through for those little fish 😂

[@djerice1]

Some of the prettiest scenery and trout I have ever seen. Where were you guys in Cali?

[@LukeHolscher]

I live in ca if always wanted to catch one

[@kershawluchaenthusiast5152]

What do you think is the most versatile fly?

[@wesconklin]

Probably, I my opinion, the pheasant tail nymph. I’ve caught bass, bluegill, rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout on it.

[@tedtresco5283]

If we’re going simple gimme a wooly bugger

[@wesconklin]

Bass are a little harder to catch on it.

[@JP-dz7zu]

For dry fly give me a Griffith gnat

[@viking7560]

There’s hope for California. They have hollars 😂

[@hardmanfishing]

LOL I almost said "up this holler behind me" but I corrected myself. I realized I wasn't in WV anymore and needed to speak more like I knew what state I was in.

[@viking7560]

@@hardmanfishing 😂 classic.

[@evgrin1507]

Sweet

[@paulnieman8471]

Seems like an abrupt ending. What about the 15-20 mile hike back out? Did you park another car at Cottonwood lakes? Did you go in from Jerky Meadows? I did the Golden last year via horse pack- lotsa familiar places. I assume you went across the bridge over the Kern. I still need to check off little Kern. Waiting for the forest service road to open. Good for you guys, thing I would do if I was younger. I would recommend that you don’t take risks walking across logs and steep rocky areas to fish. One fall in your in serious trouble out there but everyone is young once. I’m down to several Westslope subspecies , Little Kern, upper McCloud, Pink Salmon and a couple newer classified rainbows and I will have caught all native trout and salmon. 20 year journey and still going. Good luck going forward. The hardest part of catching these natives is getting there. Nice to see you guys made the effort for the pure Golden’s instead of the hybrids caught near the roads. Great.

[@hardmanfishing]

We hiked all of the way back out of there! Ended up being 22 miles. Didn’t cover it much because I didn’t film it. We pretty much ran it and it killed us just about (physically). But thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed!

[@SCHWEBS7]

You don’t need to hike 15-20 miles to find Goldens. There’s a couple spots past Kennedy meadows that are only a 5 minute walk to find Volcano Creek Goldens.

[@paulnieman8471]

Most likely hybrids.

[@jdm06types]

So when are you gonna fish for Lahontan trout at Lake Pyramid NV? Have you seen how big them trout get?

[@pecosnick45]

Now you have to catch the Mexican Golden Trout

[@user-wf5bw6ef4p]

What navigation APP did you guys use? Did you start your trip at Lewis Camp Trail Head?