Most of the recent effort by DFG is to ensure the genetic integrity of the Golden Trout by protecting their native habitat from intrusions by other species.Ĭottonwood Lakes are under special regulations. Fortunately, pure sources of Volcano Creek Goldens have been identified within the upper reaches of Golden Trout Creek to allow a pure strain hatchery program to continue. These two factors combined opened the lake system Open at least one lake and 25 miles of stream each year. The Dept of Fish and Game was under mandate of the Calif Wild Trout program to The contamination nullified the lakes as a source for pure strains of Goldens and pressure was created to open the lakes to fishing. However it occurred, the planting of Golden Trout throughout many of the high elevation lakes during this period were from these contaminated sources, estimated to be 83-88% pure.
Others believe that some accidental mixing with Rainbow Trout occurred at the Mt Whitney hatchery and the fingerlings were returned to Cottonwood Lakes. Some believe that an accidental aerial drop of rainbows fingerlings may have been the culprit. Into the lake system and contaminated the gene pool.
However, during that 30 year period, Rainbow Trout made their way The lakes had been off-limits toįishing from 1966 to 1998 while the lakes were used as breeding ponds for Golden Trailhead (10,040'), it is a 4.5 mile hike to Cottonwood 1 at 11,008'. Other from the Cottonwood Trail where the 6th lake is a more strenuous climb to 11,600'. The first 5 are within an easy walk of each There are 6 numbered-lakes within the Cottonwood Lake system. The paved road is usually open May through October. Continue 20 miles to the Cottonwood Lakes trailhead (not the nearby Horseshoe Meadow trailhead). Suggested Flies for Cottonwood Lakes area:įrom Lone Pine, drive west on Whitney Portal Road 3.5 miles to Horseshoe Meadow Road and turn left.
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