Luke Kinney

All of your gear is provided, so don't stress about having to purchase any equipment. All levels of experience are welcome. Our trips are immersive, educative, safe, and exciting. Half-day trips (4hrs) include snacks and water. Full-day trips (7hrs) are a full day of exploring various sections of the river. A healthy and delicious riverside lunch is provided for full days. Dietary restrictions will be met for each individual. I have in-depth local knowledge of our fisheries as well as the history of the Owens Valley. Not only do we get on the fish but you will leave feeling like you had a well-rounded experience, highlighting our surrounding natural world. Casting lessons and clinics, fly-tying classes, and fishing for alternative species are all options that will increase your knowledge and skills as an angler.

I primarily guide on the Owens River, known originally as "Payahuunadü" by its native Piute People. This literally translates to the "land of flowing water.” The Owens valley has a rich historical and geological background, which only adds to the angling experience. The Owens River breaks into three main sections. The Lower Owens is an immersive angling experience where we spend our time wading through beautiful bends and runs targeting primarily wild brown trout. The Lower Owens is healthy and abundant with wildlife. The Central Owens is a long canyon running for miles between Lake Crowley and Pleasant Valley Reservoir. The Central Owens is an adventurous experience for the more willing angler. Dry fly fishing can be very productive, and the views of the canyon are breathtaking. The Upper Owens is the most popular of the three sections, and for good reason. Unbelievable views of Mammoth Mountain and the High Sierra make it an unforgettable angling experience. Trophy rainbow, cutthroat, and brown trout are abundant. This section gets more pressure and having an experienced local guide will increase your chances of success tenfold. The East Walker River, potentially one of California’s best trout streams, period, holds record brown and rainbow trout. Current regulations and water levels dictate this river's fishability. More details can be discussed in pre-trip planning.

Walk/Wade:
One Person Half-Day 4-hr walk/wade $250*
*each additional person is $100 (max of 3 anglers) (snacks and water are included for a half day)

One Person Full-Day 8-hr walk/wade $350*
*each additional person is $100 (max of 3 anglers) (lunch is included on a full day, beer or wine is available by request only)

East Walker Campout
Full days only 8-hr walk/wade $450 one person*
*each additional person $100 max of 3 anglers
This trip includes an overnight campout on the East Walker River the night before our trip in Bridgeport, Ca. Breakfast and Lunch are included on the day of the trip. This is only available during the right season and conditions, but I will let you know in pre-trip planning if it's in.
This is an epic full-river experience.

For more information, please visit https://www.goldentroutguidingco.com/rates

What will I need to bring?

All you will need is a California fishing license and appropriate layers to wear while fishing. All of this will be discussed in our pre-trip planning.

What are the safety concerns?

I am first aid certified and carry first-aid equipment for all our trips. I emphasize safe wading and angling practices before we embark on the water. Individuals with knee, back, or hip issues can be accommodated by fishing water that is more approachable.

What should I expect?

I base my trips around what your expectations are for our time together. Whether you wish to learn the very basics of fly fishing or wish to hunt for trophy trout or carp we can discuss those options in pre-trip planning.