These large brown trout probably feed during low light periods, making it difficult for anglers to get a chance to catch one. The Wild Trout section of the river is also a Wild and Scenic River having no dams, the river flows unimpeded. This makes early season fishing difficult due to spring runoff. West Fork San Gabriel River Nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains below Cogswell Reservoir flows a unique trout fishery. The West Fork San Gabriel River provides a quality trout fishery just minutes away from the large urban settings of Los Angeles.
Fishing is open all year and winter fishing can be fabulous.
The river has dense riparian cover which makes casting for the native rainbow trout difficult in some sections of the river. Accessing the river is easy due to the road which runs along the river up to the dam. Handicap access ramps are found at various points along the river. The public is not allowed to drive on the road, but bikes and wheelchairs are allowed. Fishing for rainbow trout can be fast and furious during prime hatches.