I worked for the usfs in '86 based out of big meadows...not that far from grant grove. Small rainbows and brookies sipped dries all day long in big meadows (big meadow creek). In the canyon below the campground the fish were much bigger: 12-16" range.

Eagle peak fire lookout tower is a nice side adventure and only a short drive above big meadows. Hike over poop out pass (frightfully named) to get to Jenny lake for a bazillion little brookies. Climb to the top of Mt. Maddox for an increadible view but certainly not an easy hike. Hume lake was skunk city for me.

I worked there (mostly nights) for three months and fished almost daily. Yes one can live on trout and rice but diet and work knocked me down to 165 lbs; I'm 6'3"

I love that area

Awesome, I talked somebody into fishing :) That actually made my day. Thank you.

I hate to say it but in 3 months I never did fish the Kings river. The only times I drove into that canyon was work based. There was a trail a few miles before Cedar Grove that I had to hike to get to a study area. It was basically a 3 hour uphill hike with, if I remember correctly, a 6,000+ foot elevation gain. Absolutely brutal hike into the Monarch wilderness that I'd love to do again though I'm not getting any younger.

7.28.2012 http://tonysalpenglow.blogspot.com/2...d-monarch.html

thanks Cole..
the following day we went up Copper creek,4900 feet up, to the Monarch Divide, then down 4900 feet, to the MF Kings.. i'll post a link this week.
best T.

Went fishing on the Kings last week after a business trip and had about an hour and a half to fish.  Hooked 3 almost right away and lost them all - then it went dead.  I think I went to a difficult spot where the water was high and it was a little scary wading.  One of the fish was around 16" and flopped off when I reached to net him.

Next time I'm trying another spot where the wading is easier.  In general, I like this river and hope that the company that I'm currently consulting for will pay me to drive down again soon.