Easiest route from west to catch golden trout starting from San Francisco?

I would drive, not fly.

Los Angeles is closer to the Kern River, but when you consider time at the airports, the travel time is probably about equal.

You can drive from San Francisco to Lake Isabella in about 5 hours Google maps .

Or you can fly Jet Blue to Long Beach from San Francisco or Oakland for less than $150.00. The drive from Long Beach to Lake Isabella is about 3 hours Google maps

I’d go directly to the source of the states golden trout population, in the Kings Canyon, Sequoia area, Kern river, Hat creek. www.troutcatch.com

I hope you’re a fly fisherman if you’re going for these guys.