2015

EastErn siErra Fishing guidE

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Hot Spots Full-Color Maps Campground Guide Tips and Tricks Events, Derby Listings Feature Stories

a publication oF

The Inyo Register

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2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

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“This past winter saw some of the best fly fishing on the Owens River in decades.”

Fish to your heart’s content

Welcome to the Eastern Sierra, home of

some of the world’s greatest fishing, the best people and the most beautiful scenery you’re likely to encounter outside of a National Geographic magazine. While most anglers are accustomed to making annual pilgrimages to Inyo and Mono counties during the General Trout Season – a generous chunk of time lasting about eight months – more and more of you are learning about the benefits of fishing our reservoirs and rivers during the off-season. Indeed, this past winter saw some of the best fly fishing on the Owens River that local guides and their clients have enjoyed in decades. All it takes to get in on this action is a fishing license, and January through December anglers can have access to year-round waters such as the aforementioned Owens River – from Mono County all the way to Lone Pine – Diaz Lake also located in Lone Pine, Pleasant Valley Reservoir and the Owens River Gorge out of Bishop, Hot Creek near Mammoth, the East and West Walker rivers and Bridgeport Reservoir in Northern Mono. So come – fish the high country lakes and lower elevation jewels like Crowley and Convict from late April through mid-November, and then give us a try in winter and early spring. You won't be disappointed. Keep those lines tight and smiles bright!

Rena Mlodecki, Publisher [email protected]

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2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide Editor DARCY ELLIS

Publisher RENA MLODECKI

Distribution STEPHANIE DEBAPTISTE

Advertising TERRY LANGDON

Maps OLIVIA NGUYEN Contributors KRISTINA BLÜM JARETT COONS DARCY ELLIS MIKE GERVAIS JUSTIN HOOVER CHARLES JAMES GEORGE SHIRK JARED SMITH MARTIN STRELNECK

Composition JULIE GARRISON Press Operations SOUTHWEST OFFSET PRINTING Gardena, Calif. Editorial/Licensing Office THE INYO REGISTER 1180 N. MAIN ST., STE. 108 BISHOP, CA 93514

The Eastern Sierra Fishing and Vacation Guide is a February 2015 publication of Horizon California Publications, dba The Inyo Register. All contents, including the fisheries maps, are the property of The Inyo Register and may not be reproduced in any manner without the expressed written consent of the publisher. ON THE COVER: Josh Gilpin of Bishop shows off a beautiful catch from Crowley Lake during the 2014 General Fishing Season. Design by Julie Garrison Special thanks to the veteran anglers and sporting goods stores who once again offered their expertise and advice in the production of this guide. Additional Photo Credits:

Page 32: Jared Smith with a large golden trout caught in the Sierra backcountry; photo courtesy Jared Smith. Cutthroat trout; photo courtesy Phil Pister. Page 33: Brook trout being held by angler; file photo. Wild rainbow trout; photo by Scott Garrison. Page 35: Largemouth bass caught locally; photo courtesy Jarett Coons. Page 35; Sacramento perch from Crowley Lake; photo courtesy Tim Carnahan. Page 43: Owens Valley Radio Observatory; file photo. Page 44: Still from the film “The Last Great Climb;” © Alastair Lee. Page 45: Half Dome in Yosemite; National Park Service photo. Page 46: Shawn Ranson of Corona at Intake II on Opening Day; Inyo Register photo. Wildflowers in Death Valley; National Park Service photo. Page 48: Mule race at the Tri-County

Fairgrounds; Inyo Register photo. Page 50: Sept. 20, 2014 farmers’ market raffle winner Thomas Sills; photo courtesy Sue Chudy. Page 50: The Black Irish Band; photo courtesy Laws Railroad Museum. Page 51: Bishop resident Weston Maddox at the 2014 Golf Fun Day; photo by Rena Mlodecki. Page 70: Bogidar Avramov conducting the Eastern Sierra Symphony; photo courtesy Sierra Summer Festival. Page 71: Stephanie McCaully with a huge forked horn from Bodie Hills; photo courtesy Ken’s Sporting Goods. Page 72: Fall colors in the Eastern Sierra; Inyo Register photo; Rick Vega of Fountain Valley, with the 4-lb., 20-inch tagged trout that won him $50 in the 2014 Morrison’s Bonus Derby; photo courtesy Convict Lake Resort. Page 73: Snowboarders at Mammoth; photo courtesy MMSA. Page 75: A Mono Council for the Arts winter art show; photo courtesy MCA.

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing & Vacation Guide

contents 2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

events 42 Derbies of the Eastern Sierra 42 Inyo County Calendar 42 Mono County Calendar

features 40 Catfish of the Owens Valley 95 Desert Springs Trout Farm 15 Diaz Lake 102 Educational Opportunities 10 Fishing the Lower Owens River 32 Fish of the Eastern Sierra 7 Fly Fishing Warm Waters 80 Go Perching 81 The Grand Slam 91 High-Country “Lobster” 37 Restoring Ponds for Public 6 Season Outlook 14 Warm-Water Map Published 18 Wild Trout of the Eastern Sierra 104 Reader Photo Gallery

quick reference 16 2015 License Fees 117 Advertisers Index 114 Campground Guide 113 Guides and Pack Stations 52 Inyo County Hot Spots 69 Mono County Hot Spots

fishery spotlights 20 Big Pine 92 Bridgeport 78 Crowley Lake 8 Independence 12 Lone Pine 82 Mammoth Basin 30 Pleasant Valley Reservoir 101 Topaz Lake

24 Bishop Creek Canyon 78 Convict Lake 88 June Lake Loop 30 Owens River Gorge 76 Rock Creek Lodge 98 Tioga Pass 100 West & East Walker

maps 56 Big Pine Area 57 Bishop Area 66 Bridgeport-Twin Lakes-Virginia Lakes 62 Convict Lake-Crowley Lake 60-61 Eastern Sierra 55 Independence Area 64 June Lake Loop 54 Lone Pine Area 63 Mammoth Lakes Area 58 Pleasant Valley Reservoir 59 Rock Creek Area 67 Topaz Lake-West Walker River-Sonora Pass 65 Tioga Pass

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

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2015 a mixed bag for anglers

“the small hospital with a big heart”

Season will see less CDFW plants but more opportunity to fish By Register Staff

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There’s good news and bad news regarding the 2015 fishing season and the bad news really isn’t all that bad. While, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife will stock waters less often and with smaller fish this year, the dry winter should once again make for ideal backcountry conditions and set the stage for another epic winter of Owens River angling in 2016. The CDFW recently reported that in order to operate within the budget for trout production, California will be forced to scale back hatchery operations, producing an estimated 1.6 million pounds of trout statewide in 2015. That figure is roughly half of what hatcheries produced in 2014, and significantly less than the 4 million pounds average maintained between 2011 and 2013, according to figures provided by CDFW Fisheries Biologist James Erdman. To combat the loss of production, hatcheries will be growing fish on a “4 to a pound” basis. This will mean that 50 percent of stocked fish will be introduced to the wild at 4 oz. rather than 8 oz. The CDFW is encouraging anglers to focus on “put and grow” spots like Crowley Lake, where these smaller fish will have a better chance to flourish. Put and grow fisheries rely on food naturally occurring in lakes that small fish can eat to grow to larger sizes in time. The habitat at Crowley Lake allows the fishing spot to maintain an average of one 15-inch fish caught per hour for every angler, the CDFW website states. Also on the bright side is the continuation of supplemental plants by local non-profit groups. The fish being planted, of course, aren’t your average trout, either, but rather lunkers and future trophies ranging from 1 to 5 lbs., in waters from Bridgeport to Bishop. Consider also that the CDFW planted a total of 875,000 pounds of trout in the Eastern Sierra during 2014 alone. That’s one year. So even if, say, 3,000 fishermen came to Inyo and Mono counties and each one caught a limit of five, 1-lb. fish, there’s still 860,000 lbs. of fish swimming out there – and the vast majority doesn’t weigh a pound yet. And that’s just last season. The holdovers compounding each season pretty much ensure the Eastern Sierra will have plenty of trout for years to come. So get out there, take advantage of the snow- and ice-free trails, creeks and lakes, and catch yourself a CDFW planter, a hungry holdover or two, or a wiry whopper planted specifically for your angling pleasure. Further information about the CDFW’s fish planting schedule and production estimates for 2015 can be found at www. wildlife.ca.gov/fishing.

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

Fly fishing in warm waters Carp, bass and bluegill await in fisheries from Bishop to Lone Pine By Jarett Coons

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Largemouth Bass (Micropterus Salmoides): a.k.a. Bucketmouths, Black Bass, Widemouths

hen you hear the words Eastern Sierra fly fishing, your mind probably fills with visions of clear, cold moving water, beautiful mountains capped in snow, tranquility surrounding you as you present small insect imitations to wild trout. This is what most people have in mind when they come to fish here and it’s easy to see why. But as our cold waters flow south they warm up and lose their trout appeal and become perfect habitat for fish that prefer warm water. The back eddies and sloughs of the Owens River are home to carp, bass, bluegill and catfish in addition to trout. The Owens Valley has many ponds, reservoirs and miles of canals full of warm-water fish. The Lower Owens River Project and Buckley Ponds restoration have provided us with two brand new warm-water fisheries just waiting to be explored and all these waters remain virtually untouched by fly fishermen. These fish present their own unique challenges to be successful and are more than worthy of our attention. There’s nothing like watching a largemouth inhale your popper or hearing your reel scream as a hooked carp makes a blistering run to deeper water and yet it’s like these fish have been put in a lower class and have been deemed inferior and are no sport to the sophisticated trout angler. Why is that? Warm-water fishing requires the same knowledge of aquatic life and a lot of the same techniques as trout fishing, just on a larger scale. I think it’s time we shine a spotlight on some of the overlooked and unknown fly fishing opportunities you might be missing out on here in the Owens Valley.

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Largemouths are a ton of fun with a fly. I guess you could say it’s the opposite of trout fishing in some ways. Instead of delicately presenting tiny bugs we are now chucking huge crazy flies and trying to make as much commotion as possible trying to awaken that sleeping monster that makes its living swallowing any poor creature it can fit in its mouth. The bass fishing here gets going in springtime when water temps get up to around 50ºF and bass move into their prespawn waters. The water is still a little cold at this time so you will have to go subsurface for them, stripping streamers down deep or fishing flies right on the bottom. At around 60ºF they will move to their spawning grounds in the shallows near shore or the sloughs off of the river that stay warmer. Summer is my favorite time to fish bass; water temps are high and they are more willing to take dry flies and poppers. You know when you get bit fishing topwater these fish don’t sip their food, they attack it. The fishing is good through the fall as these fish focus on food until winter comes and their feeding almost ceases.

Bluegill (Lepomis Macrochirus): a.k.a. Sunnies, Sun Perch, Gills Part of the sunfish family, bluegills can be found in just about every warm pond and backwater in the Owens Valley. They are not very big but are extremely voracious and won’t hesitate taking a tiny nymph or dry fly. A 2-wt. rod with a #20 red ant is a great setup for bluegill. More often than not you will see the fish you are casting to and sometimes there will be multiple fish fighting over your fly. This makes them perfect quarry for kids – as long as their fly hits the water they will most likely get bit … a lot. Once hooked they will put up quite a fight and you will be shocked when you see what was making all that fuss.

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2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

Common Carp (Cyprinus Carpio): a.k.a. Golden Bonefish, Owens River Goldens, Golden Ghosts Carp are hands down my favorite thing to fish for with a fly rod. Don’t get me wrong, I love trout fishing, but it can’t compete with the excitement of carp fishing. They are the most sophisticated and intelligent fish you will pursue with a fly rod on this side of the Sierra and they are also the most misunderstood. They are omnivores and eat everything from insect larva to aquatic vegetation and can find food by smell alone. Since they are constantly surrounded by food they are not forced to take advantage of hatches like trout do, making it extremely difficult to figure out what they are eating. Their swim bladder is linked to their inner ear by a series of bones and ligaments called a Weberian Apparatus which acts as a resonator, giving them a bionic ear if you will. Sneaking now becomes a major part of your fishing tactics; you have to stalk your prey and get close enough to make a cast. My favorite thing about them is that they do not build up lactic acid in their muscles when they fight giving them endless endurance and rod-snapping power. You think you got one to the net then BOOM! – it’s off like a rocket and is a 100 yards away! If you want to test every aspect of your angling skill then try fly fishing for carp.

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Ryan Meindl of Ridgecrest and the 2.7-lb. fish from Diaz Lake that won him the top prize in the junior division of the 2014 Southern Inyo Early Opener Derby. File photo

Looking at Lone Pine

Opportunities abound from valley floor to high country By Register Staff Lone Pine hosts the Early Opener the first Saturday of March every year. Anglers itching to cast can satiate their brown and rainbow cravings a few weeks before the season officially starts. A day-long fishing derby is held at Diaz

Lake to welcome the opening of waters south of Independence and west of U.S. Highway 395. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks the lake and streams south of Independence and west of

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U.S. Highway 395 in preparation for the first rush of fishermen. Lone Pine has more to offer than just fishing, though. The Lone Pine Film Festival is held every October. It’s also the gateway to Mt. Whitney and Death Valley. Diaz Lake is a natural lake formed by the 1872 earthquake. The site offers a marina, a handicapped-accessible fishing pier, great campsites that wrap around the lake with most of the comforts of home and the best of warm-water fisheries through the summer. The tried and true PowerBait and nightcrawlers are a necessity for the tackle box when fishing Diaz, but jigs are also pretty high on the list of musthaves. Lone Pine’s angling action doesn’t stop at Diaz Lake. From U.S. Highway 395, anglers can head west on Whitney Portal Road to find Lone Pine Creek and the famed Lone Pine Creek sandtrap, where leaving without a limit is rare for any angler. Due west of Diaz is the Tuttle Creek campsite and a long stretch of a well-stocked Tuttle Creek.

When fishing the creeks around Lone Pine, salmon eggs, worms, crickets and Panther Martins are a safe bet. About 10 miles south of town is Cottonwood Creek and access to the Golden Trout Wilderness. The Cottonwood Lakes, 1-5, are the destination for golden trout enthusiasts. To start the adventure, turn west at the Cottonwood Power House turnoff, stay to the left and cross the aqueduct. There are campgrounds at the powerhouse intake and great fishing starts there and extends to the end of the road. The trailhead to the lakes is 25 miles from Lone Pine and requires a 4.5 mile hike. Lakes 1 through 4 are catch-andrelease only; the other basin lakes are restricted to artificial lures or flies with barbless hooks with a limit of five. The Golden Trout Wilderness season runs from July 1 through Oct. 31. Local guide Jarett Coons notes that golden trout are notoriously picky, so matching your fly to the environment is crucial. For bait anglers, local pros say it’s best to stick with

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2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

the natural selection of worms or crickets if hunting for goldens, as they are native and, unlike rainbows stocked by the CDFW, less inclined to gobble up just anything that floats their way. The Lower Owens River is another warm-water fishery easily accessible from Lone Pine. The tules may be an issue, but there are enough open stretches of river bank to lure anglers to the river. The bluegill, bass and catfish have taken advantage of the partnership between the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and Inyo County that resulted in opening up waterways from Lone Pine to Tinnemaha Reservoir, the site of the aqueduct intake south of Big Pine. The river is open to fishing year round. Lone Pine also boasts the only stoplight in Inyo County, south of Bishop. That light is at the intersection of U.S. Highway 395 and Whitney Portal Road. Turn west for a tour of the Alabama Hills on your way to creekside campsites and the Mt. Whitney Portal.

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2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

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(760) 876-5365 [email protected] 9

Lower Owens – a warm-water oasis Restored river offers conditions ideal for hunting bass and other wily prey By Charles James

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ince 2006, water has been returned from the Los Angeles Aqueduct into previously dry channels of the Lower Owens River below the town of Big Pine. Empty for decades, the restored river now has a continuous, although modest flow of water from south of Big Pine at the Aqueduct Intake to the Owens Lake Pumpback Station south of Lone Pine with a remarkably healthy warm-water fishery. There has been an explosion of largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, common carp, brown bullhead catfish and brown trout along the approximately 62-mile stretch of the river. There are also stocked rainbow trout and occasional reports of channel catfish. Fishing the Lower Owens River can be an adventure. There is the challenge of limited boating and fishing access largely due to bulrush and cattail growth that have created blockages along the river. The dense growth can make it difficult for a fisherman on foot to get to the water to fish from the bank or, if in a boat, go very far down the river without having to stop and portage around the blockage in the river. Even so, there is lots of good fishing. Fishing tips from local Fish and Wildlife expert According to Nick Buckmaster, an environmental scientist with the Bishop Office of Fish and Wildlife, “Spinning rods are most commonly used for fishing the river and I recommend using at least 8-lb. line because many of the fishing holes are difficult to access and have a lot of snags.” He has enjoyed great success with plastics, jigs, and plugs, but because of snags, prefers to fish with weedless jigs or topwater lures. “Most bass are under-sized (under 12 inches), with 4 lbs. (19 inches) about the largest you can realistically expect on any given day,” says Buckmaster, “but I personally have caught a 25-inch bass that weighed in at 9 lbs.” He says that bullhead catfish are common and become more common going south to Lone Pine. There are also some channel catfish, but they are harder to find. Access to the river and ponds The easiest access to the river and ponds are on paved and unpaved roads that head east towards the Inyo Mountains. Use caution when traveling on unpaved roads as many of them are poorly maintained with rough washboard surfaces or deep ruts. Vehicles with four-wheel drive or high ground clearance are recommended. Keep drinking water, a tow rope and a cell phone handy for emergencies. Traveling south on U.S. Highway 395 towards Big Pine, and then east on State Route 168 towards the Bristlecone Forest in the White Mountains, will take you to the river. This is generally a good area for trout with dirt roads off the highway running parallel to the river. Bartell Road and Steward Lane in Big Pine also offer access to the river. These fishing spots are above the restored Lower Owens River Project and are great for trout fishing. Approximately 10 miles south of Big Pine is the Tinnemaha Reservoir, a popular trout and bass fishing area, where you can fish along the shoreline, off the dam and below the dam. No boating is allowed on the reservoir. Farther south off U.S. Highway 395 is Aberdeen Station Road

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Feisty largemouth bass are prolific along the southernmost 62 miles of the Lower Owens River. A pair of local catch-and-release fishermen reported catching as many as 96 in one day. File photo

where you can fish along Taboose Creek or east to the river and then visit the small restaurant and store at the nearby Aberdeen Resort. Continuing to travel south on 395, turn east onto Goodale Road. It will take you to the Los Angeles Aqueduct to where the restored Lower Owens River Project begins. Some very good spots for bluegill, bass and trout fishing can be found off Blackrock Springs Road, south of the fish hatchery in the Black Rock Drainage. There are dirt roads leading east that will take

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

you to the Upper and Lower Twin Lakes, Goose Lake, Thibaut Ponds and Long Pond. South of Independence is Mazourka Canyon Road. Just before reaching the river, there is a dirt road leading north which will take you to Billy Pond, a fishing spot popular with local fishermen. It has easy access for bass and bluegill fishing. Heading south of Independence, turn east onto Manzanar Reward Road and take it to the Owens River. Off this unpaved road, which passes through the old airfield for the WWII Manzanar Relocation Camp, is a culvert through which the river flows. It is easy to reach and a great spot for bass fishing. When you reach the town of Lone Pine, turn east on the Lone Pine Narrow Gauge Road at the far northern end of town to reach the Owens River or continue south on U.S. Highway 395 to the S.R. 136 turnoff to Death Valley and Las Vegas at the Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitors Center. Continue on to Keeler Bridge at the river. Here the Owens River flows into the Delta Habitat and to the LADWP Pumpback Station pond.

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Tips from local warm-water fishermen One of the best-known local warm-water fishermen in Inyo County is Frances Pedneau, the former president of the local warm-water fishing association. He and his wife, Francie, have been fishing the Lower Owens for more than 60 years. “It’s important,” Pedneau says, “to know about the fish you are trying to catch.” As an example he said, “Bass like to hunt for their food.” He says the best time to fish for bass is in May and June. Accuracy in casting and presentation is also very important in bass fishing. Pedneau says that personally, he prefers using only lures and artificial baits. Recalling his best day on the river (three or four years ago), Pedneau said that he and his wife once caught 96 bass. Having caught thousands of bass over the years, the couple practice “catch and release.” The Pedneaus record and mark the dorsal fin of every fish that they catch (up to five times) with a hole-puncher. The fin heals and leaves a little bump on the surface.

See Warm River, pg. 13 E

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2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

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Jeb McCarroll shows off a nice stringer pulled from Shepherds Creek during last year's Independence Fishing Derby. Photo courtesy Independence Fishing Derby Committee

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them. The Georges, Shepherd, Symmes and Independence creeks are all stocked and offer great fishing. If a little solitude is what you’re after, you can likely find it in Indy. Nearly every creek has its own campground, including Independence and Symmes creek sites. One of the silver-linings to the low snowpack that the Eastern Sierra has been experiencing over the past few years is that creeks and streams stand to have a moderate flow and water level. Since high and roaring waters can impair creek fishing, this is a blessing in disguise for the avid creek fishermen. Families will often gather at the sandtraps along the creek beds, on either side of U.S. Highway 395. This is a good place for beginners to get their tackle wet. Crowds usually form early on in the season or in the early morning and late afternoon hours of the summer. The Onion Valley Campgrounds are just east of town via Onion Valley Road. Here you’ll find one of the highest trailheads in the Sierra. A short hike will get you to Robinson Lake, where you will find trails splitting off for the

Golden Trout Lakes. If solitude on the lake is what you’re after, the Kearsage Trail will take you to Matlock, Bench and Slim lakes. All offer good fishing with peace and quiet. The historic Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery is located just north of Independence, between the community and Ft. Independence casino, on the west side of U.S. Highway 395. Friends of Mt. Whitney have been working on restoring the hatchery since it was forced to close due to a devastating mudflow in 2008. The hatchery is open to the public during the conventional fishing season, from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily, except Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Independence also holds an annual Fishing Derby on the Saturday before Father’s Day. This year that will be June 20. Another popular annual event is the Fourth of July celebration, which draws practically every person in the valley. The event features a parade, arts & crafts, games, homemade goodies and ends with a deep-pit barbecue in Dehy Park and a fireworks show at the airport. Indy may be small, but it’s a great place for campsite fishing as well as access to high country lakes and streams.

County seat offers unique angling experience By Justin Hoover For such a small town, Independence packs a punch. Anglers will enjoy some of the best creek fishing in Inyo County, while fishing widows might like trying their luck at the ’round-the-clock casino just two miles north of town. Independence also serves as a base camp for adventures into Onion Valley. Those looking for access to the high country lakes and streams often begin here.

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Fishing season comes early in Indy as well. The town marks the northern border of the Early Opener area. All waters south of Independence and west of U.S. Highway 395 are open come the first Saturday in March (March 7 in 2015). Locals say that the streams flowing out of the Eastern Sierra near Independence are “under- Independence Creek is known to give up lunkers during the summerused.” That is, there are a lot of time. fish and few people fishing for Photo courtesy Independence Fishing Derby Committee

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

F Warm River, continued from pg. 11

While preferring spinner lures and plastic worms, Pedneau said that putting air in the tail of a nightcrawler will cause the tail to rise and wiggle, attracting bass. He recommends using a good quality, medium graphite rod, noting that rod sensitivity is very important. He recommends using at least 10-lb. line with no leader on a Texas Rig with bullet weight and No. 2 or No. 4 hooks. Pedneau’s favorite fishing spots are the ponds east of Independence, which have lots of bank area. Another good spot he says is the Pumpback Station pond. As to bluegill, he says they are best caught on light tackle and line and that worms are a good choice of bait. As for bullhead catfish, he feels worms or stinky bait laid on the bottom is best. Daniel Hardwick of High Sierra Outfitters in Lone Pine, a fish and tackle store on Main Street, said that some people like to go “hunting” for carp with a bow and arrow. The CDFW reminds fishermen that bow and arrow fishing is only legal for carp and the arrow must be attached to the bow or a fishing reel. Hardwick recommends worms for bass and bluegill, noting that rubber worms work well, as do little crawfish and crappie jigs. For bass fishing, Hardwick recommends a medium rod with at least 6- to 8-lb. test line with a No. 4 hook or bigger No. 2 hook, depending on the fisherman’s preferences. The store also carries bass fly fishing streamers and wooly buggers for both bass and trout. One especially effective lure that he really likes is a Mice Tail. “Use a slow retrieve,” he says. “They work great in creeks!” David Cano of Big Pine likes to rig his pole and line for bass fishing using a Carolina Keeper with a slip sinker and a No. 6 or No. 8 hook. While he likes to use nightcrawlers, he also fishes with lures such as Thomas Buoyants, Panther Martins and Mepps. For artificial

While the Lower Owens below Big Pine is primarily a warm-water fishery, anglers do pull trout out of the faster-moving sections of river. Photo courtesy LADWP

bait he likes Berkley Gulp! Alive! or garlic dough. For bluegill, Cano recommends using curly tail jigs, spinners and nightcrawlers. There are a lot of great warm-water fishing areas on the Lower Owens. Enjoy, and remember that a valid annual fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older, and that open year-round possession and bag limits change with the seasons on some species. Please refer to the current California Sport Fishing Regulations, Freshwater Edition.

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The Fort welcomes Four-Diamond Chef Michelle (Mike) Hanson, at the Tunapi Grill. 2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

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A guide to Inyo’s warm waters New map proving an indispensable tool for anglers By Mike Gervais

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Inyo County, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and a number of local residents have completed a new guide to direct anglers to some of the lesser-known fishing hot spots in Inyo County. While the Eastern Sierra is known world-wide as one of the premier trout fisheries in the U.S., other species of fish, like bass, bluegill and other warm-water dwellers, are often overlooked. From Bishop to Lone Pine, the Eastern Sierra Family Guide to Warm Water Fisheries

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nyo

features 11 bodies of water, including the Owens River, which almost runs the length of the valley. The easy-to-use map includes photos of each of the featured lakes, showing anglers who are unfamiliar with the area what kind of environment they will be entering to fish. But the big bonus of the map is that it includes a list of the species of fish anglers are likely to encounter at the water, information about handicapped accessibility, turn-byturn directions on how to reach the fisheries and a brief run-down of angling regulations. The map also includes information about the condition of the waters, noting whether the pond has been recently restored (see Pg. 37), is slated for restoration, or is currently a healthy fishery that needs no work. The map also shows where visitors can

find campgrounds and parks in relation to the featured fishing holes, and includes a short list of contact numbers for local chambers of commerce, visitor centers, Inyo County Parks and Recreation and the Eastern California Museum. The warm-water map has been distributed to a number of local businesses and the chambers of commerce so they can be provided to visitors who come to the Eastern Sierra to fish. The Bishop Chamber also has a special plan for the maps. “We’re looking forward to taking a supply of the new maps with us to the Fred Hall Show in Long Beach (in March),” Chamber Executive Director Tawni Thomson said. “I’m sure they’ll be a hit and help visitors who aren’t familiar with the Owens Valley.”

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

One-of-a-kind treasure Diaz Lake an often overlooked, underrated Sierra fishery Charles James

D

iaz Lake, about three miles south of Lone Pine off U.S. Highway 395, is “one of the most overlooked and underrated fishing spots in the Eastern Sierra,” according to EasternSierraFishing. com. Many local residents and regular visitors know it to be a great place to fish or camp year round. Swimming and boating is also allowed on the lake. According to Jim Erdman, an environmental scientist with the local Department of Fish and Wildlife, “The lake is a pretty unique fishery for the Eastern Sierra. It is considered by some to be a warm-water fishery and others a cold-water fishery,” says Erdman, “It is actually both.” In winter and early spring the water temperatures are low enough to support trout in good condition but as the summer heat approaches the temperatures rise too high to meet the CDFW stocking criteria. When the water becomes too warm for trout, there are plenty of other opportunities to fish for largemouth bass, bluegill, carp, and catfish. There are some old records that show channel catfish being present in the past, says Erdman. Shore fishing is allowed at Diaz Lake year-round and there is ADA (handicap) fishing deck located near the boat launch ramp. The CDFW has stocked an average of 7,000 pounds of catchable rainbow trout annually since 2001 ranging from a low of 3,500 pounds in 2001 and a high of 11,000 in 2011 and 2012. Stocking begins in late autumn when the water temperatures begin to drop, usually around October and November, increasing during the winter months as the cooler temperatures prevail. Larger stocking loads are added prior to the Early Opener Fishing Derby. The derby this year will be held on Saturday, March 7. The event is organized by the Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce and is made possible through donations of its members and the hard work of local volunteers. The derby is usually well-attended and it attracts fishermen from all over the state. According to Erdman, this winter the CDFW has stocked 1,000 lbs. of catchable rainbow trout in Diaz Lake right around Christmas, another 1,000 lbs. is scheduled for late January and an additional 800 lbs. of broodstock will be added prior to the Early Opener Fishing Derby. The CDFW stocks the lake weekly, often with some of their broodstock which can be in the 4- to 7-lb. range. Trout in the 12-inch-or-larger-range are stocked from late winter through April. According to EasternSierraFishing.com, most trout fishermen use a ball of cheese bait on a treble hook when fishing for the Rainbows. Salmon eggs are also a very good choice. Others extoll the virtues of worms and PowerBait. It is said that trolling in the center of the lake has produced some large trout. Trollers seem to find the most success around the boat launch area. The Inyo County Parks website lists other amenities at the

Kids outnumbered the adults in the campground area on the west side of Diaz Lake during the 2014 Early Opener. Diaz is one of the most family-friendly fisheries in the Eastern Sierra. File photo

Lake, which include 80 acres of swimming, fishing, water skiing, picnicking, boating, grills, fire rings, tables, flush restrooms, well water, with some water hook-ups and playground equipment for children. There are 100 RV and camping spaces located on the west shore of the 80-acre lake. Please note that there are no hookups or shower facilities within the campground. Only small boats are allowed on the lake. Boats more than 20 feet long are prohibited. There is a boat speed limit of 35 mph from May through October and 15 mph from November through May 14. All of the watercraft on Diaz Lake must be inspected for the quagga mussel prior to launching. There is a boat launch fee and it is highly recommended that your boat be completely dry for the inspection. Nightly camping fees at Diaz Lake is $14 per vehicle per night. The boat launch fee is $10. The lake has an Automated Pay Station that accepts credit cards. For more information on Diaz Lake or to make a camping reservation, call Inyo County Parks at (760) 873-5577 or fax at (760) 873-5599. Or, visit www.inyocountycamping.com or email [email protected]. For more information on what is available locally in the community near Diaz Lake, call the Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce at (760) 876-4444, visit website www.LonePineChamber.org or stop by its office at 120 S. Main St. The Chamber is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

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License fees in 2015

Don’t forget the most important thing in your tackle box By Darcy Ellis

F

ishing licenses aren’t known for being inexpensive, and generally increase in price by about 50 cents each year. But, when viewed as an investment – in hours and days of invaluable recreation, in quality time with the family, in respite outdoors in the Eastern Sierra – they’re actually one of the best values around. Revenue from California fishing licenses also helps ensure there will be trout to catch in fisheries around the state. For every sport fishing license sold, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is required to plant at least 2.75 pounds of fish. And, should any of us be caught fishing without a license, it’s a mini-

Resident Sport Fishing – $47.01 Required for a resident 16 years of age or older to take fish, mollusks, crustaceans, invertebrates, amphibians or reptile in inland or ocean waters. Nonresident Sport Fishing – $126.36 Required for a nonresident 16 years of age or older to take fish, mollusks, crustaceans, invertebrates, amphibians or reptile in inland or ocean waters. Reduced-Fee Sport Fishing License Disabled/Recovering Veteran – $6.95* Available for any resident or nonresident honorably discharged disabled veteran with a 50 percent or greater service-connected disability who takes fish. A recovering service member is defined as a member of the Armed Forces, including a member of the National Guard or a Reserve, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy and is in an outpatient status while recovering from a serious injury or illness related to the member’s military service.

One-day Sport Fishing License – $15.12 Allows a resident or nonresident 16 years of age or older 24 hours to take fish, mollusks, crustaceans, invertebrates, amphibians or reptiles in inland or ocean waters. Two-day Sport Fishing License – $23.50 Allows a resident or nonresident 16 years of age or older 48 hours to take fish, mollusks, crustaceans, invertebrates, amphibians or reptiles in inland or ocean waters. Ten-day Nonresident Sport Fishing License – $47.01 Allows a nonresident 16 years of age or older to take fish, mollusks, crustaceans, invertebrates, amphibians or reptile in inland or ocean waters for 10 consecutive days.

Reduced-Fee Sport Fishing License Low-Income Senior – $6.95* Available for any California resident, 65 years of age and older and whose total monthly income from all sources does not exceed the specified annual income levels. Free Sport Fishing License Low-Income Native American – NONE Available for any American Indian or lineal descendant who is a resident of the State, 16 years of age or older and whose total annual income does not exceed the specified annual income levels for the number of people living in the household. * Must be purchased at a CDFW office

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mum $100 fine – which makes that $47.01 sound like a pretty good deal. Licences are required for all anglers age 16 or older except on California’s two free fishing days: Saturday, July 4 and Saturday, Sept. 5 in 2015. The general Eastern Sierra trout season runs from Saturday, April 25 to Sunday, Nov. 15. Southern Inyo waters – south of Independence and west of U.S. Highway 395 – open for fishing on Saturday, March 7. Various other fisheries in Inyo and Mono counties are open year round, which is good because fishing licenses are valid from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31.

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

Ages 0-9 – $517 Ages 10-39 – $844.50 Ages 40-61 – $761 Ages 62-plus – $517 Available to residents of California. Lifetime fishing licensees receive an annual sport fishing license each year for life. Fishing Privilege Package – $349.75 Lifetime licensees who purchase the Fishing Privilege Package receive a Second-Rod Stamp, an Ocean Enhancement Stamp, a North Coast Salmon Report Card and a Steelhead Report Card.

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2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

17

Backcountry angler, author and resort manager Jared Smith fishes a stream in the Sabrina Basin above Bishop. Smith notes that virtually every canyon west of U.S. Highway 395 from Lone Pine to Bridgeport

not only has world-class scenery, but awesome fishing opportunities as well.

Call of the wild

Photo by Nathan Moeder

Backcountry waters offer world-class fishing for wild trout By Jared Smith

W

hile many area visitors are somewhat familiar with the exceedingly beautiful roadside lakes and streams which dot the map and wind through the landscape of the Eastern Sierra, most are totally unaware that for every body of water you can reach by car, dozens more can be reached by spending an hour or two on one of the areas many scenic mountain trails. Virtually every canyon to the west of U.S. Highway 395 from Lone Pine to Bridgeport has world-class scenery, and in some cases world-class fishing, for those willing to explore beyond where the road ends and the trail begins. The backcountry angler often finds himself or herself to be one of only a handful of other visitors to some of these amazing locations lending an added layer of solitude and enjoyment of the natural world. This is one of my favorite things about exploring the wilderness areas in the Sierra. There is a vast array of angling opportunities to be had. From small lakes loaded with pan-sized and ever-aggressive wild brook trout, larger lakes with trophy kamloops rainbows or German browns, and even our state fish, the exceedingly beautiful golden trout, can be found within day-hike range in the high country. There are short hikes for those preferring a more casual and less time consuming experience, as

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well as longer more challenging hikes for the most adventurous trout enthusiast. Before I go on in detail about the how-to of backcountry fishing, it should be noted that when visiting these places, these wild places, one absolutely has to have a respect for their surroundings. There are no trash receptacles up there and nobody to clean up after us, so take extra care to avoid leaving a trail of waste behind, something that reflects poorly on all of us as anglers and fans of the outdoors. Treat passing hikers with respect and with that, respect everyone’s love of these places by enjoying the peace and quiet found in the forest, and avoid disturbing it. “Take only pictures, leave only footprints” is the old saying, and I don’t think it could be said any better. Now to get started on the trail to backcountry “trout nirvana,” one must only be concerned with some basic gear and a little research. A small backpack to carry plenty of water and snacks, sunscreen, a trail map, your camera and some tackle, along with your usual ultra-light fishing gear or your fly rod is most of what you need. I always recommend something warm & something waterproof (high country weather can be very unpredictable), a wide brimmed hat, and shoes with at least some

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

ankly suport and a sturdy sole to keep your feet comfortable along the way … and believe me when I tell you that unhappy feet can really put a damper on an otherwise wonderful outing. Lastly you’ll want to research where you’d like to visit. There are many local resources spread up and down the 395 corridor to help you figure this out; among them are local tackle shops, resorts, ranger stations, and visitor centers. These folks are professionals who specialize in helping visitors get the most of out their hiking Eastern Sierra experience and can really help when it comes to planning your activities for the day. Another invaluable resource when targeting a specific trout species in Inyo or Mono counties is the Online Fishing Guide available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing. Just look up a roadside lake that you’re familiar with and then click around on all the surrounding lakes on the interactive map to see what type of trout it has. It’s a very helpful tool for the backcountry angler. Once you decide where to go, you’ll want to think at least a little bit about fishing tactics. The truth is that most of the tackle that works when fly fishing or spin fishing in the roadside waters works well in the backcountry too. Having said that, I’d again recommend visiting one of the local tackle shops or area resorts who really have a handle on what folks have been using, and more importantly, what they’ve been successful with, when fishing at various backcountry waters. Backcountry trout aren’t fed fish pellets at a hatchery, so they feed entirely on what nature provides. This can vary to some degree based on season, location, elevation and so on. If you provide them with your planned destination, the folks at local outfitters and resorts are often the best prepared to educate you on what the best tactics will be to fool some wild trout during your visit. These folks are usually the closest to the action, receive the most first-hand reports, the latest and greatest info, and oftentimes have staffs that frequent these places, so you can rest assured that they’ll do their

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best to send you up the trail with the right stuff. For the sake of being complete in this article, I will say that no spin-fisherman should plan on fishing the backcountry without a fly/bubble rig and a few flies, a couple spinners and spoons, and some plastics like mini-jigs or trout worms. The fly fishers out there will need a selection of dries, nymphs and streamers as well as some indicators. You don’t need the entire fly shop, but you’ll want at least a few different patterns of each style of fly. Again, you’ll find more specifics at the local resort or tackle shop nearest the trailheads. These businesses are also excellent places to ask about special fishing regulations, proper catch and release technique, and whether or not keeping wild trout is appropriate at the lake or stream you plan to visit. As a general rule keeping wild trout is frowned upon, but some lakes are overpopulated to the point where harvest is not only acceptable, but encouraged. Most important of all is to take your time and enjoy the experience. There is no hurry up there. Folks from all over the world visit the Eastern Sierra for good reason, and it is worth taking an extra moment or two to survey your surroundings and soak it all in. The sight of towering mountain peaks silhouetted against the deep blue sky, the sound of a summer breeze as it moves through the pines, a pristine alpine lake mirroring the wilderness on its surface, the reflection only broken by a wild trout rising for a meal … I hope those who are willing and worthy make the trip to these wild places, it will change your definition of what trout fishing can be and what a vacation to the Eastern Sierra means. About the Author Jared Smith is General Manager of Parchers Resort & South Lake Boat Landing in Bishop, author of “Fishin’ Trails – 25 Short Hikes for Eastern Sierra Wild Trout” and owner of Sierra Slammers Custom Baits lure company.

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2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

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Big Pine or bust

Make it a point to seek out area's excellent angling By Justin Hoover For many skiers, Big Pine is nothing more than a chance to stop for gas on the way to Mammoth. To anglers, on the other hand, the area is a destination rife with prime fishing spots from the creeks flowing out of the Eastern Sierra into the valley between Independence and Big Pine. As you arrive to the town of roughly 1,300, you’ll pass Goodale and Taboose campgrounds (when travelling northbound). Both are nestled beside creeks of the same name that are regularly stocked by the California

Department of Fish and Wildlife. These campgrounds are always packed come Opening Day. Among the hot spots nearby is Little Fish Spring, located near the Fish Springs Hatchery, just south of Big Pine. When the weather warms up, try Tinnemaha Reservoir, south of Big Pine and east of U.S. Highway 395. The reservoir has tules and brush to break through, but if bass are your catch of choice, it’s worth the effort. The biggest fish in the area almost always come out of the Owens River. To get to

the Owens, head east on State Route 168, just north of town. The turnoff can be spotted by the big American flag and even bigger pine tree that mark a small campground. Once you’ve caught your limit, you may want to trek farther east on S.R. 168. Once into the White Mountains you’ll come across the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, which is home to the oldest living organisms on the planet. The pines found here are thousands of years old. There is no shortage of options in Big Pine. You can take your pick of creeks and campgrounds. At the north end of town, head west on Baker Creek Road; at the top of the hill is Baker Creek Campground. There are sev-

Ty Hessell with his catch at the Glacier Pond outside of Big Pine Opening Weekend 2014. Hessel said he began fishing in the Eastern Sierra as a kid, and is proud to carry on the tradition as an adult. Photo by Mike Gervais

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2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

eral pools here good for fishing and exploration. The road going up the side of the mountain is Crocker Street. Turn westbound between the Shell and Mobil stations to get onto this road. Big Pine Creek will be accessible at the first big curve, just before the real altitude gain begins. You’ll often see anglers having pulled off the road to test the water around there. The road dead-ends at the trailhead to the backcountry, just past Glacier Lodge. The lodge has cabins, campsites, a store and also offers a few big, fishable ponds as well as access to the creek. Anglers really can’t go wrong with any of the fork trails. Big Pine Creek’s south fork comes down from the Middle Palisade Glacier with several small lakes along the trail. The north fork leads to the Palisade Glacier, the largest in the Sierra. The trail to the north fork takes hikers past a cabin once owned by actor Lon Chaney of “Man of a Thousand Faces” and “Wolfman” fame. Past the cabin, the trail continues to Lakes 1-7, all fishable with an assortment of rainbows, browns and brookies. Not to be missed in Big Pine are the amenities available in town. Big Pine recently made national headlines for Copper Top BBQ, named the “Best Restaurant in America” by online review site Yelp. Hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The restaurant is located on Ricky Daniel, 14, of Riverside, caught a couple of lunkers at Baker U.S. Highway 395 (Main Street) at the north end of Big Pond in Big Pine on Opening Day 2014. Pine. Photo by Mike Gervais

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First Lake, Big Pine S. Brett Edmondson

Known for its cobalt blue and turquoise water, First Lake is

simply breathtaking. This hike would not be considered “easy” for most, but its well worth the effort both for the scenery and the fishing.

ly well. A stunning rainbow of Trailhead Name: Big Pine Creek North Fork Trail about 1.5 Elevation: 9,975 feet lbs. with Vertical Climb: 1,700 feet magnificent Distance: 3.5 miles to First Lake shape and Lake Size: 8 Acres color was Trout Species: Brook, Brown and Rainbow Trout the result on a recent trip using these. My son, Hunter, caught a brown in the 2- to 3-lb. range a few years back on the fly/bubble rig – another great choice for this lake. My favorite spot on the lake is the back inlet where the creek pours into the lake in three different areas. It’s one of the prettiest spots I have ever had the privilege to wet a line. More often than not, you can catch a fish per cast here. Beautiful brooks, rainbows and the occasional brown are eager to take any of the aforementioned offerings. Replacing your lure’s treble hook with a single hook like an Owner Mosquito #6 or #8 can help when practicing catch and release.

I have been visiting this lake for decades and one of my favorite lures for the area is the 1/8-oz. Super Duper in gold and red; it’s foolproof. On more recent day-hikes to First Lake, an assortment of plastics did the job. Sierra Slammer tube jigs and trout worms Other points of interest along the North Fork trail include Lon in natural patterns like grasshopper or baby brown work extreme- Chaney’s cabin and the Palisade Glacier.

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2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

At 3.5 miles from the Big Pine Creek North Fork Trailhead, First Lake is a high-country jewel worth every step taken to get there. The lake

is populated by brook trout, rainbows and browns. Photo by Don Tockstein

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2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

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Your Creative Outlet Custom Framing Fabric Shop Upstairs Yarn Fabric Beading Craft Paint Baskets Kids Crafts Leather Supplies Art Supplies Needlework Supplies Cake Decorating Silk Flowers

Macy Terkhart , 8, of Laguna Hills, landed this 8.5-lb. lunker at Intake II late last June. Her grandpa was coaching her on how to fly fish when their black gnat caught this big guy’s eye and he took the bait. File photo

Canyon country

Numerous lakes, Bishop Creek await to the west By Justin Hoover

162 N. Main Street Bishop, CA 93514 Phone

(760) 873-4183 Hours Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 24

Heading west out of Bishop on West Line Street is quite a pretty drive. The scenery quickly changes with the elevation from desert shrubs to large boulders and eventually the mountain pines. The first fishing spot along this road is Izaak Walton Park. You can always drop a line in the creek here before heading up to altitude. As Bishop and the Buttermilk fade from sight, Bishop Creek can be seen flowing east past one of Southern California Edison’s hydro plants. Considering the multitude of camp-

sites, alpine lakes, fisheries and hot spots, the most comprehensive way to catalog them is to consider their location from a point-A-topoint-B perspective. The traffic signal at Line Street and U.S. Highway 395 will be point A. From there you’ll travel due west and Line Street becomes State Route 168 West. About 12 miles from the traffic signal is a turnoff to South Lake. Seven miles of mountain road will wind you past a few campsites with South Fork access. All of the drainage is planted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, so just pick the spot you find the most visually appealing. Bishop Creek Lodge and Creekside RV Park straddle the road near a small residential area on the south side of the highway. The terrain levels out a bit here and on the north side of the road are a series of ponds and marshes, ideal for fly fishing. For anglers up for a short hike, a big wooden bridge marks the trailhead to Tyee Lakes, a series of six small mountain lakes, five of which are fishable (Lake 3 being the exception). According to locals, Lakes 1, 4 and 5 are heavy with brookies and rainbows; Lake 2 is just brookies and Lake 6 is a rainbow haven. The adventurous can stay on the trail and end up at Lake Sabrina, on the creek’s North Fork, or go all the way to Lake George. Parchers Resort is past the trailhead and bridge, offering cabins, a restaurant and general store. Jared Smith, manager and co-owner of Parchers Resort, also manages the boat landing at South Lake. Unfortunately, South Lake has been suffering due to drought in the last few years. In 2014, the lake was practically out of commission. This being the fourth consecutive year of drought and low snowpack in the Eastern Sierra, the conditions at South Lake may not be much better. Given that two months of potential snow storms follow the editorial deadline of the Fishing Guide, it is impossible to predict what water levels will be like. But, even if the lakes are low or ramp access is impaired, it’s a great starting point for creekside and lake fishing within a day’s hike into the backcountry. Lower water levels are often advantageous to creek anglers, where high water levels can

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

impair access. A sample of what awaits along the Bishop Pass trailhead, just below the parking lot at South Lake, includes Treasure, Chocolate, Ruwau, Long and Spearhead lakes. Back to S.R. 168. Past the South Lake turnoff you’ll come to Intake II on the south side of the road. This is a man-made lake, regularly stocked by CDFW and considered one of the best spots for any angler. A handicapped pier provides easy access; anglers float around in tubes and canoes. Stay on S.R. 168 and check out Cardinal Lodge, accessible through the mountainside community of Aspendell. This historic, restored mining camp has picturesque cabins, fishing ponds, a restaurant and general store. The north fork of Bishop Creek runs right through it. Back to S.R. 168 and up a bit more is the turnoff to North Lake, accessible on a dirt road that clings to the side of the mountain. North Lake will not have any water level issues and provides great tube fishing. You can also wade through the tules to the lake’s outlet. From the parking lot, follow the trail on the west side of the lake to the campground and on to the Piute Pass Trailhead. S.R. 168 dead-ends at Lake Sabrina (point B) with its boat launch and café. On most summer nights you’ll see many creekside spots bustling with anglers. Both the creek and Lake Sabrina are heavily stocked by CDFW. The trailhead out of Sabrina takes fishermen to some colorfully named lakes: Hungry Packer, Drunken Sailer, Baboon, Fishgut, Dingleberry and Topsy Turvy, all filled with fish and snow

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Eric Hoffman from Castaic was pretty sure his 2.3-lb. trout was the biggest caught near Cardinal Lodge on opening day. File photo

melt. Fishermen will fare well all over Bishop Creek Canyon with traditional go-to bait like salmon eggs, nightcrawlers and PowerBait.

Hiyamac. Lobuddy. Binearlong? Cuplours. Ketchanenny? Goddafew. Kindarthy? Bassencarp. Enysizetoum? Cuplapowns. Hittinard? Sordalite. Wachoozin? Gobbawurms. Fishanonboddum? Rydonnaboddum. Igoddago. Tubad. Seeyaround. Yeahtakideezy. Guluk! If you think this is confusing, imagine examining the chain of title for a piece of property here since the 1800s when Mammoth Lakes was just a small mining town. Bringing all that history and information into one title report is what Inyo-Mono Title Company does with each title search. Our experts leave no stone unturned. We make sure there are no outstanding claims or persons who may have an interest in the piece of property you are purchasing. We have the only complete title plant in both Inyo and Mono Counties with records on every parcel of land dating back to 1860! Inyo-Mono Title Company can figure it out. Specify Inyo-Mono Title Company. There is a difference.

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Depending on which way you go, Bull Lake is either one of the first or last backcountry fisheries along the Chocolate Lakes Loop. Photo by Darcy Ellis

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

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main trail.

Mary Louise Lakes, S. Fork Bishop Creek

A f t e r Trailhead Name: Bishop Pass Trail w i n d i n g Elevation: 10,600 feet Climb: 850 feet through a Vertical Distance: 1.5 miles (one way) m e a d o w Lake Size: .75 surface acres (northern) and 1.80 and up a surface acres small set Trout Species: Brook trout of switchbacks, you’ll arrive at the lower Marie Louise Lake.

These two small lakes are very scenic, and being off of the main Bishop Pass trail are far less visited than some of the other lakes in the basin. Wild brook trout are numerous here and most range from 4 inches to 8 inches in length. Jared Smith Always feisty and extraordinarily beautiful, these Brook his hike is one of the shorter hikes in the Bishop Creek trout tend to be fooled most often by a variety of flies (either traditional fly gear or fly/bubble), small spinners like Canyon. a gold Mepps, or brightly colored plastic trout worms and You start near South Lake at the Bishop Pass Trailhead mini-jigs. and begin your ascent above South Lake. This is the most difficult part of the hike and where you gain the majority of Shore access is decent but anglers will find the fly/bubble your elevation. Once you have hiked in about a mile, a trail rig advantageous when trying to reach the far side of the sign marks where the Marie Louise trail separates from the lake.

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2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

An angler enjoys an afternoon of solitude and fishing for feisty brook trout at Mary Louise Lakes. The fisheries can be accessed via a 1.5-

mile hike out of South Lake.

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

Photo by Stephen Smith

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Lamarck Lakes, N. Fork Bishop Creek

and the smaller trail to the Trailhead Name: Lamarck Lakes lake cuts Elevation: 10,900 to the right Vertical Climb: 1,575 Feet from the Distance: 2 miles (one way) main trail, Lake Size: 40 surface acres which con- Trout Species: Brook and rainbow trout tinues on up to Lamarck Col (you don’t want to go that way).

You first arrive at the lake near the outlet where there is good shore access. If you scramble up some rocks you can make Jared Smith your way out to a point where you have access to deep water. Brook trout outnumber rainbows here but there are some he Lamarck Lakes trail begins at the beautiful North Lake surprisingly healthy fish in this alpine lake, with the larger campground in the Bishop Creek Canyon. It is a moderately fish upwards of 14 inches. The rugged backdrop to this lake strenuous hike in that you gain almost 1,600 vertical-feet in is quite beautiful, even if its beauty is in stark contrast to the two miles. more lush lower elevations. Having said that, great views and lots of shade make it a very pleasant hike in most respects. Taking a short snack or lunch In larger lakes with bigger fish, it’s important to cover as much break at Lower Lamarck, and maybe making a few casts may water as you can so lures like Thomas Bouyants, Kastmasters net you a few brookies, and breaks up the hike nicely. and the fly/bubble rig can really help you to get your lure in The Upper lake is just about a half mile beyond the Lower front of cruising fish.

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2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

Upper Lamarck Lake, accessed out of North Lake in the Bishop Creek Canyon, is a large backcountry fishery with decent-sized fish – brook-

ies and rainbows.

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

Photo by Jared Smith

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Jeremy Saldivar and Jonathan Smiech (l-r) of Corona collected some nice-sized stockers and a couple of lunkers at Pleasant Valley Reservoir during the 2014 Blake Jones Trout Derby. Photo by Mike Gervais

Pleasant, productive fishing year round

Reservoir, gorge have much to offer bait and fly anglers By Register Staff The Owens River Gorge and Pleasant Valley Reservoir about 10 miles north of Bishop offer some of the finest year-round fishing for the beginner and expert alike. The reservoir, a short hike from the Pleasant Valley Campground, is home to the Blake Jones Trout Derby in March, with many of those fish that go uncaught during the derby ending up growing to epic proportions.

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The 115-acre lake/reservoir is accessible by walking or biking only. The Owens River Gorge, while known among rock climbers as world-class terrain, is also home to some of the tamest fly-fishing waters around. That’s not to say the fish are tame. Jarett Coons, owner of Sierra Mountain Trout Guide Service, has said there are some “beastly browns” to be caught in the

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

Gorge, along with some tamer trout that are perfect for beginners just learning the art of fly fishing. The Owens River in the Gorge is full of little nooks and crannies where fish are left to grow fat and hungry as very few anglers take the time to hike up the river or search out the hidden treasures. Most experienced anglers go in search for the most rugged and difficult places to reach, even approaching the Gorge from the backside of Crowley Lake and Casa Diablo, as these spots are rarely visited and are where fish seem to congregate. The Gorge also has something very few areas in the Owens Valley has – consistent, mellow water flow. Consistency with water, its flow and temperature, creates clear water where fish can find plenty to eat without having to work very hard. Pretty soon the Gorge will have stronger – or rather higher – flows thanks to a long-sought agreement reached between the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and Mono County. The LADWP filed a Notice of Determination on a Negative Declaration of Impacts in January for proposed permanent pulse flows on the river between the Upper Gorge Power Plant and the Control Gorge Power Plant. The new flows are the result of a stip-

ulation order agreed upon by the Mono County District Attorney, Mono County Counsel, the CDFW and the LADWP following claims that flows violate Fish and Wildlife Code 5937, which requires those who own and operate dams “to allow sufficient water to pass at all times through a dam to keep in good condition any fish that may be planted or exist below the dam.” Based on several years of study, the parties agreed to a flow regime with a new base of 40 cubic feet per second, up from the current 36 cfs. The regime also lays out a scheduled for channel maintenance flows and riparian recruitment flows. According to the project description, the increased flows “will provide for keeping fish in good condition within the project reach and satisfy Fish and Game Code Section 5946.” When it comes to catching those fish, fly fishers are urged to study the water, bugs and food supply – just watch the water and see what the fish are attracted to, or not. More local advice: if the fish aren’t hitting – move. For more information on the gorge and reservoir, call the Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau at (760) 873-8405. There are also local tackle shops glad to share the latest.

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DAY OR NIGHT AUTOS • TRUCKS insurance towing 2 trucks to serve you (760) 873-4271 TOLL-FREE (800) 582-9260 A waterfall and cave in a narrow portion of the Owens River Gorge this past winter. Photo by Craig Jackson

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

387 N. Warren • Bishop 1 block west of Main Street 31

Fish of the Eastern Sierra

Try for golden trout, brookies, perch and more By Martin Strelneck

T

here’s no shortage when it comes to variety on the Eastern Sierra fishing scene. Throughout Inyo and Mono counties, rainbow, brown, cutthroat, brook and golden trout inhabit local waters. And for a change of pace, there are non-trout species. Bass, catfish and bluegill can be found in the warmer waters of the Owens Valley. Sacramento perch have become the target of choice for a growing clan of anglers taking to the waters of Crowley Lake and Bridgeport and Pleasant Valley reservoirs. Habitat range covers the spectrum, from the lower elevation

High-elevation Eastern Sierra waters are the home of California’s state fish, the golden trout. You won’t find “goldens” inhabiting roadside, easy-toaccess waters. The majority of prime locations call for considerable, strenuous legwork, or making use of the facilities offered by local pack stations and horse-generated power. Golden trout can be found in countless backcountry waters stretching from Southern Inyo County to Northern Mono County. This is a cold-water species. Golden trout are early-season spawners. Anglers in the know hit the locations shortly after ice-out when the fish are in an aggressive state of mind. However, because of the high-elevation cold temperatures, it is commonplace that many locations are ice-bound until late June and early July. The one exception providing fairly easy access is the Horseshoe Meadow area high above Lone Pine. This is a drive-to location on the Horseshoe Meadow road, with steep grades. Look for the road to open usually around Memorial Day; earlier if it’s a dry winter. When in the spawning mode, goldens inhale just about any offering. On the bait side, worms, grubs, ant eggs and grasshoppers are good producers. Later in the season with the insect hatchings, small flies are favored, along with small red and gold lures. The majority of golden trout waters are governed by special restrictions – check the Department of Fish and Wildlife regulation booklet to avoid a confrontation with a game warden.

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waters in the Owens Valley to backcountry waters above 10,000 feet. It all depends on your choice of target. Remember: many locations throughout the Eastern Sierra are governed by special regulations – barbless hooks, lures or flies only, limited or no fishing during certain periods and possession limits ranging from 0-15, depending on location, to mention a few. Before taking to the waters of a chosen location, check the CDFW regulation book – or else face the possibility of a confrontation with a friendly game warden. Here’s what is available in the Eastern Sierra …

Anglers looking for a heavyweight catch suitable for hanging on the den wall target brown trout. What defines heavyweight? The state record is 26 lbs., 8 oz. taken in 1987 from Upper Twin Lake, with a recent season trophy coming in at 20 lbs., 8 oz. from Rush Creek. In 2013, Lower Twin Lake registered 15 brown trout running from 10 to 17 lbs. Crowley Lake has produced a handful of browns over the 10-lb. mark. June Lake has weighed in its share of brown trout over the 15-lb. mark. Pleasant Valley Reservoir has been a steady producer of catches over the 10-lb. mark. Bottom line is, just about any water has the potential for producing a trophy-class brown. Brown trout are on the top of the list when it comes to predatory feeders. Smaller fish are a favored diet. The majority of catches are taken trolling with large minnow imitation lures. However, there’s always the exception. A 20-lb. Grant Lake catch went for Sierra Gold dough bait, and back in 1986, Gull Lake kicked out a 17-lb. brown that inhaled a marshmallow dressed with a salmon egg.

This is the only native species found in local trout waters. Waters from Conway Summit north were the historic habitat, however, recent years have seen the species expanding its range throughout Mono County and a few locations in Inyo County, inhabiting primarily roadside waters. Top producers are Crowley and June lakes, along with Bridgeport Reservoir and the Upper Owens River, with catches ranging to the 10-lb. class not unusual. Trolling a variety of flashy lures produces the lion’s share of catches. Fly anglers score impressive catches on Crowley Lake with the trout residing in the same habitat with rainbow and brown trout. Kirman Lake in Northern Mono County is a favored float tube cutthroat location, with catches ranging to around the 5-lb. mark.

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2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

“Brookies” are the target for anglers favoring relatively short hikes into the backcountry. They rarely show up on stringers in lower elevation, roadside waters. The colorful species inhabits countless lakes throughout the Sierra and is known for its lack of inhibition when it comes to inhaling a worm, lure or fly. With a few exceptions, they are not heavyweights. Trophy-class brook trout do make an occasional showing coming from a few waters high in the Bishop Creek drainage and Mono County’s Kirman Lake. They have a tendency to overpopulate their habitat. Because of the breeding excesses, the species is subject to a liberal limit, 10 fish under 10 inches in addition to the regular five-fish limit. During the fall spawning season, taking a limit could be classified as a “no-brainer.” When it comes to table fare, brookies are at the top of the list. Dusted with flour and cornmeal and crisply fried in hot butter, over a campfire or in the kitchen, brook trout are hard to beat. A goal for many dedicated trout anglers is scoring a “Sierra Grand Slam,” catching one of each species on the same outing. It’s definitely a challenge, but possible depending on the degree of pre-fishing homework.

Rainbow trout are the bread-and-butter fish of the Eastern Sierra. They inhabit virtually all roadside lakes in Inyo and Mono counties, along with more than 900 miles of roadside streams. Last season saw the State Department of Fish and Wildlife plant local waters with right around 900,000 pounds of “catchable” rainbows, along with several thousand pounds of heavyweight broodstock running 4 lbs. and better with the same amounts on the menu for this season. In addition, groups such as the now-defunct Inland Aquaculture have been stocking trophy-class rainbows in area lakes for years. (The torch has now been passed to Desert Springs Trout Farm out of Oregon.) These fish, better known as Alpers rainbows, are the product of former trout rancher Tim Alpers who began rearing the heavyweights back in the early ’90s. Back a few years, a 13-pounder came from the Owens River with speculation it was a holdover Alpers fish that survived a few seasons. Rainbow trout are willing to take just about any bait, lure or fly. Over the past few years, PowerBait has been the top producer, with nightcrawlers and salmon eggs runners-up. And the new breed of imitation worms and lures are making a good showing. Gold and red is the favored lure color combination. During the warmer months, when insect hatches are prevalent, fly anglers score on a variety of patterns, dry and wet. Rainbow trout like colder water and take to more aggressive feeding early in the season. During the summer months, the feeding pattern swings to early morning and late evening. And days with a slight breeze seem to be a better producer rather than a flat, calm, glassy surface.

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Photo by Londie Garcia Padelsky

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See Fish Types, pg. 35 E

Bishop pack outfitters In the Eastern High Sierra at North Lake

Daily Fishing Trips • Golden Trout • Trail Rides Spot & Dunnage Pack Trips to over 50 Lakes!

Photo by Sheila Pooler

Serving Sabrina & Humphreys Basins, John Muir Wilderness, Kings Canyon & Evoluton Valley Loop Bonded by California Dept. of Fish and Game Permitted by Inyo & Sierra National Forests Sequoia & Kings National Parks

Only 18 miles West of Bishop at 9,400 feet 247 Cataract Rd., Aspendell, CA 93514 Phone (760) 873-4785 • FAX (760) 873-6600 www.bishoppackoutfitters.com

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

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EASTERN SIERRA OIL CO. Division of Thomas Petroleum

Guitars • Amps • Strings • Sticks • Picks • Straps • Lessons • Sheet Music • Speakers • Tuners • Capos • Special Orders Alway Welcome

Visit our gallery showcasing local artists’ music, art & jewelry.

www.SierraSoundShoppe.com Locally Owned and Operated by The Robinson Family Conveniently located inThe Bishop Plaza on Hwy. 395

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Supplying the Eastern Sierra from Olancha to the Nevada state line with Bulk Fuels, Quality Chevron Lubricants and Kerosene Heating Fuel

481 E. Line Street, Bishop, CA (760) 872-4645 Oils & Lubricants

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

F Fish Types,

continued from pg. 33

Warm-water species – large- and small smallmouth bass, catfish and bluegill – can be found in waters from Bishop south to Owens Lake. Popular locations are the renovated Buckley Ponds near Bishop, Tinnemeha Reservoir and Twin and Goose lakes a short distance south of Big Pine and Billy Lake east of Independence. In addition, there are a good number of other small lakes and ponds throughout the Owens Valley. And the entire length of the Owens River from Bishop south to Owens Lake hosts a population of warm-water species. Good advice is to pick up a topographical map of the area. Sizewise, bass catches range to heavier than the 5-lbs. The majority of bull the catfish are yellow and brown bullheads up to around the 1-lb. mark and bluegill at some locations reach hand size and better. Nightcrawlers and worms are productive baits for the catfish and bluegills. On the bass scene, a variety of crank baits and spinner baits, along with imitation and live nightcrawlers, all will produce – depending on conditions. Spring months, fly anglers score respectable bass catches off the dam at Tinnemeha Reservoir working large streamers. Many locations throughout the Eastern Sierra are governed by special regulations – barbless hooks, lures or flies only, limited or no fishing during certain periods and possession limits ranging from 0-15, depending on location, to mention a few.

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Originally called a “trash fish,” Sacramento perch are now in second place behind the trout population. Making an initial showing in Crowley Lake (source unknown) in the late ’50s, the slab-sided panfish can now be found in waters of the Pleasant Valley and Bridgeport reservoirs. It has become the fish of choice for an increasing number of high-country anglers. Perch catches weigh in from around 1 to 3 lbs., with the Crowley Lake state record coming in at 3 lbs., 10 oz. Every season there are unverified reports of larger fish making a showing, but usually ending up in the fry pan rather than on the scales. Around mid-May the perch move into shallower waters to spawn. Small jigs, 1/16th to 1/8th ounce, are top producers, especially when dressed with a small piece of worm. Once the fish are located, the catching can be nonstop. Early July, the fish move back into deeper water with trollers scoring with small crank baits, or worms worked off the bottom. Because past years saw catches numbering more than 100, CDFW has now set the limit at 25. When the “bite is on,” it’s not uncommon to see the cleaning tables at Crowley Lake elbow to toolbox, with anglers working their filet knives. The white meat filets are outstanding table fare fried, in fish tacos or as a shrimp-style cocktail.

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Sterling Heights 369 E. Pine St., Bishop, CA

Studio & 1-Bedroom Apartment Homes Spacious, Open Floor Plans, Kitchenette & Luxury Baths

“Whether you are independent or need assistance, our 24-hour on-site professional staff is there for you.”

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Please call, come in or visit us online for more information or to arrange a tour.

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The Highlands

recreation vehicle park

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• Open year round • Full hook-up park • Clean restrooms & showers • Laundry facilities • Pets allowed • Fish cleaning facilities • Phone sites available • Cable TV • Free Wi-Fi

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(760) 873-7616 www.highlandsrvpark.com

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2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

High school students celebrate under umbrellas this past summer that were installed at warm-water ponds painstakingly restored and

improved for public recreation, including fishing. Photo courtesy Dick Noles

New and improved Ponds system being restored for recreation east of Bishop By Mike Gervais

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ver the past several years an army of local volunteers, community organizations and businesses have dedicated a portion of the off-season months to drain, burn and fully restore what was once a virtually forgotten fishery in the Owens Valley. The Buckley and Rawson Pond systems, fed by a series of canals east of Bishop, were once thriving warm-water fish ecosystems, complete with bass, bluegill and catfish. Over the years, an overgrowth of tules invaded the ponds. Year-by-year the fishable water shrunk as the plant matter took over. Several years ago, Bishop resident and community mover and shaker Dick Noles noticed the ponds no longer resembled ponds as only about 5 percent of the bodies of water was fishable, and many of the fish had fled to more open waters. Many anglers

continued to fish the area, but were restricted to small, canal-like channels where the current kept the tules from encroaching. Noles’ response to the condition of Rawson and Buckley bonds was to put a call out to the community, soliciting the help of heavy equipment operators, laborers and even local restaurants to help feed the workforce. That call was answered by dozens of residents, and the first pond restoration project began at Rawson Pond No. 1 in 2012. The next year, 2013-14, the crew moved on to Rawson Pond No. 2. This year crews are eyeing Saunders Pond, just a few miles to the south. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, which owns the land the ponds are on, was happy to join the effort. See Ponds, pg. 38 E

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

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Community members and businesses donated heavy equipment and labor to see the pond restoration projects through from beginning to end. Photo courtesy Dick Noles

F Ponds, continued from pg. 37 The latest project started late fall 2013, with crews from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power draining the pond and burning away the tule mass. “DWP arranged it and they got it started,” Noles said. “They wanted it to be a community project, and it was. But they got it going, and they have promised that they will keep the tules down in the future.” With the ponds empty and the tule mass burned, Noles called in the volunteer crew, which spent several weekends using donated heavy equipment to dig the remaining tule mass out of the pond bed, stabilizing banks, digging channels in the waterway and constructing a new island on the lake.

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When work on the pond bed was completed early last spring, the project was turned over to the Bishop Lions Club and Southern California. Edison crews built a bridge to the island and the Lions Club team constructed the fishing deck for easy access to the deeper parts of the pond. With the deck built and ready for use, the LADWP turned on the water and began refilling the pond as inmate crews from the CalFire Conservation Camp and volunteers from the Bishop Sunrise Rotary took over, placing old Christmas trees in the water to serve as habitat for young and spawning fish. From there, crews drained Saunders Pond (the next on the list for restoration) and transported fish from there to Rawson No. 2. Noles said the Rawson No. 2 project is complete, and fish are stocked and ready for anglers. “We’re looking at months and months of work,” Noles said. “If I wasn’t out there with volunteers, then the LADWP was out there getting it ready for us. It was an enormous amount of man hours. It’s a real privilege on my part to work with these people and see how they respond when someone asks for help.” Since the completion of the latest project last spring, residents and visitors have flocked to the newly restored pond to do everything from fishing and swimming, to simply hanging out by the water’s edge to soak up the sun and take in the views. In fact, a number of local high school students were some of the first to celebrate the completion of the pond restoration when they hosted a post-graduation party at the pond deck last June. As word around the community began to spread, many have expressed their appreciation to all the volunteers who dedicated their time and efforts to improve the already world-famous angling experience in the Eastern Sierra. “We’re thrilled to have another great location to send people,” said Bishop Chamber of Commerce Director Tawni Thomson. “The year-round access makes it especially important. Also, the work that Mr. Noles and his dozens of volunteers did is amazing. Especially wonderful are the docks that make access easier for people of all ages with mobility issues.”

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Offer not available with Combo purchase. Offer valid thru 12-31-2015 at participating restaurants. Sales tax not included. Oregon is exempt from sales tax. One coupon per customer per visit. Limit one discount per coupon. Not valid with any other offer, discount or combo. Price and participation may vary. Not for resale. ©2015 Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Lone Pine • Bishop • Mammoth Lakes

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

Last spring, a volunteer crew from the Bishop Lions Club, including (l-r) Neil Vedder, Ray Miklaucic, Bruce Kingsbury, Larry Cox, Sam Dean, Lefty Irwin, AJ Hooper and Don Buser (with Tank the dog),

completed work on a fishing deck at Rawson Pond No. 2 east of Bishop.

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

Photo by Mike Gervais

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Catfishing in the Owens Valley Local group working to get catfish on stocking schedule By Charles James

Fishing for catfish in the Eastern Sierra is primarily a local activity, according to Environmental Scientist (and avid fisherman) Nick Buckmaster at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Office in Bishop. He offered a number of tips and information on fishing for catfish. Most warm-water lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs and rivers hold catfish of one kind or another, but here in the Eastern Sierra, the fact is that most fishermen come here to fish for trout. In part that is because the local catfish habitat is not any better than that found in Southern California. Unlike some of the lakes in Southern California, there is currently no stocking of catfish here. That will change if the group headed up by the Bishop Lions Club has anything to say about it. As part of their rehab of the Buckley and Rawson Ponds on the eastern outskirts of Bishop, the Bishop Lions Club is working with CDFW to find a reli-

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able source for stocking channel catfish in local waters. The most common catches in the Owens Valley are brown bullhead, followed by black bullhead and (rarely) channel catfish, says Buckmaster. He went on to say that channel catfish do not reproduce in most of the Eastern Sierra as they require cave-like areas and warm (minimum 70° F, optimal 80° F) water to reproduce. Historically channel catfish were stocked in the Owens Valley. CDFW stopped planting catfish in the 1980s. Channel catfish are a long-living fish and there is a small population in the Lower Owens below Tinnemaha Reservoir as well. When the rehabilitation of Buckley and Rawson ponds took place, approximately four channel catfish fish were found. Most catfish in that area are bullhead. Bullhead from the Eastern Sierra are exceptionally good eating (not all bullhead taste good, but these all seem to taste great) and

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the average size catfish in Buckmaster’s experience is in the 1- to 2-lb. range, says Buckmaster. As with most types of fishing in the area, fishermen use spinning or bait casting gear. Unlike fishing for trout, which is usually done with ultralight and light fish fishing tackle, catfish require heavier freshwater tackle. Medium fiberglass fishing rods with at least 8-lb. or heavier line is recommended. Buckmaster said that he typically uses 10-lb. test in the event that he hooks a leviathan. Bullhead are generally carnivores and will eat just about anything that looks like food and smells. Every ardent catfish expert has their own secret recipe. The ingredients range from natural prey of fish and fowl, to nonfood items like soap and chemicals.

the Owens Valley is illegal; not to mention it’s not particularly “sporting” either. A good fisherman does not need to “cheat” to catch a fish. Channel catfish are more picky eaters (especially the larger fish). Buckmaster

Chicken, shrimp, liver and stink baits are the most common ingredients. You will read in some fishing guides that “chumming” is a fantastic method for catching fish. Well, no it isn’t. What it is here in

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

typically experiments with several baits before moving. Because there are not many of these fish out here, he typically practices catch and release. The largest he has ever caught was 31 inches. However, when fishing for catfish, location is the most important thing for bullhead fishing. There is a saying that “There’s a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot.” In other words, if you are not getting a bite consistently − move! So, if you enjoy a challenge and adventure, and want to fish for something locally other than trout, try fishing for catfish. You will find it a welcome change.

Aaron Berkovatz of Bishop and the 15-lb. channel catfish he caught in September 2011 someplace in the Owens Valley. He kept the location a secret.

41

101 (give or take) Things to Do in Inyo and Mono Counties

Film Festivals • Fishing Derbies • Road Runs • Marathons • Golf and Softball Tournaments • ATV Jamborees • Triathlons • Music Festivals • Beer and Wine Tastings • Concerts • Parades • Art Shows • Fly Fishing Seminars • Group Hikes • 4WD Excursions • Rodeos • Geochaching • Movies in the Park • Bike Races • Community Barbecues • Kids and Adults Fishing Expos • Motocross

Cardinal Village Resort

• Housekeeping Cabins • Cafe - serving Breakfast & Lunch Daily throughout fishing season • General Store - Bait & Tackle, Ice, Firewood, Groceries, Gift Items • Horseback Riding • Free Wi-Fi • Large Hall for Weddings, Reunions or Business Meetings Cardinal Village is 18 miles west of Bishop and is situated between Bishop Creek and Cardinal Pond. The pond and the creek are stocked weekly by DFG.

321 Cardinal Road • Bishop, CA 93514

760-873-4789

www.cardinalvillageresort.com

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2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

March

All Year Long:

1

Owens Valley Radio Observatory tours on the first Monday (except major holidays) of every month at 1 p.m. Known as “The Ears” to locals, the Observatory north and east of Big Pine is where scientists listen to outer space using giant dishes that point toward the heavens. Call (760) 938-2075.

Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra “Mono-Ski Madness” Mammoth Mountain Ski Area | Mono County

Eighth annual training camp for skiers with disabilities who ski on sit-down mono skis. Participants explore new terrain, learn new techniques and are challenged with new skills and adventures. Beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers welcome. Call (760) 934-0791 or visit www.disabledsportseasternsierra.org.

7

Southern Inyo Early Opener Trout Derby Diaz Lake, Lone Pine | Inyo County

An $800 Blind Bogey is the star of this annual derby, which helps kick off the opening of creeks, streams and lakes south of Independence and west of U.S. 395 to the Inyo County border. Lots of prizes will be handed out in adults, juniors (ages 13-15) and kids (0-12) divisions, in addition to the Blind Bogey sponsored by Gardner’s True Value. Call (760) 876-4444 for more information or visit www.lonepinechamber.org.

7-8

Winter Kamikaze Race Mammoth Mountain Ski Area | Mono County

Mammoth Mountain is hosting a weekend of twowheeled fun on the snow as part of a yearlong celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Kamikaze Bike Games. The two-day event will feature the first-ever winter running of the infamous Kamikaze downhill mountain bike race, fat bike cross-country races and post-race events and parties.

7

Friends of the Fourth Dinner Bridgeport | Mono County

A fundraiser for the Fourth of July festivities held every year in Mono County’s seat, Bridgeport. Call (760) 9327500.

10-13

California Fire and Police Olympics Mammoth Mountain Ski Area | Mono County

Firefighters and Police Officers from around the world will be competing at Mammoth Mountain for four days of parties and racing.

14

Blake Jones Trout Derby Pleasant Valley Reservoir | Inyo County

Contestants are urged to fish Pleasant Valley Reservoir and most of the Owens River near Bishop for a chance to match the Blind Bogey and be entered into a raffle for more than $10,000 worth of prizes. There are additional categories for big fish, early bird entries and farthest traveled to the derby. Heavyweight rainbows are planted just prior to the derby. Call the Bishop

Chamber at (760) 873-8405, or go to bishopvisitor.com.

11-15

Wounded Warriors Biathlon Camp Mammoth Mountain Ski Area | Mono County

Disabled Sports of the Eastern Sierra hosts wounded warriors and former Team USA coaches and athletes. Visit www.disabledsportseasternsierra.org.

13-15

Mammoth Lakes Winter Biathlon Mammoth Mountain Ski Area | Mono County

The largest winter biathlon in America. Friday features practice, clinics and registration. Saturday are the races for juniors, beginner adults and Wounded Warriors. Sunday finishes with elite, National Guard, advanced/ intermediate adults and senior races, as well as awards. Visit www.mammothbiathlon.org.

’ Serving the High Sierra for over 120 years!

Since 1895 there has been a Joseph’s Market in the Owens Valley. Now Lone Pine’s Joseph’s Bi-Rite Market and Bishop’s Joseph’s Bi-Rite Market are owned by Monte & Cora Williams and Family.

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13-15

March Magic!

Edison Theatre, Mammoth | Mono County

Edison Theatre opens its doors to its second annual weekend of magic. Watch a master of sleight of hand and illusion. Visit www.edisontheatre.org

14

Bishop Motocross Race Tri-County Fairgrounds | Inyo County

Racers of all levels and ages compete. Gates open at 7 a.m. Spectator tickets are $10 adults/ $5 for children under 12. On-site camping available. For more information call (760) 920-3865 or email [email protected].

17

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner June Lake | Mono County

An annual community event, the St. Patrick’s Day corned beef dinner includes live music in the June Lake Community Center.

18-20

Elevation 2015

Mammoth, Mammoth Mountain Ski Area | Mono County

See Calendar pg. 44 E

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

119 S. Main Street 760-876-4378

Full Service Grocery Store with a full line of Sierra Nevada Chileno Peppers, local Baxters Honey and Baxters Honey Peppers Lotto/Lottery 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Mon. - Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. - Sunday

BISHOP STORE 211 N. Main Street 760-873-6388

Full Service Grocery Store with Complete Deli, Party Trays. Aunt Annie’s International Kitchen Open Inside Joseph’s Bishop Store and local Baxters Honey & Honey Peppers

Lotto/Lottery 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Mon. - Saturday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. - Sunday

We Accept ATM & All Major Credit Cards in Both Stores

OPEN DAILY

43

F Calendar, continued

mothmountain. com.

raise as an individual, or get some friends together and create a team.

The 13th Annual Mammoth Gay Ski Week features the best DJs in the country and the biggest parties of the year in Mammoth. Everyone is welcome. Events happen all over town. Includes après-ski and nighttime events along with great spring skiing and snowboarding. Visit www.mammothgayski.com.

20-22

27-29

from pg. 43

20-22

Oakley Progression Sessions Mammoth Mountain Ski Area | Mono County Step up your skills on the hill with personalized coaching from Oakley’s top female athletes, spend two days shredding, apres-ing, practicing yoga and getting to know other snow-loving women. See more at www.mammothmountain.com.

20-22

All Mountain Ski Camp Mammoth Mountain Ski Area | Mono County

Three-day sessions are designed for adult skiers who ski advanced terrain and are ready to spend most of the day skiing Mammoth’s vast advanced skiing playground of steeps, bumps and powder. See more at www.mam-

44

Boarding for Breast Cancer: Shred the Love

JLA Banked Slalom

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area | Mono County

Celebrate the life of professional snowboarder and original Mammoth athlete Jeff Anderson at the Third Annual JLA Banked Slalom presented by Burton, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. See more at www. mammothmountain.com.

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area | Mono County

Shred the Love Mammoth kicks off with a morning Yoga Heals session, followed by B4BC’s annual Lap-a-Thon, where skiers and snowboarders compete to complete the most laps on Chair 1 in a two-hour period to win massive prizes like snowboards, outerwear, goggles and more. The contest is a guaranteed good time by all, and open to all age ranges. Fund-

© Alastair Lee

G 27-28 Banff Festival World Tour Bishop | Inyo County

Thrilling adventure stories, amazing wildlife, culture and breathtaking scenery from around the globe, showcased in some of the best films from Banff 2015 at the Tri-County Fairgrounds. Different films each evening beginning at 7 p.m. For more information, call Inyo Council for the Arts (760) 873-8014.

April 4-5

Easter Egg Hunts

Bishop, Big Pine, Independence, Lone Pine | Inyo County

All four communities host Easter egg hunts on Easter weekend: Bishop on Saturday at the Elks Park and Brown’s Town on Sunday; Independence, Big Pine and Lone Pine on Sunday. Check with local chambers of commerce for precise times.

4

Easter Festivities Mammoth Lakes | Mono County

The Easter Bunny is hopping into

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

Mammoth for a weekend of activities including Woolly’s Scavenger Hunt, live music in The Village, free snowmobile rides, outdoor activities, face painting, games and more. Don’t forget to bring your Easter basket for the Easter egg hunts. Visit www.mammothmountain. com or call (800) 626-6684.

4

Spring Fest Kick-off and Pond Skim Mammoth Mountain Ski Area | Mono County

Annual tradition at Canyon Lodge kicks off the celebration of long days and warm weather during a month-long party with outrageous deals, giveaways, lodging specials and more. Call (800) 626-6684 or visit www.mammothmountain.com.

4

Ezakimak Ski/Run/Snowshoe Challenge & Mammoth Pink Moon Mammoth Mountain Ski Area | Mono County

Race from the base of Main Lodge to the top of Eleven53 on cross-country skis, snowshoes or by foot. The Ezakimak will bring participants from 9,000 to 11,053 feet in a winter trial featuring both competitive and novice classes. Cheer on your race participant or celebrate spring at the peak of Mammoth Mountain during a unique Pink Moon experience.

5

Mammoth Marathon Mammoth Lakes | Mono County

As part of the 2015 Nordic Festival, the Mammoth Marathon combines mind, body and soul into a scenic and chal-

lenging race at Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center. Call (760) 934-2442 or visit www.tamaracklodge.com.

10-12

2015 Mammoth Invitational Mammoth Mountain Ski Area | Mono County Racers compete for great prizes; nonracers can attend awards dinner and live/silent auctions. Teams are comprised of four athletes and a celebrity captain. Benefits the Mammoth Mountain Community Foundation. Visit www.mammothfoundation.org.

11

Fourth Annual Alabama Hills Day Lone Pine | Inyo County

Held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., this event celebrates this scenic landscape and educates the public about the wide variety of groups/activities that access and interact with the Alabamas. More than 40 different sponsors/exhibitors will be lending their support. Various field trips and a stewardship event will also be taking place in the Alabama Hills themselves.

11-12

Unbound Terrain Park Camps Mammoth Mountain Ski Area | Mono County

Two days with an instructor in a small group is an ideal place to learn the techniques required to ride the halfpipe, jumps and jibs found in Mammoth Mountain’s famous Unbound terrain parks. See more at www.mammothmountain.com.

12

Topaz Lake Fishing Derby Ends Topaz | California-Nevada

The fishing season at Topaz Lake goes from Jan. 1 through Sept. 30, Topaz Lodge hosts their annual fishing derby from Jan. 1 until April 12 – catch tagged fish for cash and prizes. No entry fee. Call (800) 962-0732 or visit www.TopazLodge. com.

18

Volcom’s Peanut Butter and Rail Jam Championships

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area | Mono County

After a full winter tour the five top winners of each resort qualifier will battle it out in the finals for a chance to win part of the huge prize purse and become the 2015 PB&RJ Global Champion. Come hang out on the Main Lodge Sundeck or watch the competition right on the snow. Riders are invite-only; spectators are more than welcome.

G 18-19 Fee-Free Weekend at National Parks

Eastern Sierra | Inyo-Mono

The Park Service waives entrance fees at National Parks around the nation, including Death Valley and Yosemite.

18

Norman Clyde Birthday Bash Independence | Inyo County

Live music, free food and cake, a “Pack With Legs” fun walk starting at 11 a.m. and guest speakers will all be part of the second annual Norman Clyde Birthday Bash at the Eastern California Museum, 155 N. Grant St., in Independence. The event honors local climbing legend Norman Clyde, who recorded 100 first

ascents in the Sierra, and would be 130 years old this year. For information, call (760) 878-0258 or check the Museum’s Facebook page.

24

Big Pine High School Nightcrawler Worm Sale Big Pine | Inyo County

This event started more than 30 years ago and is an annual major fundraiser See Calendar pg. 46 E

creekside rv park 760-873-4483 “Enjoy the relaxed, friendly atmosphere and beautiful Bishop Creek”

in the eastern high sierra Full Hookups • Tent Sites • Trailer Rentals • Stocked Pond Beer • Groceries • Fishing Tackle • Country Store • Ice Located on the South Fork of Bishop Creek, 16 miles southwest of Bishop

hiking to back country lakes beautiful lakes & streams nearby Trout stocked in pond and creek within the RV Park.

bishopcreeksidervpark.com or creeksidervparkbishop.com 2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

1949 S. Lake Rd. Bishop, CA 93514 45

F Calendar, continued from pg. 45

25

Gull Lake Marina “Fish of the Month Club” Derby June Lake Loop | Mono

for the high school senior class. Worms are sold in front of the high school on U.S. 395 on Friday afternoon and evening, the day before the opening of trout fishing season.

County

Cash prizes are awarded for the biggest catch from Gull Lake every month of fishing season, through Nov. 15. Entry fee is just $5. Plus, rent a boat from the marina and catch a fish heavier than 3 lbs., and get a spin on the Wheel of Prizes. Contact Gull Lake Marina at (760) 648-7539 or www.GullLakeMarina. com.

24

Manzanar Pilgrimage Reception Independence | Inyo County

Meet and greet at the Eastern California Museum, from 4-6 p.m. Light refreshments. Call (760) 878-0084.

25

Fishmas Celebration at the Village Mammoth | Mono County Music, food and more. Visit www.villageatmammoth.com.

25

Rainbow Trout Festival Bishop City Park | Inyo County

Anglers – bring your opening day catch to Bishop City Park for display beginning at 2 pm. For each fish entered, receive one ticket to a huge raffle. Live music, demonstrations, information booths and kids activities. “Just for Fun” prizes for biggest fish, best stringer, ugliest fish and most beautiful. Free registration. For information, call (760) 8738405.

G

25 Opening of the General Trout Season

Fred J. Hall Memorial Opening Day “Big Fish” Contest Crowley Lake | Mono County

This annual derby with no entry encourages anglers to bring their largest catches to the Crowley Lake Fish Camp Tackle Shop for prizes and fame. Call (760) 935-4301 or visit www.crowleylakefishcamp.com.



County

Eastern Sierra | Inyo-Mono

Prizes will be awarded for biggest trout caught by a local resident, biggest trout caught by a child, biggest trout caught by a woman and the ugliest trout entered. All Loop waters are eligible. Visit www.JuneLakeLoop.com.

Every Spring: Wildflowers bloom throughout the Eastern Sierra and in Death Valley, creating a profusion of color and beauty that rivals the show the autumn foliage puts on in the fall.

46

Bridgeport Locals Only Tournament Bridgeport Reservoir | Mono

Sponsored by Ken’s Sporting Goods through Nov. 15 in the heart of Bridgeport, this derby All the lakes and streams throughout encourages locals to bring the region open to fishing at sunrise. their noteworthy Bridgeport Reservoir Rejoice! catches by the store to be entered in the running for top honors. Visit www. 25 BridgeportReservoir.com. Monster Fish Contest June Lake Loop | Mono County

25

25

25-26

Kids Fishing Camp Bishop City Park | Inyo County

Boys and girls ages 6 through 12 are invited to sign up for the chance to have local, professional fishing guides teach them proper fly fishing technique, fishing etiquette, life science and other knowledge and skills to equip them to be the next generation of successful, responsible anglers. Camp concludes with fly fishing derby. For more information, call the City of Bishop at (760) 8735863.

25-26

Mono Village Fishing Opener Derby Upper Twin Lakes, Bridgeport | Mono County

Cash and merchandise prizes are given in several categories at this derby hosted by Annett’s Mono Village. Registration fee required. Call (760) 9327071 or visit www.MonoVillage.com.

25-26

Opening Day Fishing Derby Tom’s Place | Mono County

$1,000 in prize money will be given

away in this Blind Bogey/Big Fish tournament that includes dollar hot dogs and beer at the weigh station on Saturday. Results of derby and more than 60 raffle prizes given out Sunday, with an outdoor party and live music. Call (760) 935-4239.

25-26

Annual Manzanar Pilgrimage Manzanar National Historic Site | Inyo County A delegation of Japanese-Americans and others return to Manzanar to pay tribute to the internees and JapaneseAmerican veterans who fought in WWII, and to call attention to civil rights abuses – past and present. Call (760) 8782932 or visit www.nps.gov/manz.

26

“Round-up at the Lake” Spring Fishing Derby Convict Lake | Mono County

Each entrant may register one fish per day through June 12 that is 14 inches or longer into a drawing boasting $6,000 in prizes, ranging from resort stays to gift certificates. Call (800) 992-2260.

28

9th Annual Disabled Sports Springtacular Mammoth Mountain Ski Area | Mono County This event gives local and visiting children the chance to spend three days skiing, snowboarding and making new friends. To cap it off, on the last day the students get to attend a dance with their newfound friends. Call (760) 934-0791 or visit www.disabledsportseasternsierra.org.

May 1

9th Annual “Taste of the Sierra” Tri-County Fairgrounds | Inyo County

On the first night of the Home Show, area restaurants and caterers serve samples of their best cuisine. Admission includes two beverages; beer, wine or soda. Call April at (760) 873-8405.

1-2

19th Annual OVCVA Home Show Tri-County Fairgrounds | Inyo County

Since 1996, local residents have counted on attending the Home Show for help with their projects, and to see the latest and greatest products and services offered by local businesses, contractors and vendors. Free admission. Call (760) 873-3588. See Calendar pg. 48 E

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

47

F Calendar, continued from pg. 46

1-3

19th Annual Eastern Sierra Gem & Mineral Show Tri-County Fairgrounds | Inyo County

Find fossil and jewelry dealers, lapidary demonstrations, displays of locally found specimens, geode cutting, children’s games, spinning wheel, free rocks for kids, field trips. Hours: Friday, 5-9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Call Francis Pedneau at (760) 876-4319.

2

Choo-Choo Swap Meet Tri-County Fairgrounds | Inyo County

One hundred yard sales in one location. Entry fee at the gate supports Laws Railroad Museum.

2

37th Annual Wild Wild West Marathon and Ultra Lone Pine | Inyo County

A 50K, 26.2-mile, 10-mile and a 3-mile fun-run through the Alabama Hills and the foothills of Mt. Whitney. Something for every runner and the trail is walker friendly. Trail races begin at 6 a.m. Aid stations every three miles. Online entry at www.active.com. Call the Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce at (760) 8764444.

5

Cinco de Mayo Festivities Mammoth | Mono County

Food, drink and music at the Village at Mammoth. Visit www.villageatmammoth. com or call (760) 924-1575.

9

Burton Girls Ride Day with Kimmy Fasani Mammoth Mountain Ski Area | Mono County

Spring riding with the pros at the Burton Girls Ride Day. See more at www.mammothmountain.com.

9

LOCOmotive Geocache Event Bishop | Inyo County

Geocaching enthusiasts and novices alike are invited to take part in this annual GPS-style “treasure hunt” at Laws Railroad Museum. Experts will be on hand to show amateurs how to geocache. Admission is free. For more information, call (760) 873-4676.

9

Altrusa High Tea Bishop | Inyo County

Enjoy tea and treats at this popular

48

annual fundraising event where ladies are encouraged to wear their finest “high tea” attire. This year’s theme is Downton Abbey. See more at www.altrusaes.org.

15-17

Chix on Stix Women’s Camp with Stacey Cook Mammoth Mountain Ski Area | Mono County

Join two-time Olympian, World Cup champion and Mammoth Team athlete Stacey Cook for a weekend of Chix on Stix. Activities include skiing in a noncompetitive learning environment, yoga, cooking demonstration and more. See more at www.mammothmountain.com.

16

“Evening Under the Stars” Round Valley | Inyo Coun

Join friends and family to support Round Valley STEP Foundation’s 11th annual evening dinner event. Located at historic Arcularius Ranch in Round Valley. Donation is $45 per ticket; $50 at the door.

16-17

45th Anniversary Lone Pine Time Trials Between Independence and Lone Pine | Inyo County

Located at the Manzanar Air Strip off of U.S. 395, this event is open to modified, prepared, street prepared, stock or vintage vehicles. Course is longer than two miles, run one way on Saturday and the other on Sunday. Sanctioned by the National Auto Sport Association. Visit www.lonepinetimetrials.com.

22

Sierra Star Golf Course Opening Day Mammoth | Mono County

See more at: www.mammothmountain. com.

22-25

Taatswano Traditional Gathering Bishop | Inyo County

Everyone is welcome to this alcoholand drug-free, family-friendly event at the Owens Valley Paiute-Shoshone Indian Cultural Center, 2300 W. Line St., featuring Native crafts and food booths, live music and cultural performances, handgames and more. Call (760) 8733584.

22-25

Memorial Day Weekend Celebration Mammoth | Mono County Concerts and performances in the Village. Visit www.villageatmammoth. com.

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19-24 46th Annual Mule Days Celebration Bishop | Inyo County

The area’s largest annual event held every Memorial Day weekend as backcountry mule and horse packers celebrate the opening of the summer packing season. Includes the world’s longest non-motorized parade, rodeo-style packing competitions, concerts, crafts fair, vendors, barbecue and a lot more. Visit www.muledays.org. 22-25

Memorial Day Arts and Crafts Show Bishop | Inyo County

Craftsmen and artisans from all over the western United States offer photography, pottery, jewelry, paintings, clothing, quilts, wood items and much more at Bishop City Park. Live entertainment and great food, too. Free admission and free parking. Call (760) 873-8014.

23-25

Stacey Cook & Friends Speed Camp Mammoth Mountain Ski Area | Mono County

Join U.S. Ski Team Member Stacey Cook and Friends for a challenging three-day weekend focused on learning the technical and tactical elements of the Speed disciplines. See more at www.mammothmountain.com.

25

Memorial Day Observance Big Pine | Inyo County

A solemn and respectful ceremony to remember all those who have fought

and died for our country and those who continue to fight for our freedom. Sponsored by the VFW and the American Legion at the Big Pine Veterans Memorial at the intersection of U.S. 395 and State Route 168 at the north end of town.

30

Eastern Sierra Double Century Eastern Sierra | Inyo-Mono

A 200-mile road bike ride in the scenic Eastern Sierra, from Bishop to Mono Lake to Benton and back to Bishop. Visit www.planetultra.com/easternsierra.

30

50-Year Bernasconi Ranch Outdoor School Celebration Bernasconi Ranch | Inyo

Inyo County Superintendent of Schools is sponsoring a fun outdoor activities day including nature hikes, photography lessons, bird walks and watercolor painting. Live music, games, kids contests, free cookout, and other activities are planned. For details, contact Hillary Behr at (760) 873-3262 ext. 431.

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

June 5-7

“Hangman’s Bonus” Derby Convict Lake | Mono County

Cash prizes up for grabs; advanced registration required. Contact (800) 9922260.

6

Annual Concert in the Rocks Lone Pine | Inyo County

Outdoor dinner and concert in the Alabama Hills, benefiting the Beverly and Jim Rogers Museum of Lone Pine Film History. Call (760) 876-9909.

6

Gun Rights Dinner Bridgeport | Mono County

For more information, call (760) 9327500.

6-7

High Sierra 24-Hour All Out Adventure Race Eastern Sierra | Inyo-Mono

Ready for the best 24-hour adventure race ever? Teams from different locales embark on a physically grueling all out cross-country hiking, kayaking, mountain

biking, running and climbing navigation course in the Eastern Sierra. No marked trail, no aid stations, no mercy. Many do not finish this event. Cash prizes for top three coed and female teams. See www.alloutadventureseries. com for more info.

16-19

California High School Rodeo State Finals Bishop | Inyo County

Approximately 300 athletes from high schools all over California compete at the Tri-County Fairgrounds for the state rodeo championship on a scale comparable with college and professional rodeo. Presented by the California High School Rodeo Association in conjunction with the Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce. General admission tickets will be available at the gate. Visit www. chsra.org. See Calendar pg. 50 E

G 13 Independence Fishing Derby Independence | Inyo County

Fish the creeks, ponds and streams in and around Independence and bring all catches back to Dehy Park by 3 p.m. for a chance to win in this Blind Bogey tournament sponsored by the community. Prizes will also be awarded in junior and adult categories for heaviest trout, heaviest trout stringer, largest wild trout, largest catfish and largest bluegill. There will be live music and other entertainment at the weigh-in headquarters.

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

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F Calendar, continued from pg. 49

16-20

Eastern Sierra ATV & UTV Jamboree Walker | Mono County

Several fun-filled days of guided trail rides into and through scenic public lands of northern Mono County. Listen to history on the local area and take great photos along the way. Registration deadline is May 31. Email [email protected] or call (530) 2086078.

19-21

14th Annual Mono Basin Bird Chautauqua Mono Basin | Mono County

Music, walks, talks, lectures and workshops over a three-day period. Sign-ups begin in mid-April and programs fill up quickly. Call (760) 647-6595 or visit www. birdchautauqua.org.

19-28

Monster Energy Mammoth Motocross Mammoth | Mono County

Mammoth Motocross is the summer’s best spectator sport with seven days of thrilling competitions. Riders have ventured to six qualifying locations around California on their Road to Mammoth and are more than ready to bring home the bacon. See more at www.mammoth-

features catered food, silent and live auctions and raffles. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit, tax-exempt wildlife conservation organization. Visit www.caldeer.com/east-sierra.htm or call Chair Doug Brown at (760) 937-7963.

mountain.com.

20

8th Annual Rush Creek Cleanup and BBQ June Lake Loop | Mono County

Help members of the Southwest Council Federation of Fly Fishers as they pick up trash along approximately five miles of Silver Lake’s shoreline and Rush Creek. Silver Lake Resort will provide a barbecue afterward. Visit www. SilverLakeResort.net for more details.

20

Fred Hall Father’s Day Fishing Tournament Mammoth Lakes Basin | Mono County

July 1-31

How Big is Big Fishing Derby West Walker River | Mono County

G

20 Museum Benefit Concert Bishop | Inyo County

A fundraiser for Laws Railroad Museum, the concert takes place on the grounds of the museum in the shade of the Sierra and White mountain ranges. Gates open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 and available by calling (760) 873-5950, or may be purchased at Laws Railroad Museum or at the Inyo Council for the Arts.

Fish in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, then weigh your catch at Rick’s Sports Center at 3241 Main St. in Mammoth Lakes for a chance at winning an awesome prize package. For more information, call (760) 934-3416.

21

Mammoth Half-Marathon Mammoth | Mono County

The Mammoth Half Marathon is a world-class event with a breathtaking route to carry runners over a scenic course through the picturesque High Sierra, finishing in downtown Mammoth Lakes. The route, starting at nearly 9,000 feet, is downhill and fast. See more at www.mammothmountain. com.

21

Bridgeport Trout Tournament Bridgeport | Mono County

All Summer: Eastern Sierra Certified Farmers’ Market every Saturday morning behind City Hall in Bishop, and every Wednesday evening outside of the Mammoth Luxury Outlet Mall.

50

An open derby with several categories, funds generated from this event help provide more trout for Bridgeport Reservoir and the East Walker River. Call (760) 932-7525 or visit www. BridgeportFishEnhancement.com; or call Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce at (760) 932-7500 or visit www. BridgeportCalifornia.com.

Sponsored by the communities of Walker, Coleville and Topaz and the Northern Mono Chamber of Commerce, the 9th Annual How Big is Big Fishing Derby runs for the entire month of July. No entry fee – just bring your fish in to the Walker General Store, and your catch will be weighed and recorded. Lots of prizes. Call (530) 208-6078 or visit www.NorthernMonoChamber.com.

3-5

Old-Fashioned July 4 Celebration Bridgeport | Mono County

There will be a Main Street parade, kids’ games, a softball tournament, arts and crafts, arm wrestling, a greased pole climb contest, mud volleyball, horseshoe tournament, barbecue and of course fireworks. On July 4 there will be a 5K run/3K walk and Duck’s Unlimited Tri-Tip Shoot, and on July 4-5 will be a rodeo.

3-5

38th Annual Mammoth Celebrates the Arts Mammoth Lakes | Mono County

27

Trout Fest

Hot Creek Hatchery | Mono County

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife hosts this annual, free celebration for kids featuring instruction activities, casting lessons, insect and living stream displays and more. Hours are 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Call (559) 765-4824.

27

Mono Village Fourth of July Fishing Derby Upper Twin Lakes, Bridgeport | Mono County

Cash and merchandise prizes will be given away in several categories through July 6 in this derby hosted by Annett’s Mono Village. Registration fee required. Call (760) 932-7071 or visit www. MonoVillage.com.

27

California Deer Association Fundraiser Dinner Bishop | Inyo County

Held in the Charles Brown Auditorium at the Tri-County Fairgrounds, the dinner

Mono Council for the Arts promises a new look to a beloved tradition, as artisans from all over gather in the Footloose parking with pottery, stained glass, photography, bronze, metalwork, in-laid wood, fine art paintings and other unique handmade items. Free admission. Call (760) 873-7242 or visit www.monoarts.org.

3-5

July 4 at the Village

Mammoth Lakes | Mono County

Three days of festivities, fireworks and concerts. Visit www.villageatmammoth. com.

4

Big Day in the Park Bishop | Inyo County

Come celebrate July 4 with family and friends at Bishop City Park with old-fashioned games, food, free swimming, softball tournament, music and pie and ice cream. Call (760) 873-5863

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

Fireworks at the Airport Bishop | Inyo County

Enjoy small-town fun with a spectacular fireworks show put on by the Bishop Volunteer Fire Department. Tailgate all day before the show starts at dusk. Call the Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce at (760) 873-8405.

4

Independence Day in Independence Independence | Inyo County Old-fashioned fun from dawn to dusk in the Inyo County seat, including a 4K/10K, pancake breakfast, parade, arts and crafts, games, pie and ice cream social, concerts, barbecue and fireworks. Visit www.independence-ca.com.

4

July 4 Barbecue and Run Big Pine | Inyo County

The Big Pine Volunteer Fire Department hosts an annual 5K/10K and breakfast in the morning and then a community barbecue followed by fireworks in the afternoon, all at Mendenhall Park. The event is an annual fundraiser for the department.

4

Independence Day Parade Mammoth | Mono County

Sponsored annually by the Mammoth Chamber of Commerce, this parade includes outlandish floats and costumes. Call (760) 934-6717 or visit www. mammothlakeschamber.org.

4

Fourth of July 5K Run/3K Walk Coleville | Mono County

Sponsored by the Coleville Boosters. Call (760) 932-7500.

4

8th Annual Footloose Freedom Mile Mammoth Lakes | Mono County

One-mile race starts approximately 10 a.m. near the corner of Minaret and Old Mammoth roads before the start of the Independence Day parade. This run benefits Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra. Awards given out at 2 p.m. Call (760) 709-2159 or visit www.visitmammoth. com.

4

Lions Club Pancake Breakfast Mammoth Lakes | Mono County

Held from 7-11 a.m. in the Mammoth Mall parking lot, breakfast includes orange juice, coffee, sausage and all the pancakes you can eat. Call (760) 9340017 or (760) 934-2030.

4

Fourth of July BBQ and Horseshoe Tourney June Lake Loop | Mono County

Held from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Silver Lake Resort Trailer Park. Visit www.silverlakeresort.net.

4

live jazz music, plus a barbecue dinner buffet and no-host bar. The June Lake Loop Women’s Club offers homemade baked goods for sale.

17-19

27th Annual Mammoth Lakes Jazz Jubilee Mammoth Lakes | Mono County

This family musical event features many types of jazz: Cajun, Big Band, Swing, 50s-60s, R&B, Dixieland and Straight Ahead Jazz. For more information, call

Free Fishing Day Eastern Sierra | Inyo-Mono

One of only two days during the year that anyone can fish eligible waters of Inyo and Mono counties without a license. For more information on fishing regulations, contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at (760) 872-1171 or (760) 934-2664 or go to www.wildlife. ca.gov.

24-26

June Lake Loop Mountain Music Festival June Lake | Mono County

June Lake Loop Mountain Music Festival. Music inspired by the High Sierra. Tickets will go on sale the month before the event. Call (760) 648-7774 or visit JuneLakeMusic.com.

25

Kids’ Fishing Festival

June Lake | Mono County

Kids under 12 can catch an Alpers trout at Snowcreek ponds and collect an event T-shirt and prizes. Contact (760) 937-2942 or www. KidsFishFest.com.

8-11

26-27

Eastern Sierra Tri-County Fair Junior Livestock Show and Auction Bishop | Inyo County

Mammoth Food and Wine Experience Mammoth | Mono County

Hundreds of 4-H & FFA youth from Inyo, Mono and neighboring Nevada counties bring their best livestock projects to the Tri-County Fairgrounds to compete for top honors. Culminates in an auction for locally-raised animals. Call (760) 873-3588 or visit www.tricountyfair. com.

11-12

June Lake Triathlon and Festival June Lake | Mono County

This event offers two courses: Olympic and Sprint, with relays available for both, which are USATsanctioned. Sunday is beach day with paddleboarding and family fun activities. Call (760) 717-0176 or visit www.highsierratri.org.

14-19

USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championship Mammoth Mountain Ski Area | Mono County

The 2015 USA Cycling CrossCountry and Enduro National Championships will move to Mammoth Mountain where they will coincide with the 2015 USA Cycling Gravity Mountain Bike National Championships.

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18 Chamber Golf Fun Day Bishop | Inyo County

The Bishop Chamber of Commerce offers this atypical tournament, where each hole features a different golf game with prizes at each hole. Entry fee of $35 includes nine holes of golf, cart, dinner and entry into the big raffle for gift certificates, cash and merchandise. Members, non-members, great golfers and hackers all welcome. For more info or to sign up, call April at (760) 873-8405.

16

Double Eagle Jazz Fest and Bake Sale June Lake | Mono County

The Double Eagle Resort again hosts this annual outdoor event featuring free

(760) 934-2478 or visit www. MammothJazz.org.

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12th Annual Village Fest Mammoth | Mono County

California’s Highest Rib Cook-off, featuring live music at the Village. Free admission. Call (760) 924-1575 or visit www. villageatmammoth.com.

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

Educate your palette via food and wine tastings (25-plus wineries and dozens of restaurants represented) and 30 seminars. Live auction also featured. Proceeds benefit the Mammoth Lakes Foundation. Visit www.mammothfoodandwine.org.

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20th Annual Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza Mammoth | Mono County

Four-day event takes place outdoors among the pines, includes the Festival of Beers Grand Tasting with more than 70 microbreweries and features a variety of top blues performers from around the country. Sunday morning is the Sunday Hangover Party. Call (888) 992-7397 or visit www.mammothbluesbrewsfest.com.

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43rd Annual Mammoth Lakes Fine Arts and Crafts Festival Mammoth | Mono County

Takes place over three days in the Kittredge Sports parking lot, featuring photography, paintings, ceramics, jewelSee Calendar pg. 70 E

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Hot Spots of Inyo County

A quick guide to popular fisheries By Register Staff

F

rom Cottonwood Creek south of Lone Pine, to Rock Creek Lake north of Round Valley, Inyo County is home to dozens of BAKER CREEK Take U.S. 395 to the north end of Big Pine. Turn west on Baker Creek Road just north of the ballfield in Big Pine and travel one mile to the campgrounds. Fish are planted in the campground area. BIG PINE CREEK Turn west off U.S. 395 on Crocker Street in Big Pine and continue to the top of the grade. The creek is planted from Sage Flat Campgrounds to Glacier Lodge. BISHOP CREEK, LOWER Take U.S. 395 to the town of Bishop. Turn west on West Line Street and continue to Elks (Bulpitt) and Isaak Walton parks. Plants are made upstream from Elks Park to the Powerline Road. BISHOP CREEK, UPPER Turn west on West Line Street in Bishop and continue 15 miles to Intake II. Trout are planted from Intake II to Cardinal Lodge and from Lake Sabrina downstream to the North Lake turnoff.

two miles south of Lone Pine. GEORGES CREEK About seven miles south of Independence on U.S. 395 turn south on the small road located one-quarter mile northwest of the Los Angeles Aqueduct crossing. The fish are planted at the sand trap. GOODALE CREEK Travel U.S. 395 14 miles north of Independence and turn west at the Goodale Creek campground sign, then go two miles to campground. The creek is stocked from the campground to Aberdeen. INDEPENDENCE CREEK Turn west off U.S. 395 on Market Street next to the Post Office in Independence. Trout are planted from Independence Campground, located one-half mile west of Independence, to where the main road crosses the creek above Seven Pines Village, a distance of about seven miles. INTAKE II Turn west at West Line Street (S.R. 168) in Bishop, and go about 13 miles until you see signs for Intake II.

BISHOP CREEK, SOUTH FORK From Bishop turn west on West Line Street and continue to the South Lake turnoff just below Intake II, and turn at the fork. The creek is planted at access points from Creekside RV to the U.S. Forest Service Campgrounds, and from Parcher’s Resort to Weir Lake.

LONE PINE CREEK, LOWER From U.S. 395 turn west at the traffic signal located in the center of Lone Pine (Whitney Portal Road). The creek is planted at access points from the Los Angeles Aqueduct to Lone Pine Campgrounds.

COTTONWOOD CREEK From U.S. 395 turn south at the Cottonwood Power House turnoff located about eight miles south of Lone Pine. Keep to the left as you cross the Los Angeles Aqueduct. The creek is planted from the campgrounds at the power house intake to the end of the road.

LONE PINE CREEK, UPPER Travel U.S. 395 to Lone Pine. Turn west at the traffic signal located in the center of Lone Pine (Whitney Portal Road), and continue up the grade for 13 miles. Fish are planted at the campgrounds along the creek from this point to the pond at Whitney Portal store.

DIAZ LAKE Located on the west side of U.S. 395,

NORTH LAKE From U.S. 395 turn west on West Line

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angling “hot spots.” Here’s a look at some of the most popular, and how to get there. California Department of Fish and Wildlife planting schedules, including exact locations, are subject to change. Street in Bishop and continue up the grade for approximately 16 miles. Turn right at North Lake sign. OWENS RIVER, SECTION II In the Bishop area, turn east from U.S. 395 on East Line Street, U.S. 6, Warm Springs Road or Collins Road. Trout are planted from Laws Bridge on U.S. 6 to Collins Road. In the Big Pine area travel east from U.S. 395 on Westgard Pass Road (S.R. 168). The river is planted here. OWENS RIVER, SECTION III Accessed via various dirt roads east of U.S. 395 from 10 miles south of Big Pine to just south of Boulder Creek RV Park. To get to “High Banks,” turn east on Mazourka Canyon Road, south of Independence. Along the way as the road parallels the river; scout out your own personal spot for future reference. To get to the pools north of the pumpback station, drive to the south end of Lone Pine to Boulder Creek RV Park, then take a left on the long, straight dirt road leading east to the terminus of the river and the pumpback station. From there, another dirt road on the east side of the river leads north to the pools. PLEASANT VALLEY RESERVOIR From Bishop, take U.S. 395 as it curves northwest toward Mammoth Lakes. About 10 miles later, a few miles past the Bishop city limits sign, there will be a turn-off on the right. Pass through the campground to the reservoir. PINE CREEK Travel U.S. 395 to approximately 10 miles north of Bishop. Turn off on Pine Creek Road and drive west to where the road crosses the creek. ROCK CREEK LAKE From U.S. 395, turn west at Tom’s Place located 23 miles north of Bishop (Rock Creek Road) and proceed west up the canyon for about 10 miles.

Just beyond Rock Creek Lake Resort, a spur to the left leads to the lake; staying on Rock Creek Road bypasses the lake. LAKE SABRINA Drive to Bishop on U.S. 395 and turn west on West Line Street. Follow the signs to the lake which is located approximately 17 miles southwest of Bishop. SHEPHERD CREEK Turn east at the road with a cattle guard located approximately five miles south of Independence on U.S. 395. Follow this road until it ends at the Los Angeles Aqueduct. Turn right and continue to the creek. Trout are planted at the sand trap where the road meets the creek. SOUTH LAKE Travel to Bishop via U.S. 395 and turn west on West Line Street (S.R. 168). Continue for approximately 13 miles to the South Lake Road turnoff. Turn left and drive for another six miles to the lake. TABOOSE CREEK Travel U.S. 395 to 14 miles north of Independence and turn west at the Taboose Creek Campgrounds sign. Turn left at the first road past Old U.S. 395 and continue to the stream. The creek is stocked in the campgrounds from Old U.S. 395 to one mile upstream. TUTTLE CREEK Travel U.S. 395 to Lone Pine and turn west at the traffic signal in the center of town. Continue up the road (Whitney Portal Road) for three miles to Horseshoe Meadow Road and turn left. Drive for about two miles to the Tuttle Creek Campgrounds. The creek is planted at access points in the campgrounds.

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

Fishing live Bait Ammo

Hunting Archery Apparel bishop, California

(760) 872-3000

963 N. MaiN street • www.hunt-fish-sierra.com

we sell licenses! 2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing & Vacation Guide

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lone pine area • page 54

independence area • page 55

big pine area • page 56

pleasant valley reservoir • page 58

convict lake – crowley lake • page 62

june lake loop • page 64

bishop area • page 57

rock creek area • page 59

mammoth lakes area • page 63

tioga pass • page 65

bridgeport – twin lakes • page 66

topaz lake – west walker river – sonora pass • page 67

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Hot Spots of Mono County

A quick guide to popular fisheries By Register Staff

M

ono County has no shortage of fishing “hot spots,” whether anglers are looking for calm fly fishing streams, rugged backcountry BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR Turn north off U.S. 395 at S.R. 182 at the south city limits of Bridgeport and continue for approximately three miles to the lake.

west toward Sonora Pass for about 2 miles. Off of the south shoulder and before the Sonora Bridge Campground will be a parking area leading to the Kirman Lake trailhead.

BUCKEYE CREEK Travel U.S. 395 to the west end of Bridgeport and turn south at Twin Lakes Road. Continue for about eight miles and turn right on Buckeye Creek Road located at Doc and Al’s Resort. Proceed for another four miles to where the road crosses the creek. Trout are planted from this location upstream.

LAKE GEORGE Drive on U.S. 395 to the Mammoth Lakes turnoff and continue on Main Street (Lake Mary Road) and continue past Twin Lakes and bear right at the fork in the road to Lake Mary and follow the Forest Service signs to Lake George.

CONVICT LAKE AND CREEK Travel U.S. 395 to 10 miles south of Mammoth Lakes and turn west on Convict Lake Road. Continue approximately two miles to the lake. CROWLEY LAKE The most popular Eastern Sierra fishing lake, Crowley is located 25 miles north of Bishop just off U.S. 395. Turn east at the Crowley Lake sign to enter at the south end of the lake. Drive farther north on U.S. 395 to Benton Crossing Road. Turn east and follow road to the north lake entrance. DEADMAN CREEK Travel U.S. 395 to nine miles north of Mammoth Lakes junction. Turn west on White Wing Camp Road and drive six miles to Deadman Campground. The creek is planted in the campground area. ELLERY LAKE Drive U.S. 395 to one-half mile south of the town of Lee Vining and turn west on S.R. 120, Tioga Pass Road. The lake is located about 12 miles away on the south side of the road. GLASS CREEK Drive 10 miles north of Mammoth Lakes on U.S. 395 and turn west on the road located across from Crestview Maintenance Station. Continue for one-half mile to the creek crossing. GRANT LAKE Turn west off U.S. 395 onto the June Lake Loop Road, north. Continue to the lake. GULL LAKE Turn west off U.S. 395 onto the June Lake Loop Road, south. Continue through June Lake Village to Gull Lake. JUNE LAKE Turn west off U.S. 395 onto June Lake Loop Road, south. June Lake is approximately one mile from the turnoff. Kirman Lake From Bridgeport, head north on U.S. 395 for about 17 miles. Turn left on S.R. 108 heading

LAKE MAMIE Drive on U.S. 395 to the Mammoth Lakes turnoff and continue on Main Street (Lake Mary Road) past Twin Lakes, turning right where Lake Mary Road splits. Go straight. LAKE MARY Drive on U.S. 395 to the Mammoth Lakes turnoff and continue on Main Street (Lake Mary Road) past Twin Lakes and bear left at the fork in the road to Lake Mary. LAUREL CREEK Travel U.S. 395 to four miles south of the Mammoth Lakes turnoff. Turn west on Sherwin Creek Road and continue a short distance to the first stream crossing. LEE VINING CREEK Drive one-half mile south of the town of Lee Vining on U.S. 395 and turn west on S.R. 120. Access to the creek is available via campgrounds on the south side of the road and via Poole Power Plant Road. LEE VINING CREEK, SOUTH FORK Travel one-quarter mile south of Lee Vining on U.S. 395 and turn west on S.R. 120. Continue on S.R. 120 for 15 miles to just past Ellery Lake. The creek is planted from the west end of Ellery Lake to Tioga Lake. LUNDY LAKE Turn west off U.S. 395 at Lundy Lake Road, located seven miles north of the town of Lee Vining. Continue west on Lundy Lake Road to the lake. MAMMOTH CREEK Drive on U.S. 395 to S.R. 203 (the road to the town of Mammoth Lakes), and turn west. Drive to Mammoth Lakes and turn left on Old Mammoth Road. Continue to Mammoth Creek Road just before the bridge and turn left. The creek is planted at access points from the bridge downstream to Old U.S. 395. MCGEE CREEK Drive 28 miles north of Bishop on U.S. 395 and turn west on McGee Creek Road. Continue one-quarter mile south on Old U.S. 395 to McGee Pack Station Road. The creek

lakes teeming with feisty fish or sprawling waters perfect for trolling. California Department of Fish and Wildlife planting schedules, including exact locations, are subject to change. is planted off access roads from Old U.S. 395 to Upper Campground. OWENS RIVER, SECTION I Drive 35 miles north of Bishop on U.S. 395 and turn east on Benton Crossing Road. Continue on Benton Crossing Road to the bridge. OWENS RIVER SECTION IV Drive U.S. 395 to approximately eight miles north of the Mammoth Lakes turnoff and turn east on Big Springs Road. Continue for five miles and then turn north at the Big Springs Campgrounds turnoff. REVERSE CREEK Take U.S. 395 to the June Lake Loop Road, south, and turn west. Continue past June and Gull lakes to the point where the road crosses the creek. ROBINSON CREEK Travel U.S. 395 to Twin Lakes Road at the north end of Bridgeport and turn south. The creek is planted at access points all along Twin Lakes Road to Lower Twin Lakes. ROCK CREEK From U.S. 395, turn west at Tom’s Place located 23 miles north of Bishop (Rock Creek Road). The creek parallels the road – first on the south, then the north and then south again – all the way to the outlet at Rock Creek Lake, and is planted at various points along the route. Roosevelt Lake From Bridgeport, head north on U.S. 395 for about 17 miles. Turn left on S.R. 108 heading west. Just across from the Marine Corps Training Center is the trailhead through Leavitt Meadow to both Lane and Roosevelt lakes after 3.2 miles. Check special regulations. RUSH CREEK Drive on U.S. 395 to the June Lake Loop Road, south and turn west. Continue to Silver Lake. The creek is planted at access points from the Southern California Edison power plant bridge, north to the lake, and in Silver Lake Campground located north of the lake, and for approximately one-quarter mile north of the campgrounds. SADDLEBAG LAKE AND CREEK Drive U.S. 395 to one-half mile south of the town of Lee Vining and turn west on S.R. 120. Continue for approximately 16 miles to the Saddlebag Lake turnoff and drive to the lake at the end of the dirt road. SHERWIN CREEK Drive on U.S. 395 to S.R. 203 (the road to the town of Mammoth Lakes), and turn west. Drive to Mammoth Lakes and turn left on

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Old Mammoth Road. After the bridge, take a left on Sherwin Creek Road and drive three miles to Sherwin Creek Campground. The creek is planted from access roads on both sides of Sherwin Creek Road at Sherwin Creek Campground. SILVER LAKE Turn west off U.S. 395 at the South June Lake Loop Road and continue past June Lake and June Lake Village to Silver Lake. SWAUGER CREEK Drive to the dirt road located nine miles north of Bridgeport and turn east. The creek parallels U.S. 395. TIOGA LAKE Travel U.S. 395 to one-half mile south of the town of Lee Vining to S.R. 120, the Tioga Pass Road. Turn west and continue for 18 miles to the lake, located just outside the entrance to Yosemite National Park. TOPAZ LAKE The lake is located in northern Mono County on the California-Nevada border just off U.S. 395. TRUMBULL LAKE Drive U.S. 395 to the top of Conway Summit, 17 miles north of the town of Lee Vining, and turn west on Virginia Lakes Road. The lake is on the right side of the road near Virginia Lakes Resort area. TWIN LAKES BRIDGEPORT Turn south off U.S. 395 onto Twin Lakes Road located at the north end of Bridgeport and continue to the lakes. TWIN LAKES MAMMOTH Drive U.S. 395 to Mammoth Lakes Road (S.R. 203), 12 miles north of Crowley Lake, and turn west. Twin Lakes are about seven miles up the road. VIRGINIA LAKES AND CREEK Travel U.S. 395 to the top of Conway Summit, 17 miles north of the town of Lee Vining, and turn west on Virginia Lakes Road. The lakes are at the end of the road; the creek follows the road. West Walker River Begin at Leavitt Meadow and on S.R. 108 and continue north along U.S. 395 through the canyon. Access the river from the bridges at “The Lanes”: Eastside Lane, Larson Lane, Cunningham Lane and Topaz Lane all located off U.S. 395. Please respect the ranchers and stay below the high water line along the river.

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music, festivities all day. Call (760) 9372386.

from pg. 51 ry and more. Free admission. Call (209) 296-1195 or visit www.pacificfinearts. com.

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Friends of Bodie Day Bodie State Park | Mono County

August

Events include daytimes festivities, living history presentations and special tours, as well as a members-only dinner. See more at www.bodiefoundation.org.

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Mono Village Summer Fishing Derby Upper Twin Lakes, Bridgeport | Mono County

Cash and merchandise prizes given in several categories in this derby sponsored by Annett’s Mono Village. Registration fee required. Call (760) 9327071 or visit www.MonoVillage.com.

2

32nd Annual Charthouse/Footloose Sports 5K Walk/10K Run Mammoth Lakes | Mono

Mammoth Lakes Challenge and Quake & Shake Whitmore Pool | Mono County

The Challenge is a triathlon taking place at Whitmore Pool on Saturday, offering three course levels. The Quake & Shake is a 10K/half-marathon race starting Sunday in the Inyo Craters parking lot. Both are offered by Sierra Nevada Races: www.sierra-nevada-races.com.

Wine Walk in the Village featuring 20-plus wineries pouring more than 45 vintages and a Sunday Champagne Brunch at Campo. Visit www.villageatmammoth.com.

21-22

Mammoth Rocks and Taste of the Sierra Mammoth Lakes | Mono County

Family-friendly activities at the Village, including popular tribute bands, samples from the Sierra’s favorite restaurants and a Kids’ Activity Center. Free admission. Call (760) 934-6717 or visit mammothrocks.net.

22

Crowley Lake Stillwater Classic Crowley Lake | Mono County

Fly-fishing tournament on Crowley Lake. Call (760) 935-4301 or visit www. CrowleyLakeFishCamp.com.

4th Annual Mammoth Margarita Festival Mammoth Lakes | Mono

“Ambush at the Lake” Fall Fishing Derby Convict Lake | Mono County Catch a tagged fish during the Convict Lake Fall Fishing Derby Series through Nov. 5 and win thousands of dollars in cash and prizes. Call (800) 992-2260.

Labor Day Weekend Arts & Crafts Show Bishop | Inyo County

Fine food, tequila-tasting and music at the Village. Visit www.villageatmammoth.com.

This annual show at Bishop City Park includes dozens of booths featuring art, photography, jewelry, weavings, wood carving and turning, ceramics, gourd art, clothing, food and more. Free admission and free parking. Call the Inyo Council for the Arts at (760) 8738014.

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13-15 Sierra Summer Festival Mammoth | Mono County

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Three-day event with A festival of classical music from the Eastern Sierra Symphony tagged fish bounties worth prizes and cash. Orchestra and guests. Closes with a Gala Celebration. Call Entry stamps must be (760) 935-3837 or visit www.sierrasummerfestival.org. purchased in advanced and are available at local businesses in Walker. Call (530) 208-6078 or 25 visit www.northernmonochamber.com. 13-16

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Event includes a boat raffle, prizes,

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County

Firemen’s Barbecue June Lake | Mono County

September

Residents of Inyo, Mono and Alpine counties get together for a good oldfashioned county fair. Competition for the coveted blue ribbons, pie contest, pet show, rodeo, salsa contest, homebrewed beer and wine contest, carnival rides and games, destruction derby, petting zoo, live music, strolling and stage acts, great food, vendors galore and so much more. Call (760) 873-3588 or visit www.tricountyfair.com.

7-8

County

Cash and merchandise prizes given in several categories through Sept. 8 in this derby sponsored by Annett’s Mono Village. Registration fee required. Call (760) 932-7071 or visit www. MonoVillage.com.

Eastern Sierra Tri-County Fair Bishop | Inyo County

Starts at 8 a.m. in the Charthouse parking lot. California’s highest 10K/5K at 8,000 feet. Call (760) 937-2406 or visit www.highsierrastriders.org.

“Size Doesn’t Matter” Fishing Derby West Walker River | Mono

Labor Day Fishing Derby Upper Twin Lakes, Bridgeport | Mono County

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9th Annual Mammoth Festival of Wine, Music and Food Mammoth Lakes | Mono County

Four days of wining and dining with exclusive Winemaker Dinners at two of Mammoth’s premiere restaurants, a

Free Fishing Day Eastern Sierra | Inyo-Mono

Fee-Free Weekend at National Parks

Death Valley, Sequoia-Kings and Yosemite | Inyo-Mono

One of only two days during the year that anyone can fish eligible waters of Inyo and Mono counties without a license. For more information on fishing regulations, contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at (760) 872-1171 or (760) 934-2664 or go to www.wildlife.ca.gov.

The Park Service waives entrance fees at National Parks around the nation.

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

5

June Lake Big Trout Tournament June Lake Loop | Mono County



Every September:

Catch a big fish in any of the loop waters for a chance to win. Visit www. JuneLakeLoop.com.

Deer rifle-hunting season opens the third Saturday in September for three weeks in Inyo and Mono counties. Tags for X zones are drawn by lottery every June, and tags for D zones are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Fish and Wildlife for more information: www.wildlife.ca.gov.

5

Fishin’ Mission Foundation BBQ & Concert Bridgeport | Mono County

Annual fundraiser for the Bridgeport Fish Enhancement Program. Visit www. Fishin-Mission-Foundation.org for tickets.

5-7

46th Annual Labor Day Festival of the Arts Mammoth | Mono County

More than 100 artists and contemporary craftsmen, children’s entertainment, fun foods and family fun at Sam’s Wood Site on Minaret Road. Free admission. Call (760) 873-7242 or visit www.monoarts.org.

6

Laws Railroad Museum Homecoming and Community Picnic Bidhop | Inyo County

Bring a picnic lunch and share memories with old friends at this open event (formerly known as the Old-Timers’ Picnic) starting at 5 p.m. Drinks provided, and free admission. Reunions welcome. Call (760) 873-5950 or visit www.lawsmuseum.org.

downtown Lee Vining and finishes at the Tioga Pass entrance station to Yosemite. Visit www.monolake.org.

18-20

22nd Annual Millpond Music Festival Bishop | Inyo County

Featuring live entertainment with an eclectic and fine collection of traditional and contemporary music. Beautiful mountain backdrop, children’s arts and crafts activities, workshops by performers, art show by local artists, cultural villages, food and drink booths. All tickets and campsites on sale April 1. For more information and updates on the lineup, call (760) 873-8014 or visit www.inyo.org/millpond.

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Bishop | Inyo County

Graniteman Challenge June Lake, Tioga | Mono County

This one’s a doozie of a triathlon. On Friday, swim in June Lake. On Saturday, take on the High Sierra Fall Century. And Sunday, have a go at the Tioga Pass Run. Visit highsierratri.org.

An old-fashioned day of fun for the whole family from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Laws Railroad Museum; includes good food, games, entertainment, live music, a pie auction and old-time crafts demonstrations. Free admission. Call (760) 8735950.

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High Sierra Fall Century Ride and Gran Fondo Mammoth | Mono County Supported century ride with 35- and 50-mile options, feed stations and barbecue at finish. Starts at 7:30 a.m. Call (760) 914-0396 or visit www.fallcentury. org.

12

Good Ole Days

Hop & Sage Harvest Festival Mammoth | Mono County

Celebrating the harvest of the Eastern Sierra at Sam’s Wood Site with great food, brews and bluegrass music.

13

35th Annual Tioga Pass Run Lee Vining | Mono County

Runners experience 3,200-foot elevation gain over a 12.4-mile course. Starts in

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30th Annual Pow Wow and California Indian Day Celebration Bishop and Big Pine | Inyo County

Celebrate California Indian Day on the Paiute Reservation on Pa Ha Lane, adjacent to Paiute Palace Casino. It’s outdoors, bring your own canopy and chairs. Includes a parade, Indian drummers, Northern and Southern Traditional costume contest, hand drum contest, princess contest, traditional handgames. Admission and parking is free. Free deep-pit barbecue for everyone on Saturday.

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Fee-Free Weekend at National Parks Death Valley, Sequoia-Kings and Yosemite | Inyo-Mono

The Park Service waives entrance fees at See Calendar pg. 72 E

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Every Fall:

National Parks around the nation.

The trees from the valley floor to high-elevation canyons begin their autumn transformation, splashing the countryside from Lone Pine to Walker Canyon with a variety of reds, golds, yellows and oranges that pop from landscape and attract photographers from all over the world.

26-27

Everest Challenge Bishop and Big Pine | Inyo County

The undisputed, hardest two-day USA Cycling race and ride, in which cyclists are ascending or descending nearly every inch of the 208-mile course, for a total 29,035 feet of climbing. Day 1 starts and ends at the entrance to Millpond Recreation Area. Day 2 starts and ends at the intersection of Death Valley Road and State Route 168 East outside of Big Pine.

October 2-4

Fall Colors Car Show Bishop | Inyo County

The Owens Valley Cruisers Car Club hosts classic cars from all over the West in a classic setting at the Tri-County Fairgrounds. Events include the Show & Shine, pancake breakfast, Cruisin’

Parade, ’50s dance, vendor and arts and crafts booths, raffles and awards ceremony. Visit www.owensvalleycruisers. com.

3

Choo-Choo Swap Meet Bishop | Inyo County

Please Remember … Campfire Permits are required on public lands outside of develeped campgrounds. Please check with one of the following locations for permits and information on current fire restrictions. Inyo National Forest: (760) 873-2408 Bureau of Land Management: (760) 872-5000 CALFIRE: (760) 387-2179 www.fs.usda.gov/inyo Take a short test and get your campfire permit online at preventwildfireca.org

Also, please drown, stir and carefully feel your fire for heat before leaving it! 72

One hundred yard sales in one location: the TriCounty Fairgrounds. Entry fee at the gate supports Laws Railroad Museum.

9-11

26th Annual Lone Pine Film Festival Lone Pine | Inyo County Lone Pine’s celebration of more than 85 years of movie making in the area, featuring a parade, tours of movie locations, celebrity panels, arts and crafts fair, movie memorabilia exhibits, a concert, cowboy poetry and screenings at film history museum and high school. Call (760) 876-9103.

10

Autumn Beer Festival June Lake | Mono County

Visit www.junelakeloop. org for more information.

16-18

Fly Fishing Faire Bishop | Inyo County

The family-oriented event will feature casting, tying and fishing technique

classes on site at the Tri-County Fairgrounds and in the field. Classroom lessons, vendor faire, demos, on-the water guide trips and more. Organized by Southwest Council of International Fly Fishing Federation and being held in Bishop for the first time. Small fee to participate. Online registration opens on July 15 at www. swc-fff.org/faire.

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Halloween Party Tom’s Place | Mono County

G 30 Morrison’s Bonus Derby Weekend

Convict Lake | Mono County

Bonus weekend derby has $2,000 up for grabs through Nov. 1. Call (800) 922-2260.

Each year on the Saturday closest to Halloween, residents and visitors gather at the restaurant/bar at Tom’s Place Resort in full costume for prizes and lots of dancing to live music. Call (760) 9354329 or visit www.tomsplaceresort.com.

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Sierra Inn Halloween Party June | Mono County

An annual party featuring a costume contest and music and dancing. Must be at least 21 years of age. Visit www. junelakeloop.org.

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November 11

Fee-Free Weekend at National Parks

Death Valley, Sequoia-Kings and Yosemite | Inyo-Mono

The Park Service waives entrance fees at National Parks around the nation.

11

Veterans Day Observance Big Pine | Inyo County

Beginning at 11 a.m. at the Big Pine Veterans Memorial at the intersection of U.S. Highway 395 and State Route 168 at the north end of town, the Big Pine American Legion helps honor America’s servicemen and women around the world, both past and present, who stand ready to preserve our freedom.

15

General Trout Season Ends Eastern Sierra | Inyo-Mono

Local lakes and streams close to fishing for the season, though year-round fishing opportunities exist in certain area waters.

22

Community Thanksgiving Dinner Independence | Inyo County

Residents are invited to the annual Independence Community Thanksgiving Dinner held the Sunday before Thanksgiving in the Owens Valley School Multi-Purpose Room. Attendees are asked to bring a side dish or dessert if they can, and enjoy See Calendar pg. 75 E

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11 Projected Opening Day for Mammoth Mountain Ski Area Mammoth | Mono County

Depending on Mother Nature, the ski resort plans to open for business for the 2015-16 season. Lift status, current conditions and upcoming events can be found at www.mammothmountain.com, along with live webcam feeds of what's happening on the hill.

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Fishing Photos

Do you have quality fishing photographs of the Eastern Sierra? If so, we would like to publish your photos in next year’s FIShIng guIDE! Submit up to two (2) Eastern Sierra fishing photos* to The Inyo Register by Jan. 15, 2016. Include name, address, phone number, location of photo and any other information about the fishing trip and send to:

[email protected] or 1180 N. Main St., Ste. 108 Bishop, CA 93514 Attn: Photo Contest

*(Please do not write on the backs of photos or attach paperclips to them as it may damage them.) All photos become property of Horizon California Publications and may be used in future publications.

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December 4

the friendship of the Independence community. Turkey, dressing, gravy, drinks and table service will be provided. Call Sally at (760) 8782594 for more information.

Holiday Tree Lighting Mammoth | Mono Hosted by the Town of Mammoth in the Footloose parking lot. Visit www.visitmammoth.com.

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Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Bishop | Inyo County

Community Thanksgiving Dinner Bishop | Inyo County

Bishop VFW Post 8988 and Ladies Auxiliary welcome the public to a free community Thanksgiving dinner at the post, 484 Short St. The groups usually serve about 300 to 400 meals. Call the Post at (760) 873-5770 or contact Cheryl Underhill at (760) 920-0106.

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Thanksgiving Art Festival

Mammoth | Mono County

Local and visiting artists at Minaret Village Mall. Free admission. Call (760) 9142001or visit www.monoarts.org.

Hosted by the Bishop Chamber of Commerce in City Park at 5:30 p.m. The tree lights up at 6 p.m. sharp. Hot cocoa, coffee, cookies, candy, great holiday music and Santa. Children can tell Santa their Christmas wishes at the Chamber’s Visitors Bureau at the park from 4:30-6 p.m. Call the Chamber at (760) 873-8405.

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Street of Lights

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Opening of Mammoth Ice Rink Mammoth | Mono County

Call (760) 934-2505 or visit www.mammothicerink.com.

Bishop | Inyo County

lowed by gift distribution to the children.

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Community Christmas Dinner Bishop | Inyo County

Annual Christmas Parade Bishop | Inyo County

County

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from restaurants, and, naturally, Santa will cruise the downtown area. Call (760) 873-8405.

A festive customer appreciation party, immediately following the tree lighting ceremony at City Park. More than 40 shops, restaurants and other businesses participate. Music, warming fires, treats

Horses, bands, floats and more proceed down Main Street at 10 a.m. Join Santa in the park after the parade. Fun for the entire family. Call (760) 873-8405.

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11th Annual Internationally Acclaimed Fruitcake Festival Independence | Inyo County

A celebration of the perennial holiday treat and the people who love it, the festival includes a fruitcake contest open mic, tasting of the Civil Defense Fruitcake, an open eggnog bar, live music, talent contest and post-judging fruitcake noshing. Starts at 6 p.m. at American Legion Hall. Independence Civic Club hosts.

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Community volunteers welcome anyone and everyone to enjoy a hearty, free Christmas meal at the United Methodist Center from 1-3 p.m. There will be live music and a festive atmosphere. Anyone who is able is invited to bring a dessert.

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Christmas and New Year’s Art Festival Mammoth | Mono County

Runs through Jan. 3 at Minaret Village Mall with local and visiting artists. Visit www.monoarts.org.

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New Year’s Eve Party

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area | Mono County

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For revelers ages 21 and older, parties at Canyon Lodge ranging from black-tie affairs to more casual countdowns to midnight, with live music or top deejays. Visit www.mammothmountain.com.

Call (760) 648-7733.

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June Mountain Ski Area projected opening June Lake | Mono County

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Night of Lights

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area | Mono County

Live music, fireworks and more against the backdrop of the Sierra. Visit www. mammothmountain.com.

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Christmas Eve at the Courthouse Independence | Inyo County Santa and his reindeer appear on the courthouse roof in Independence fol-

New Year’s Eve Celebration Mammoth | Mono County

Family-oriented New Year’s festivities at the Village, including fireworks. Free admission. Call (760) 924-1575 or visit www.villageatmammoth.com.

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Rock Creek Lodge Annual New Year’s Eve Party Rock Creek | Mono County

Call (877) 935-4170 or visit www.rockcreeklodge.com.

Trail rides • Pack TriPs Observe Wild Mustangs

The Original Owens Valley Horse Drive Complete Outfitters For Pack Trips

roCk Creek pACk stAtion mt. whitney pACk trAins Craig London • Box 248 • Bishop, CA 93515

(760) 872-8331

www.rockcreekpackstation.com Photo by Michael Cooke

This institutions is an equal opportunity provider. Rock Creek Pack Station & Mt. Whitney Pack Trains operates under permit in the Inyo National Forest.

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Mike Abbate from Irvine was credited with the biggest fish out of Rock Creek Lake (above) during the 2014 season. The rainbow weighed 7 lbs. even and was caught on a pink mouse tail in October. His brother got lucky, but not as lucky, with a 3.5-pounder. Top photo by Darcy Ellis; photo at right from Register files

Just off the highway

Rock Creek area offers backcountry experience a short distance from civilization By Justin Hoover Rock Creek Lake is an easily accessible high-country lake in Inyo County that offers abundant camping. Rock Creek itself boasts some of the best creek fishing in the Eastern Sierra. To reach Rock Creek Lake and Rock Creek, head west at the Tom’s Place turnoff on U.S. Highway 395 (at the top of Sherwin Grade). From here you’re on your way to a myriad of backcountry angling opportunities. Rock Creek Lake is one of the smaller lakes accessible from the highway. Due to the elevation, it is sometimes a great place to go ice fishing early in the sea-

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son. Conditions for ice fishing depend on the previous winter, however, and if 2015’s winter doesn’t rear its head soon, the lake will likely be ice-free by Opening Day. The elevation affords the angler more than a chance for ice fishing, though. Temperatures on the valley floor will almost always hit triple digits in the summer. When that happens, Rock Creek Lake and Rock Creek can be a much needed sanctuary from the 100-plus degree heat. The odds of nabbing brooks and ‘bows is said to be best during these times.

Local, veteran anglers swear by the fly bubble combo when it comes to Rock Creek Lake. As for bait, you can’t go wrong with the traditional nightcrawler. Rock Creek Pack Station is only a short distance from the lake. Their specialty is backcountry excursions, which will expose you to many lakes teeming with wild brook, rainbow and golden trout. Two miles west of the lake, the trailhead at Mosquito Flats will lead you to Little Lakes Valley. There you’ll find a series of small lakes and streams, including Serene, East Brook, Mack, Heart, Hidden and Gem lakes. Mostly brook trout are found here, with an occasional heavyweight brown making an appearance. When fishing Rock Creek, black ants or green body mosquitoes are recommended, as both are natural fare for the creek’s trout. Stream anglers will find the water stocked with CDFW rainbows. Look for the rainbows in the open, easy to reach locations, especially adjacent to campgrounds. For the sneak fisherman, wild brown trout are there for the taking in the brush-lined, hard to reach spots. Forest Service campgrounds are located along Rock Creek and on the lakeshore. For those looking for more refined accommodations, modern cabin rentals are available at Rock Creek Lake Resort. About a mile downstream more options are available at Rock Creek Lodge. Rock Creek Lake Resort features a well stocked general store, home-cookin’ with a nightly dinner special as well as rental boats. The Pie in the Sky Cafe is a favorite among anglers and hikers alike. Just a ways down the road is historic Tom’s Place. There you’ll find good hamburgers and maybe a fishy tall tale or two. Lower Rock Creek, south of Tom’s Place, is an often overlooked stretch of the creek that produces a lot of trout. Anglers may want to start with the traditional PowerBait and salmon eggs when fishing this portion of the creek. If that doesn’t produce easy results, switching to the mosquitoes and ants recommended for the upper stretch of the creek may be the ticket.

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

Lost Lake, Rock Creek Jared Smith

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hile many topo maps show this lake to be one of the “hidden lakes,” the name, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, is Lost Lake. This small lake is located just behind Box Lake in the alwaysstunning Little Lakes Valley. Being that this trailhead is one of the most heavily used in the Sierra during the summer months, both due to its gentle grade and amazing views, it’s nice that this lake is off the beaten path.

Gorgeous Lost Lake is not only off the beaten path in a relatively busy hiking area, but it also holds some monster browns. Photo by Jared Smith

and when I say enormous, I mean enormous!

I approach the lake by crossing the inlet of Heart Lake and then hiking up towards Box. Once at the outlet of Box, there is a path that follows the shoreline to the left towards a small pond connecting Box and Lost. It’s easier to find than it may sound, especially if you have a map, which is always recommended.

For good numbers of smaller-model brookies you can toss just about anything in Trailhead Name: Little Lakes Valley the tackle box, but Elevation: 10,500 feet for ease of catch and Vertical Climb: 250 feet release, I prefer to Distance: 1.75 miles (one use flies. Bead head way) nymphs are always Lake Size: 4.2 surface acres a good choice but Trout Species: Brook, bring along a few brown and rainbow trout small dries in case of a hatch. Plastics, spinners and spoons will also produce.

This lake is loaded with small brook trout and the occasional rainbow. I’ve also seen some enormous browns here,

You’ll want to fish with something a bit larger like a large Kastmaster or medium Rapala for a chance at a monster.

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Bakersfield residents Tim Nishikusbo, Mike Shugart and Bob Archibald enjoyed much success at Convict Lake during the 2014 Opener. Photo by Liddy Butler

Catch ’em at Convict & Crowley

Lunkers are lurking By Justin Hoover For those who like to lake-fish, Mono County offers two of the best the Eastern Sierra has to offer. Crowley and Convict lakes each have their own unique appeal.

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Crowley is expansive and offers a myriad of angling spots. Convict is smaller, but scenic, and every inch of the shore is accessible via a trail encircling the water.

Crowley Lake has various bays and offers the narrow inlet and outlet to the Owens River for flowing water angling. It’s 12 miles long and 5 miles across at its widest point. The trout at Crowley use all that room to get their exercise, and they’ve been known to grow. The largest brown to come out of the lake is on record at 26 lbs. A good rule of thumb for any fishing community is to talk to the locals. They can tell you where the best fish are found. The Eastern Sierra is no different, and locals will often mention Crowley as a “must-fish.” The growth rate of the fish is attributed largely to the midge-fly based food chain. That coupled with the prolific schools of Sacramento perch fry make Crowley one of the best put and grow fisheries in the area. Access to the Crowley Lake Fish Camp is clearly marked on U.S. Highway 395, just past Tom’s Place. Boat rentals and the latest information on what’s biting and what they’re biting at are available at the camp. Hilton Bay is directly off South Landing Road with McGee Bay to the north. Both bays are popular for boat anglers. Access to Green Banks near the old North Landing is off Benton Crossing Road, past the Crowley turnoff and marked by the Green Church. The key at Green Banks is

trolling over the deeper water of the Owens River channel. Continue past Green Banks on Benton Crossing Road, across the Owens River and you’ll reach the eastern shores of the lake’s inlet, including the Layton Springs and Alligator Point areas, both known for early-season limits. All of these specific spots can be reached by boat as well. Regardless of where you cast from, bait anglers gravitate toward Sierra Gold, salmon eggs, PowerBait and inflated nightcrawlers with marshmallow, all proven standards. Equipment is just as important, according to Crowley veterans. They suggest light tackle, 2-lb. line or leader, small hooks and just enough weight, or sometimes even no weight. For trolling, pulling minnow imitators, Cultiva’s Rip’n Minnow and Mira Shad, Rapalas and Yo Zurls have all proven successful. Reagan Slee of Reagan’s Sporting Goods recommends Tasmanian Devils, needlefish, Lip Ripperz and Lucky Craft Pointers. Conditions will vary from day to day and morning to evening. The latest info can be obtained at the Fish Camp. Regulations on Crowley change Aug. 1. From Opening Day to July 31, general regulations apply: five fish daily, 10 in possession with no size restrictions. Beginning Aug. 1, angling is restricted to barbless hook lures or flies with a posses-

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

Lori Miller caught this monster trout trolling Crowley Lake with a Tasmanian Devil in June 2014. Anglers also have luck trolling Lip

Ripperz, needlefish and Lucky Craft Pointers.

sion limit of two and a minimum size of 18 inches. From summer through fall, fly fishermen head to Crowley with their float tubes, working the flats off Layton Springs, Sand Point and from Hilton to McGee bays. Midge and caddis imitators and streamers resembling perch fry have proven successful year after year. Convict Lake is considered among the most aesthetically pleasing drive-to lakes in the Eastern Sierra with its backcountry like view of surrounding granite cliffs. The lake receives regular plants of rainbow and is home to wild German browns. 3-7 pounders are a pretty regular thing here. One of the draws to the

As the weather warms up in the summer months, trollers have traditionally done a little better than shore fishermen. Seasoned anglers say the trick to netting the trout is to get the bait at a depth of about 30 to 40 feet. Like a lot of waters in the area, the lake is said to be best fished in the early morning or evening, Those who want to fish in flowing water can head to Convict Creek. The lower creek runs past a Forest Service campground just a little ways from the lake. Folks conditioned for the altitude may want to check out the upper reaches of the creek. The trail into the canyon begins at 7,580 feet, at the end of the lake. The trail

lake is Convict Lake Resort, founded in 1929. The resort offers horseback rides around the lake and plenty of amenities. The resort also promotes its own angling events with bonus prizes for landing tagged fish. For catch-and-release anglers or those who have had their fill of trout, the restaurant offers a world-class menu. The resort offers boat rentals for those looking to get out on the water. As mentioned before, the entirety of Convict’s shoreline is accessible by the trail that surrounds the lake. For those that don’t mind a bit of a hike, the inlet on the west side is a known hot spot. Garlic-flavored PowerBait (any color) fetched quite a few lunkers in 2014.

File photo

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reaches a flat area just short of three miles from the lake with a creek crossing roughly threequarters of a mile farther up. For the truly hardy, keep going another two miles to Mildred Lake at 9,760 feet. Reports are that the best fishing is between the crossing and Mildred. The U.S. Highway 395 turnoff to Convict Lake is well marked, directly across from the Yosemite-Mammoth Lakes Airport. For more information on Crowley Lake, contact the Crowley Lake Fish Camp at (760) 935-4301 or www.crowleylakefishcamp.com. For Convict, call the Convict Lake Resort at (800) 992-2260 or (760) 934-3800 or www.convictlake.com.

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Perch are a fun alternative to trout Slab-sided panfish proving a popular catch at Crowley and Bridgeport Reservoir By Martin Strelneck

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here’s more than trout in Eastern Sierra waters. In addition to bass and catfish found in the warmer waters of the Owens Valley, higher-elevation waters are home for Sacramento perch. This slab-sided panfish, resembling a crappie, has become the favored spring and earlysummer target for increasing numbers of anglers. In addition to providing excellent table fare, when the bite is on, the catching is nonstop. For the past five decades Crowley Lake has earned the status as number one perch producer. However, the past couple of years have seen Bridgeport Reservoir coming in a close second with Pleasant Valley Reservoir holding down third place. The state record of 3 lbs., 10 oz. came from Crowley Lake back in 1979. However, reports are numerous of heavier catches being taken, ending up in the frying pan rather than the scales. Last season saw Bridgeport Reservoir’s perch making an exceptional showing, with several stringers with 3-pound-plus fish making the scales. Over the years productive Crowley Lake locations have been Layton Springs and Green Banks at the north end of the lake. The west shoreline from McGee to Hilton Bays are also top producers. Crowley Lake perch seem to favor the shallower waters, around 10 to 15 feet close to the edge of weed beds. Working small mini-jigs, 1/36th- to 1/8th-oz. with chartreuse, green or brown dressings are productive. Attaching a worm trailer is favored by many anglers. Bridgeport Reservoir’s perch population seems to favor a different environment. Heavyweight catches are taken from deeper waters, 20 to 35 feet, trolling small minnow imitator lures (Rapalas or Rebels). Once perch schools are located, soaking an inflated nightcrawler is productive. A popular location is from the waters near the county park east to the dam.

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Bridgeport Reservoir saw the Sacramento perch bite turn on late last spring with an impressive stringer of catches making a showing that weighed in at 2 lbs. and better. Photo courtesy Martin Strelneck

For many anglers, especially the younger generation with limited patience, “perching” is an ideal alternative. The possession limit is 25, which equates to 50 filets, more than enough for a platter of fish tacos. Perch in Beer Batter Bisquick, Warm beer, Pepper and season salt, to taste Perch filets Mix warm beer and Bisquick to the consistency of a medium pancake batter. Season with pepper and season salt to taste. Coat the perch filets in the batter. Heat 1/4-inch cooking oil in a cast iron fry pan. Brown on one side then the other – only once each side. Cooking time usually only a few minutes. Serve with a tartar or condiment of choice.

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

The Sierra Grand Slam

Can you catch the Eastern Sierra superfecta in a single day? By George Shirk

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ome call it a myth. Yet there are other sage anglers in the Eastern Sierra who swear it’s true, and, what’s more, claim they themselves have done it. It’s called the “Sierra Grand Slam.” This summer seems to be a good one for fishing all over the place, so why not the grand slam? The slam is a competition between you and the fish, and you and the myth. The idea is to land a brown trout, a brook trout, a rainbow and a golden on a single day. It’s a tough nut to crack in a day; some of the High Sierra cognoscenti will recognize a grand slam if it’s done over the course of a weekend, but others say that’s cheating. Any guide around here will tell you that the hardest part of the slam is landing a golden – the California state fish. The golden trout (Salmo agua-bonita) is native only to California and was named the official state fish by act of the State Assembly in 1947. Originally the species was found only in a few streams in the icy-cold headwaters of the Kern River, south of Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the United States outside of Alaska. Over the years, stocking of wild and hatchery-reared goldens has extended its range to many waters at high elevation in the Sierra Nevada from El Dorado and Alpine counties southward, including the waters above Mammoth.

A brown trout is only one component to the Sierra Grand Slam challenge, which also requires the angler to catch a golden, rainbow and brook trout – all in the same 24-hour period. File photo

Some anglers will do just about anything to land a golden, because we really don’t have true golden trout in our immediate waters. There are

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

golden hybrids around and about, so that will have to do. (By the way, we know a trail runner/marathoner/angler up here, Dan Meyers, who runs to the upper-elevation lakes to get a true golden, performs a quick catch-and-release and scampers back to Mammoth. Amazing.) Why does this promise to be a good season to try for the slam? First, there was not much snow last winter, and the Mammoth high country could have an early melt-off. That means the freestone streams could be accessible earlier than normal. Second, there is an ongoing movement afoot in the Eastern Sierra to re-establish itself as one of the premier fishing spots in the Western United States. It’s called “The Eastern Sierra Fishing Coalition,” and is made up of tackle-shop owners, fishing guides, trout farmers, lodging establishments and so on. “It’s really a collaborative effort with all our different entities within Mono County, Mammoth Lakes Tourism, Mono County Tourism and the players in the fishing community,” said Mammoth’s John Urdi, who spearheaded the effort to form the loose-knit, ad hoc group. “The whole goal is to bring Mono County’s fishing up and into the spotlight.” (This story originally appeared in Mammoth Sierra Magazine, Vol. 55, last summer.)

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Mammoth Basin home to great lakes

Area also offers creeks and streams teeming with trout By Justin Hoover Mammoth Lakes offers not only a plethora of fishing spots, but is where you will find some of the Eastern Sierra’s most picturesque scenery. Mammoth Lakes Basin is home to a sevenlake series just above the town, all offering great fishing and all accessible by car. For rainbows, brookies or browns, the Mammoth Lakes Basin is seventh-heaven. Lake George, the third largest of the cluster at 38 acres, is considered the best basin lake among many local, veteran

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anglers. Fishing from the shore on the rocks at the back of the lake, where the water is deepest, is generally fruitful. The largest, Lake Mary, covers 140 acres and includes boat ramps and campgrounds with complete facilities. The hot spots for anglers are near the outlet at the northern end and the inlet on the western side. The Twin Lakes is actually a triplet of lakes connected by Mammoth Creek. The lakes are visible from Lake Mary Road, and are located right across

Phoenix resident Marina Mielke was looking for fish in Lake Mamie a few summers ago when she was surprised by the lunker that ended up in her net. File photo

from Tamarack Lodge. The best spot is the inlet of the upper Twin, the northernmost lake of the three. The Twin Lakes are

usually accessible on Opening Day but access to the higher elevation lakes is determined by how wet the winter has been.

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

Drought trends the past few winters may see some of the higher elevation lakes with lower than ideal water levels. The best bet before marking dates on your calendar is to check with area tackle shops or www.visitmammoth.com to determine what areas and roads are open. Lake Mamie is just south of the Twin Lakes and is a great spot for anglers that are after trophy-sized Alpers. They like to hang out in the deepest parts of the lake. Horseshoe Lake is the farthest down Lake Mary Road and the second largest of the seven. The 53-acre lake has been fish-free for some years now, but it’s a good swimming hole. All the lakes, with the exception of Horseshoe, are stocked by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The Mammoth Basin also receives heavy summer plants of trophysized Alpers trout, some weighing in at 12-13 lbs. In 2000, an angler hooked a 20-lb brown. While a catch like that doesn’t happen every year, trophyquality, double-digit lunkers are a staple of every season in the

Lake Mary is just as productive for boaters as it is for shore fishermen, fly fishermen and float tubers. File photo

basin. For anglers looking to stretch their legs and take in some of Mammoth’s famous mountain air and breathtaking Sierra vistas, McLeod and Crystal lakes can be reached via a mild hike from the Mammoth

Basin. Trips farther into the backcountry are often best planned for late summer, depending on the snowpack. Just as the area around Mammoth Lakes offers a diverse range of activities, anglers aren’t limited to lake fishing.

Mammoth Creek is teeming with rainbows along its open stretches with wild brown trout tucked into the shady brush turns in the stream. The creek flows from near the center of town down just below U.S. Highway 395.

Red’s Meadow Resort & Pack Station

Come and enjoy some of the most amazing scenery of the High Sierra in the Mammoth Lakes area. Over 100 lakes and many miles of streams, including the middle fork of the San Joaquin River and Fish Creek

Offering Horseback rides to: Rainbow Falls, The San Joaquin River, Clark Lakes, Minaret Falls and Red Cones Only a few minutes from Rainbow Falls and Devil’s Postpile • Cabins & Hotel Rooms General Store • Backcountry Pack Trips • Fishing • Hiking Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Mule House Cafe • Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. www.redsmeadow.com • 1-760-934-2345

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2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

Crystal Lake, Mammoth Lakes Basin Jared Smith

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hat makes this hike special isn’t necessarily the view, although that alone would be worth the trip. What is unique about this lake is that it contains a self sustaining population of golden trout, the state fish of California, and at unSee Crystal pg. 86 E

Mammoth Lakes Is At The Center Of The Eastern Sierra

California’s Best

Crystal Lake is one of the most special lakes in the Eastern Sierra, and not just for its exceptional scenery. Photo by Jared Smith

MammothLakes.com

Trout Fishing Area The Best Place To Stay When Fishing The Area Is In The Center

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F Calendar, continued from pg. 85 Trailhead Name: Crystal Lake Trail at Lake George Elevation: 9,640 feet Vertical Climb: 600 feet Distance: 1.25 miles (one way) Lake Size: 12 surface acres Trout Species: Golden trout

der a mile and half it is among the shortest hikes to goldens in the Sierra. You begin your hike at the trailhead at Lake George in the Mammoth Lakes basin. Signage is fairly obvious and once on the trail you wind your way behind and above the cabins at Woods Lodge. Most of the hike is fairly steep and sure to get the blood pumping for novice hikers. With the entire Mammoth Lakes Basin in view below and Crystal Crag towering above you, postcard moments are plenty on this trail.

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The golden trout in Crystal Lake are on the small side – about 8 inches – but they’re some of the most beautiful fish in the Sierra. File photo

The golden trout here run on the small side with an 8-inch fish being respectable here, but oh what beauty! Color variations are common with some fish exhibiting brilliant colors and others more subdued coloration.

There is excellent shore access here, especially along the far side of the lake where there is a foot path leading much of the way towards the inlets. Brightly colored plastic trout worms or jigs, flies, and spinners are all productive lures here.

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of the fishing season. The habitat for fish varies from lake to lake on The Loop, and as such, the trout's preferences tend to differ. Sierra Slammers, Berkley trout worms and Panther Martins are favored at Gull Lake. Silver Lake trout tend to prefer bubbles and flies or Woolly Buggers, trout traps or spinners like Panther Martins and rooster tails. The big browns at Grant Lake go for Tasmanian Devils, Rapalas, Lucky Craft Pointers as well as Kastmasters. The Loop begins at the junction of U.S. Highway 395 and State Route 158, heads west to June Lake, a 160-acre glacially-developed, spring-fed lake preferred by trollers and bait-fishermen due to the depth. Float tubing gets good results along the western and northern shoreline, among the tule reed beds or in the beach area along the drop-off. The

Department of Fish and Wildlife stocking is supplemented with trophy-sized Alpers trout as well as marinareared rainbows up to 2 lbs. Gull Lake lies just beyond June, set in a pine forest, and offers a quieter setting for shore and fly fishermen. At 64 acres, it’s the smallest lake on the The Loop. Like June, Gull’s tule reed beds along the northern shoreline draw float tubers using damsel nymphs and callibaetis nymphs. Another tip: tug streamers between the big rock and aspens along the western shoreline. The trout population is primarily rainbows in the 10- to 14-inch range supplemented with marina-stocked Alpers. West of Gull, as the The Loop heads north, is Silver Lake (80 acres). This is considered the best lake on The Loop for fly-fishing and is known for its sparkling clear water. Boat traffic is restricted to 10 mph, making Silver an ideal spot for

Dennis Bowyers of Temecula pulled a 5.25-pounder out of June Lake on Opening Day 2014. Photo by Liddy Butler

Go around The Loop

Four major lakes and two creeks offer lots of lunkers By Justin Hoover Variety is the name of the game at the June Lake Loop. Offering beaches, boat launches and full accommodations in the midst of peace and quiet, The Loop, as it’s known to locals, is a good spot for both the casual camper and the avid angler. The fishing is so good on The Loop that bait companies consider it one of the best areas to test new products.

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One of the great aspects of The Loop is that it offers an abundance of fishing spots in such a small area. Six fishable waters (four lakes and two creeks) are located along the 22-mile loop. If brown trout is what you’re looking to hook, start at the northern end of the loop with June Lake on Opening Day 2014 was busy on the water and along the Grant Lake. Silver Lake is also shore. Season-long, the Loop is a popular destination for anglers legendary for big browns, espe- going after big fish. Photo by Liddy Butler cially in the fall toward the end

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

kayak anglers and float tubers as well. Silver is linked to Gull by Reverse Creek and to Grant by Rush Creek. A popular spot for fishermen is by the outlet of Rush Creek, especially during the spring when large rainbows are spawning. The drop-off along the southern shoreline is another productive spot especially during the early summer months. A chironomid hatch occurs throughout the season; a dry fly indicator with a chironomid dropper works well during low light conditions. The largest of the loop lakes is Grant, reached just before the Loop reconnects with U.S. Highway 395, offering miles of accessible shoreline and 1,100 acres of waters best trolled in the early morning and late evening. Late fall is the best time for float tubes, when the browns come up from the depths to feed along the shoreline. During the late spring spawning, large browns stage at the Rush Creek inlet. The June Lake Loop can also serve as the starting point for more secluded, higher-elevation lakes. A gravel road about one mile north of Grant Lake leads to the trailhead to Parker and Little Walker lakes, both one-day treks less strenuous than most alpine destinations. Parker is known for its population of wild browns in the 5-lb. range. The trailhead near Silver Lake leads to Agnew and Gem lakes and wild brook and rainbow trout, also

one-day adventures but more geared for the conditioned hiker. Stay on the trail a few more miles for the wild trout waters of Sullivan and Clark lakes. Nearby Frontier Pack Station provides pack trips to more distant back-

country lakes, like Algers and its golden trout. All four lakes provide rental boats and launch ramps with Forest Service campgrounds throughout the area or a range of non-camping accommodations at June and Silver lakes.

– established 1916 – The Oldest Resort in the Eastern Sierra A complete summer resort located on the north shore of Silver Lake along the June Lake Loop Lovingly operated by the Jones Family

Housekeeping Cabins Full Hook-up RV Park Home Style Café Country Store Unique Gift Shop Fishing Tackle Beer & Liquor Camping Supplies Boat & Kayak Rentals PO BOX 116 JUNE LAKE, CA 93529

760-648-7525 www.SilverLake Resort.net

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Little Walker Lake, June Lake Loop

Jared Smith

Walker Lake, or Little Walker as many call it, is an interesting

place. The inlet half-lake is open to the public via hiking access, and the outlet area accessible by private road only. Nevertheless, this lake is a short one-mile hike from the trailhead.

Trailhead Name: Walker Lake Trail Elevation: 8,000 feet Vertical Climb: 500 feet Distance: 1 mile (one way) Lake Size: 81 surface acres Trout Species: Brown, brook and rainbow trout

It’s all flowers and unicorns on your way to the lake (it’s super easy), being that it’s all downhill, but the hike back to your car is where you’ll feel the burn with almost a straight mile of switchbacks. Still, this beautiful lake is worth the effort and the angling can be exceptional. There is excellent shore access right where the trail meets the lake, especially to your left (west) towards the inlet. One can also work around the inlet side of the lake and cross the inlet stream to access the far shoreline. A word to the wise: the skeeters around the inlet can be super gnarly – best be prepared. A long cast with a fly/bubble rig or a spoon like a Kastmaster can fetch some really healthy browns at Walker. Anything bright orange, fluorescent trout worms especially, have been dynamite here as well.

Pan-sized rainbows are not uncommon, but the quality and quantity of brown trout is what stands out about this lake. Even the brook trout, which aren’t as common as one The hike to Little Walker Lake is super-easy and moderately strenuous on the way back, but would expect, can reach upwards of 16 inches. totally worth it. Photo by Jared Smith

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2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

‘Lobsters’ of the Eastern Sierra Crawfish are fun to catch and even better to eat

“High Sierra lobsters” don’t quite

reach the size of their cousins found in the waters of Maine, but they can be found throughout the Eastern Sierra. There’s a growing number of locals and visitors who have taken up “crawdadding” as another dimension on the high country fishing scene. Don’t look for productive “crawfishin’” until water temperatures warm, usually late April in the Owens Valley and midJune or later in the high country. In the Owens Valley, just about any water, canal, pond or lower elevation lake hold populations of the tasty crustacean. Farther north, a much larger species has established home in waters of the June Lake Loop. June, Gull and Grant lakes have been productive locations for more than two decades. Word is this species is a native of Oregon, showing up in Lake Tahoe several decades back and probably making the June Lake Loop scene via an angler looking for productive bait. Commercial crawfish traps, available at most tackle stores, are the most popular method of bagging enough “crawdads” for

By Martin Strelneck

the trout population and gather the traps at days end. In Mono County, traps cannot be attended during nighttime hours and nighttime dip netting is not allowed either. Regardless of the location, a fishing license is required. There is no possession or bag limit.

Crawfish Dip a tasty meal with “dip netting” coming in a close second. However, there are different regulations governing Inyo County verses Mono County. California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations consider crawfishing the same as fishing. Inyo County allows for fishing 24 hours a day, hence taking crawfish at night is legal – and especially effective for the dip netter when the crustacean moves into shallow shore water. Mono County crawfish traps may be set out during daylight hours and picked up early the next morning. Some anglers set daytime traps as a sideline to pursuing

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

1 8-oz. package cream cheese (soften at room temperature) 1/2 C mayonnaise 4 chopped green onions 1 tsp. celery seed 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 TBSP horseradish 3 TBSP dill weed 1 TBSP ketchup 3/4 lbs. cooked crawfish tail and claw meat Combine first eight ingredients. Mix well. Add crawfish. Refrigerate at least one day before serving. Serve with crackers or scoop chips.

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Bridgeport Reservoir’s size, 2,913 acres, makes it ideal for fishing via boat.

Bridgeport Reservoir RV Park & Marina

Photo courtesy Jeff Wenger

Bridgeport reigns supreme

Mono County seat home to numerous fisheries full of huge fish By Justin Hoover

Fish Camp Play Pull-through sites with 30-50 amp service Marina/Ramp to Bridgeport Reservoir Boat Rentals • Dock Slips • ATV Access General Store • RV Park Tent Camping • Laundry Clean Restrooms • Wi-Fi

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Northern Mono County is the place to be for anglers going after the really big one. Among the most popular fisheries is Bridgeport Reservoir. Open year-round, the reservoir regularly sees anglers walking away with a stringer of 5-pounders all season. If it’s the lunker to end all lunkers that you’re in search of, however, early in the season or late October is when the bigger fish tend to be caught. Given its size (2,913 acres with 40,500 acre-feet of alpine water) the reservoir is best fished from a boat. For those that prefer to cast from solid ground, the reservoir has 13 miles of shoreline. Popular spots include Rainbow Point as well as the Swauger and Buckley creek outlets on the south side of the reservoir. Just below the dam you’ll find a spot known to Bridgeport veterans as the Miracle Mile. It’s the first section of the East Walker River and

has become notorious with anglers. It’s often compared to Crowley Lake due to it’s size and productivity of the habitat, Bridgeport Reservoir has some notable differences, however. For one, it is far less crowded than Crowley. At 5,600 feet, it is lower than Crowley and due to being a shallow body of water, is susceptible to low levels during dry seasons. It may be best to call ahead before planning a trip. The area is unsurpassed in growth-rate, and with flourishing populations of callibaetis, chironomid and damsel flys troutlets can grow to monstrous proportions. Still-water nymphing is very successful during the spring when fish are migrating to the cooler water coming from the creeks. During the fall, streamer fishing from float tubes brings in 10-pound plus brown or rainbow. The reservoir’s marina and boat launch are

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

located off S.R. 108, just past the airstrip. The area includes RV parks along the shoreline as well as a public launch ramp. S.R. 108 exits U.S. Highway 395 south of Bridgeport, heading toward Yerington, Nev. Bridgeport’s premier fishing spots include the “other” Twin Lakes, not to be confused with the Mammoth Lakes Basin Twins. The Twins are southwest of the community located in a mountain gorge and accessible by taking S.R. 182 West. The shoreline is rocky and steep, and the water gets very deep, very quickly. The depth here promotes the growth of the legendary giant browns. Robinson Creek flows through the Upper and Lower Twin lakes, then heads due east for the Reservoir. Below Lower Twin Lake, anglers will find a number of creekside campsites. The mountains that rise out of the Bridgeport Valley are crisscrossed with streams and creeks. North of Robinson, anglers can spot Buckeye Creek with its two tributaries. South of Robinson and S.R. 182 are Green and Virginia creeks with access roughly five miles south of Bridgeport. For the latest updates on hot-spots and current bait recommendations, check with Ken’s Sporting Goods in Bridgeport. Not to be missed are the Virginia Lakes, a chain of 10 lakes between 9,500 and 10,200 feet, six miles east of U.S. Highway 395. All 10 lie within a mile-and-a-half of the Virginia Lakes Resort, operated by John and Carolyn Webb. The lakes were first stocked in the late 1800’s and continue to be stocked with rainbows today. While only the three lakes accessible by vehicle are still stocked today, most of the lakes have native brook and brown trout. The 26-acre Big Virginia Lake is fed by underground springs as well as the inflow from Blue and Red lakes. The north shore cove is home to small browns and rainbows, the east shore, rainbow and brook. The bigger trout hang out on the south end of the lake. The east shore slopes to a drop-off where brookies feed. The lowest of the chain is 10-acre Trumbull Lake, beneath Dunderberg Peak. The deepest section of Trumbull is against the mountain. Little Virginia is 11 acres and 10-15 deep with a 20-foot hole in the southeast corner. Red Lake is south of Big Virginia and helps replenish the brook trout population through the outlet. Red is where you’ll find fly anglers on hot dusty evenings. Blue Lake can be reached by following the trailhead from Big Virginia which passes a small outflow pond from Blue Lake, alive with small brook trout. Dry flies in the early morning and evenings bring in brookies and air-stocked rainbows on the trail side of Blue Lake. Large fish lurk in Blue but anglers have to use stealth and have the proper weather

A proud father poses with his son and his son’s impressive catch at Bridgeport Reservoir, where it’s not just the old hats pulling in the lunkers. Photo courtesy Jeff Wenger

conditions and a lot of fish savvy. Keep to this trail and just beyond a cabin, last used by George Totlin who, according to legend, found gold in the ’50s, you’ll arrive at Cooney Lake, a prime spot for dry flies in the early evening. The headwaters of Virginia Creek can be reached up short switchbacks from Cooney at the three Frog Lakes. The highest of the chain is Moat Lake, sitting in a glacial bowl at the end of a steep, unmaintained trail above Blue Lake. According to locals, most of the trout in the drainage are feisty and best brought in with an ultra-light spinning rod and reel with 4-lb. test or an 8-foot fly rod with 4-weight floating line. Everything else you need to know can be found out at Virginia Lakes Resort. Contact the resort at (760) 6476484 or go to www.virginialakesresort.com

Gateway to the East Walker River • Fly Fishing Specialists • Guns • Ammo • Fishing Tackle • Guide Service • Hardware • Gift Shop

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760-932-7707

258 Main Street, Bridgeport, CA 93517 2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

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Trout Fishing • 10 Lakes Modern Housekeeping Cabins Store • Restaurant • Showers Row Boats • Campground

Our store carries groceries, beer & wine, fishing tackle and bait Restaurant Open 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Between Bridgeport HC62 Box 1065 Bridgeport, CA 93517 and Lee Vining off Conway Summit & (760) 647-6484 U.S. 395

TROpHy TROuT www.virginialakesresort.com

Cooney Lake offers a sense of tranquility and peace, not to mention hungry brook and rainbow trout. Photo by Jared Smith

Cooney Lake, Virginia Lakes Jared Smith

T

his hike is short but exceedingly beautiful. The first part of the hike to Blue Lake, another great fishing spot in its own right, is mostly flat with only limited elevation gain. Once you reach Blue Lake you begin the steady climb up to the trout-filled Cooney Lake. There is something special about being higher than 10,000 feet, and the scenery here tends to radiate a sense of remoteness and solitude that belies the reality that you’re just a short jaunt from pavement.

Trailhead Name: Big Virginia Lake Trail Elevation: 10,250 feet Vertical Climb: 450 feet Distance: 1.25 miles (one way) Lake Size: 9 surface acres Trout Species: Brook and rainbow trout

The trail winds to your right when you arrive at the lake and while shore access is quite good around much of the lake, a great place to start is at one of the main inlets. Water flowing in from the Frog Lakes above provide a steady stream of food and nutrients especially early in the season during the runoff. Fly fishers and fly/bubble tossers have an advantage here with wild brook and rainbow trout eager to take dry, nymph or streamer. The rainbows are also often fooled by small spinners like Panther Martins and Mepps. Other points of interest on this hike are the old miner’s cabin between Blue and Cooney, and the beautiful Frog Lakes just above Cooney.

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2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

Mono finds new trout supplier Desert Springs picks up where Inland Aquaculture left off

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ono County’s Fishing Enhancement Program will be up and running for the upcoming season despite the closure of Inland Aquaculture, previous supplier of heavyweight Alpers rainbows. Last season saw the Desert Springs Trout Farm, based at Sumner Lake, Ore., taking over the operation, stocking Mono County and Mammoth Lakes waters with trophy-class rainbows. By way of background, Desert Springs Trout Farm has been in operation for more than 20 years and has been a key player in providing heavyweight rainbow trout for waters in Oregon and Northern California. At the present time the operation stocks 40 Oregon waters for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Last season saw 25 Mono County and Town of Mammoth waters stocked with

By Martin Strelneck 40,000 pounds of heavyweight rainbows. The average size of the trout was 3 to 5 lbs., along with periodic plants of rainbows running 10 lbs. and better. In addition, private landings and resorts funded several thousand additional pounds. Shortly before Opening Day this season (April 25), Mono County and Mammoth Lakes waters will see Desert Springs stocking 3,200 pounds of trophy-class rainbows. Locations will depend on last-minute lake ice conditions. “I couldn’t be happier with the program,” said Andrew Jones at Silver Lake Resort. “I didn’t hear any complaints, the quality of fish was great and they didn’t miss a beat on stocking. This year we’re going to double up on our private stocking in addition to what the county program provides.”

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

A hefty, healthy trout reared by Desert Springs Trout Farm in Sumner Lake, Ore., which now supplies heavyweight rainbows to Mono County. Photo courtesy Desert Springs Trout Farm

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2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

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Tioga Lake is home to both put-and-take CDFW rainbows and wild browns. File photo

Alpine angling

Try Tioga Pass for high-elevation fishing By Justin Hoover The real beginning of spring in the high country is marked by the opening of Tioga Pass (State Route 120), usually sometime in May but dependent on the severity of the winter. The route links the east and west sides of the Sierra and provides access to Yosemite National Park. But for fishermen, the opening of the pass means access to Ellery and Tioga lakes, two high-country beauties with

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scenery that closely matches the fishing experience. S.R. 120 takes off from Lee Vining where you can stock up on supplies. Ellery and Tioga hold a lot of put-and-take Department of Fish and Wildlife rainbows and wild browns, many that have been in there for a long time getting big and just waiting to get caught. According to the fishing experts in Lee Vining, a fly-and-bubble

combo works here, but when the mosquitoes come out break out your standard supermarket bait or worms. For wild browns and brooks, try Saddlebag Lake, an approximately 340-acre gem usually open by Memorial Day. The high-altitude lake has had a few low years, but came back up with the abundant snow pack last year. Wild brooks and wild browns and plenty of holdovers are in Saddlebag, which has a marina with boat rentals and a store with supplies and the latest information on what’s biting what. This is also the jumping off point for the 20 Lakes Basin, a grouping of high country lakes populated by small brook trout and golden trout, the California state fish. It’s an easy hike to the 20 Lakes region. The creek coming out of Saddlebag Lake, say local fisherman, is a very nice place to flyfish for 8- to 12-inch browns. Lee Vining Creek flows out of Ellery Lake and offers excellent fly fishing during the summer months. A section of the creek is put-andtake and is heavily stocked with rainbows. If you get to the open meadows in Lee Vining Canyon, you’ll have a chance at browns in the 12- to 15-inch range. Below the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power intake to Mono

Lake, there is no stocking, but browns enjoy the waters and the two-fish limit. Ellery, Tioga and Saddlebag all have campgrounds. Creekside camping is available in Lee Vining Canyon, reachable as you begin the ascent to Tioga Pass, near the Forest Service Ranger Station. A short but strenuous one-mile hike to the Gaylor Lake Basin offers outstanding fishing for wild brook trout. The four small lakes in the basin are within Yosemite National Park, with the trail head located at the entrance station. These waters are governed by CDFW regulations – there are no special park rules. This area is ideal for anglers who are hitting area waters seeking the solitude and serenity offered by high-elevation lakes. With the arrival of warm weather, mosquito populations are quite abundant. Because of the pesky critters, Gaylor Basin waters offer outstanding dry-fly action until the onset of the colder fall months. Because of the high elevation, Tioga Pass waters are favored locations during the hot summer months. When it’s 90 degrees down the hill in Lee Vining, temperatures average in the high 70s to low 80s on the pass, ideal conditions for any angler. For lodging, supplies, great restaurants and the latest fishing info, Lee Vining is the place.

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

20 Lakes Basin, Tioga Pass Jared Smith

The 20 Lakes Basin contains so many

lakes so close together, that it seemed best to cover it as a whole instead of picking a single lake. This area has that perfect combination of easy hiking, extraordinary scenery and exceptional fishing opportunities. A pay-to-play water taxi runs during the summertime and tickets can be

technically possible to catch the Sierra Grand Slam in the area, a feat completed by catching four of the local trout species in one day. You’re better off trying to catch your brown in the lower-elevation waters but still, the variety of trout species so purchased at the small store at the lake. close, and so accessible, is something very Using the water taxi allows more time for special. hiking and exploring as it While you certainly cuts three miles off the could see all of the usual eight-mile loop … lakes in one day or Trailhead Name: 20 Lakes Basin plus it’s fun! one trip, I’d recomElevation: 10,000 to 10,400 feet mend taking your Vertical Climb: 400 feet max. A small selection of flies, Distance: 5 miles roundtrip using time to fish your way lures, trout worms and jigs water taxi around the loop on is all you really need to fish Lake Size: 3 surface acres to 21.5 multiple excursions. your way around the entire surface acres Visit the California loop. Don’t hesitate to ask Trout Species: Brook, brown, Fish and Wildlife’s the folks in the store what rainbow and golden trout Online Fishing they’d recommend. Also Guide to see what worth noting, although lakes hold what speis exceedingly rare, it is cies.

It’s possible to visit all of the lakes in the 20 Lakes Basin in one day or one trip, but it’s recommended you take your time to fish your way

around the loop on multiple excursions.

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

Photo by Jared Smith

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East Walker River anglers can find more than five miles of roads to access waters holding a population of wild brown and rainbow

Year-round rivers

Mono County’s East and West Walker open 365 days By Martin Strelneck Brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout are on the agenda for anglers targeting the yearround open waters of the East and West Walker rivers. Designated as a trophy trout water in 2007, the East Walker River, flowing east from Bridgeport Reservoir, has the reputation as being a premier fly fishing stream. Catches of trophy class brown trout, judged by pounds not inches, make a season long showing. Anglers will find more than five miles of easyto-access roadside waters. A favored location for consis-

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tently producing heavyweights is the “miracle mile” section of water directly downstream from the dam. The river is governed by special regulation. Angling is restricted to barbless hook lure or fly – no bait. From Opening Day to the final day of the season, possession limit is one fish, minimum size 18inches. From the close of the general season (Nov. 15) to the next season Opening Day, possession is zero. Fifteen miles north of Bridgeport, U.S. Highway 395 crosses the West Walker River.

trout. Photo by Martin Strelneck

The river was designated a year-round water in 2014. The new regulation allows for bait fishing from Opening Day to the Nov. 15 closing with no tackle restrictions along with a five-fish possession limit. From Nov. 16 to the next season opening day angling is restricted to barbless hook or fly with zero possession. The river is on the CDFW and Mono County trophy trout program during the regular season. Late last season the water received a bonus plant of brown trout donated by the Desert Springs Trout Farm. Historically productive locations have been a short distance up and downstream from the U.S. Highway 395 bridge crossing and the slower waters near the downstream town of Walker.

Highlighting the summer season, the Northern Mono County Chamber of Commerce hosts the “How Big is Big” month-long derby in August featuring additional plants of trophy-class rainbow trout. “June through October is consistently the best time for East Walker anglers,” said Rick Gieser at Ken’s Sporting Goods in Bridgeport. “For the dry fly fisherman, August to October is a great time of year but when conditions are right you can see some good action during the winter months. “For the West Walker late spring through early winter produces the best catching. Depending on the winter snowfall, fishing can be a challenge for short periods of time around the end of June because of runoff conditions.”

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

for jet skiers and recre-

Raul Hidalgo of Bishop shows off the 3.1-lb. trout he caught at Topaz Lake on New Year’s Day. Photo courtesy Raul Hidalgo

Jackpot!

Hit it big at the California-Nevada border’s Topaz Lake By Mike Gervais Situated along the CaliforniaNevada border, Topaz Lake boasts a long season that is open to anglers with either a California or Nevada fishing license. Anglers are likely to find rainbow and brown trout and smallmouth bass. According to Liz Weirauch of the Angler’s Edge Fly Shop in Gardnerville, Nev., Topaz’s long

season is a huge draw for anglers, who will flock to the shore as soon as the season opens Jan. 1. The lake remains busy until closing in late September, but Weirauch said many anglers will seek other waters during summer holiday weekends like Independence Day, because Topaz is a popular destination

ational boaters. One of the reasons the midwinter opening draws early anglers is that the state of Nevada launches a massive stocking effort each October, as the fishing season closes. That makes for a lake full of hungry trout come January. “It gets stocked very, very heavily when the season closes in October, and it’s mostly the bait fishermen, but they’ll go out there Jan. 1 and put their line in and sit in their cars and watch the pole,” Weirauch said. “Topaz has a very good minnow population, so streamers and Panther Martins are also good for trolling,” she added. In the warm summer months, the trout are likely to head for deeper, cooler waters. Weirauch said that anglers should sink their bait to a depth of about 34 feet to find the fish. Weirauch said that one of the popular trout holes on Topaz is on the northeast corner of the reservoir. “It’s a good place to float to with purple or black woolly buggers or prince nymphs with an intermediate sink line.” Trout fishing remains strong throughout the year, but Topaz offers a couple of options for anglers. Weirauch said that bass fishing takes off as the weather begins to warm up. “In summer, it’s fun to play with the bass,” Weirauch said, adding that the record smallmouth bass for the lake is in the 6-plus-lb. range. Weirauch advised anglers who are looking to hook a bass to try a crawdad pattern from shore. Another emerging trend on Topaz is carp fishing. Because carp spawn twice a year, laying thousands of eggs, Weirauch said they are abundant in Topaz. They’re also big

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

and strong, and will put up a fight. Weirauch said that carp also pose a new challenge for seasoned anglers, because they’re reclusive, skittish fish. But on the upside, she said anyone, whether fishing with a fly or bait, from the shore or the bank, can try their hand at it. “If you’ve never caught a carp on a fly, you’re in for a treat,” Weirauch said. “Come May or June, when they spawn, they’ll spool you out. It’s a way big challenge, and it can be frustrating,” but hooking a monster carp is a lot of fun. With the surge in interest in carp fishing, Weirauch said the lake has seen an increase in bow fishing, with clubs making special trips to the lake during spawning season to hunt carp. Though Topaz is open to anglers with California or Nevada licenses, Weirauch advised that fishermen and fisherwomen should use caution when navigating the lake to ensure they don’t wander into the canal system that feeds the lake from the south side, which is not part of the lake, and has different regulations. She also said the outlet canal at the north end of the lake is stocked, but again, it is not considered part of the lake, and California fishing licenses are not accepted there. She also pointed out that a short distance from the lake is a “no trespassing sign” that anglers should be aware of. While many in the Eastern Sierra are expressing concerns about the continued drought, Weirauch said that Topaz, at 2,410 acres, with an average depth of more than 50 feet, is guaranteed to be a fishable lake this summer. “That reservoir holds water, and it’s really quite a pretty desert lake, and it’s popular, especially on holidays, for family-oriented activities.”

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Get schooled Novices and veterans alike benefit from Eastern Sierra’s educational angling events and extra guidance

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t was a spectacular day in January, and 9-year-old Wyatt Schober of Bishop was learning to fly fish for the first time. “I like when you catch a fish, you get to have a little battle with it,” Wyatt said. His proud teacher was his grandfather, an experienced fly fisherman. Wyatt’s smile shined brighter than the Eastern Sierra sun as he graduated from conventional fishing into the world of fly fishing, and his grandpa was there to help him each step of the way. Whether it’s your grandpa, a fishing guide, a workshop or friends around a campfire, in the Eastern Sierra, there are abundant opportunities to learn about fishing. Just as there was a perfect way for Wyatt to learn fishing, there is a perfect opportunity in store for you. The many guide services of the Eastern Sierra are available to share their craft with anglers of all skill levels. From children who have never held a fishing pole to the ol’ hats with decades of fishing experience under their belts, guide services offer a fishing adventure unlike any other. Fishing guides are passionate about fishing, but they are even more passionate about helping others learn the art. “We’re happy to help! We’re here talking about fishing all day anyways, It’s nice to have another set of ears,” David Gallenberger of Mammoth’s Troutfitter guide service said. Guide services offer fishing opportunities for beginners and professional anglers alike, offering training as well as information about where the fish are biting. They are available to help anglers refine their skills, hone techniques and find the trophy trout. “One guide trip should get you the basic information to do everything on your own,” Gallenberger said. “You could

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By Kristina Blüm

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s “Living Stream” display is a hit wherever it goes, whether it’s fishing derbies or youth events, such as Trout Fest or the Kids’ Fishing Festival. Photo courtesy Kids’ Fishing Festival

spend years figuring out how to do these things, but a guide can really fast track the process. In five hours you can learn everything you need to know,” Gallenberger said. There are also abundant opportunities for kids to learn about fishing. Several trout derbies are held each year specifically for the kids. Kids’ Fishing Camp One such opportunity happens the last weekend in April, the City of Bishop’s Kids Fishing Camp. This event, held the same weekend as general trout season opener, is a unique opportunity for kids to learn about fishing while enjoying Bishop City Park. Boys and girls ages 6 through 12 are invited to sign up for the Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26 event, which teaches proper fly fishing technique, fish-

Wyatt Schober of Bishop has learned to fly fish from his grandfather. Photo by Kristina Blüm

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

ing etiquette, life science and other knowledge and skills to equip youth to be the next generation of successful, responsible anglers. Professional local fishing guides from the Eastern Sierra will be providing the instruction. For more information, call the City of Bishop at (760) 873-5863. Free Kids’ Fishing Day Each May, the Friends of Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery host a Kids’ Fishing Day at the historic Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery. This event gives anglers under the age of 15 a chance to catch two trout. This free event is held around the hatchery’s front pond, where local fishermen and members of the Aguabonita Flyfishers Club of Ridgecrest help the kids learn how to rig up, cast and land their fish. The fish that come out of the pond are often quite large, as much as 7.5 pounds. Trout Fest Hot Creek Hatchery hosts an annual Trout Fest for kids 15 and under. This year, Trout Fest is scheduled for June 27th, and will run from 9 a.m to 1 p.m. There will be booths offering demonstrations in tying knots, casting, and even fly tying for young anglers who would like to try fly fishing. Rods, reels, and tackle will be available for the kids to use, and there will be plenty of guides, CDFW officers, and local volunteers to help teach the kids how to land the lunkers. The CDFW’s Living Stream will also be on display for kids to experience the life of a trout. Local chefs will also be cooking up some trout for kids and adults to enjoy. This free event is meant to be very hands-on, offering the perfect opportunity for kids to experience fishing, as well as learn about the life of the fish they catch. For more information, call: (559) 765-4824 or (760) 934-2664. Kids’ Fishing Festival Mammoth Mountain serves as the backdrop for the Kids’ Fishing Festival in Mammoth. Now in its 28th year, the Kids’ Fishing Festival is always an exciting event. “We are planting some shockingly humongous fish this year,” said Gaye Mueller, director of the Kids’

Children taking part in the Kids’ Fishing Festival not only get to catch a heavyweight trout, they also get to take home a number of souvenirs to commemorate the experience. Photo courtesy Kids’ Fishing Festival

Fishing Festival. Several trophy-sized trout will be donated by the Desert Springs Hatchery and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for this year’s festival. More than 750 kids attended the festival last year. “It’s really cool, some of the parents who were there said that they had been to the festival when they were kids,” Mueller said. This year, the Kids’ Fishing Festival is scheduled for July 25, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Kids will have the opportunity to take home lots of fantastic prizes and freebies. Registration for the event is free, and there will be tackle available for the kids to use. The festival is held at the Snow Creek ponds, on Old Mammoth Road, across the street from the golf course in Mammoth. The Kids’ Fishing Festival happens during the same weekend as two other free family-friendly festivals in Mammoth. The Village Fest, which happens at the Village in Mammoth, features different bands, a crawdad boil and a major chili cook off. “It’s killer food,” Mueller said. There is also a firemen’s canoe race and picnic held at Shady Rest park on Sunday. For more information about the Kids’ Fishing Festival, visit www.kidsfishfest.com. Fly Fishing Faire There are plenty of fishing workshops and classes available for adults as

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

well as kids. In 2015, the Southwest Council of International Fly Fishing Federation will be hosting its annual Fly Fishing Faire Oct. 16-18. The event will be held at the Tri County Fairgrounds in Bishop for the first time. “This event is a little different than some of the other conventions and shows, as we encourage outings to put new techniques to work out on the water,” said Connie Bullock, director of the SWC Fly Fishing Faire. The event draws more than 350 anglers each year. “We encourage beginners through advanced fishermen to come,” Bullock said, “The Faire is open to everyone, not just fly fishers. Everyone is welcome.” This year, the Faire will feature seminars and lectures, fly tying demonstrations from beginner to advanced, casting demonstrations, outings with local guides from the Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide Association, from Bishop to Bridgeport, high-country hiking outings to look for special trout, women’s fishing classes, and tours and outings for the non-fisherman. In addition, local artists will be displaying their fishing themed paintings and artwork. One of the beautiful aspects of fishing in the Eastern Sierra is that all you need is a fishing pole and some tackle. This is the perfect place to learn the art of fishing. “We’ve got plenty of water, so come catch some fish!” Gallenberger said.

103

Reader Photo Gallery 2

3 2

1 4 1 City kid Ethan Butsch of Portland, Ore. catches his first fish at Lake Sabrina. Photo submitted by Caroline Soderwall

2 Camryn Schoenherr fishing the South Fork of Bishop Creek

where she pulled in a nice rainbow.

Photo submitted by Allan A. Schoenherr

3 Drew Garrison, 5, with Scott Garrison, holds up his rainbow trout caught along the Owens River on a Sierra Slammer. Photo submitted by Scott Garrison

4 Kevin Chaffin shows off his 4-lb. german brown after battling it out of Pleasant Valley Reservoir in Dec. 2014. Photo submitted by Chaffin family

104

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

3

2

4 1 1 Tim Carnahan of Sky Valley displays a

3 1/3-lb. rainbow he caught at Lake Sabrina on Sierra a Slammer minijig in June 2014.

Photo submitted by Carnahan family

2 Jordan Garrison, 8, smiles

with a nice brook trout caught in a backcountry lake off the June Loop.

Photo submitted by Scott Garrison

3 Bryce Gordon, 13, of

Ventura carefully holds his fish at Lake Mamie on June 26, 2014.

Photo submitted by Gordon family

4 The Schulteis kids – (l-r)

Thomas, 12, Julia, 11, Andrew, 9, Paul, 8, and Matthew, 5 – at Intake II on Aug. 7, 2014 where they took home the limit of trout for the family.

5

Photo by Michael Schulteis

5 Cousins Kenny Sunada, 12,

Allt Matsumoto, 11, and Owen Matsumoto, 11, hold up their catches at Lundy Lake. Photo submitted by Craig Sunada

6 Bill Kujawa of Bishop casting just after

6

sunrise on the Upper Owens River north of Benton crossing bridge. Photo by Nathan Everson

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

105

2

3

1 4 1 James Runyon and his grandson Liam hanging out with “the big one,” an 8.3lb., 24-inch giant James caught in August 2014. Photo submitted by James Runyon

2 Thomas Kelsey, Brad “Fishking”

Graverson, Gubie Estes and Roland “Legrange” Granger (l-r) display some of their catches at Crowley Lake on Tuesday, April 29, 2014.

3 Jill Eastman of Hemet shows off her 3-lb., 4-oz., 21-inch German brown out of Grant Lake, the winner of the Hook ‘N Hat “Big Fish” award. She’s the first woman to win the trophy. Photo submitted by Thomas Kelsey

4 Joey Chaffin with his 2.5-lb. rainbow trout caught out of Pleasant Valley Reservoir in December 2014. Photo submitted by Chaffin family

Photo submitted by Thomas Kelsey

106

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

1

3 2

1 Moritz, 7, celebrates his first catch, a 17-inch German brown out of the creek above Grant Lake on Oct. 23, 2014. Photo by Greg Mitchell

2 David Clancy, 13, displays his trout catch at June Lake in July 2014.

4

Photo submitted by Sean Clancy

3 Steve, John, Rick, Steven and David (l-r) hiked to Cottonwood Lakes in September 2014 on a trip to catch golden trout. Photo submitted by Rick

4 Laura Hahn of Glendora (l) and Lynn Johsz of Huntington Beach (r) hold up their haul at Big Pine Creek, Sept. 15, 2014. Photo submitted by Laura Hahn

5 Patty Gilpin is happy with her catch on Crowley Lake, July 6, 2014.

6 5

Photo submitted by Gilpin Family

6 Sadie Clancy, 10, with a trout she caught on Rock Creek Lake a few feet from shore in September 2013. Photo submitted by Sean Clancy

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

107

1

2

1 Riley from Bakersfield holds out her first fish at Lake Sabrina.

3

Photo submitted by Margaret Hunter

2 Kiyomi Sunada displays her 7-YearOlds Kids’ Division R&C Trout Derby winner, a 4-lb., 10-oz. catch out of Lake Mary in Mammoth Lakes.

4

Photo submitted by Craig Sunada

3 Luci caught her first fish at Big Pine Glacier Lodge trout pond. Photo submitted by Margaret Hunter

4 Gavin Gordon, 8, of Ventura shows off his catch at Lake George on June 25, 2014. Photo submitted by Gordon family

5 Jason at Intake II, enjoying his first fishing trip since moving to Bishop. Photo submitted by Jennifer Noyes

5 108

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

1

2

3 1 “Fish Story Lori” Carnahan and her puppy Josey display their catch at a scenic spot by Pleasant Valley Reservoir. Photo submitted by Lori Carnahan

2 Dorothy Hahn, 2, of Glendora, eyes her catch in the grass on June 7, 2014 at The Pond at Glacier Lodge in Big Pine. Photo submitted by Laura Hahn

3 Hayden nets the catch of the day at Crowley Lake. Photo submitted by Lucinda Yandell

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

109

2

1

3

1 Reggie Mackay of Lemon Grove shows off a great catch at Tinnemaha Campground where he’s been going for 45 years. Photo submitted by Reggie Mackay

2 Steve Johsz hooks a trout along the Big Pine Creek in

3 Blake Slagle of Chino Hills enjoying his catch from Robinson Creek. Photo submitted by Jesse Slagle

September 2014.

Photo submitted by Lynn Johsz

110

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

2

1

1 Justin Gilpin displays a beauty out of Crowley Lake on Aug. 13, 2014. Photo submitted by Gilpin family

2 Mike Newman of Big Pine fishing Intake II. Photo by Dustin Newman

3 Carson Hamblin, 7, and Abbey

Hamblin, 4, of Santa Clarita fish with dad, Pat, at Goodale Creek, dad’s top choice for teaching young fishers. Photo submitted by Pat Hamblin

4 Char Guevarra with a bent pole over Gull Lake.

4

Photo by Robert Coffman

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

3 111

1

1 Buck Matheny of Bakersfield kneels down by the creek near Tunnel Meadow Airstrip on a fishing trip in August 1960. Photo by Chuck Hutchison, submitted by Lee Hutchison

112

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

In-the-field guidance

Fishing guides and pack stations here to enhance your experience

N

ot everyone is lucky enough to live in the Eastern Sierra fulltime, and for these people, it’s important they make the absolute most of their time here in Inyo and Mono counties. There are also longtime locals wanting to approach one of their favorite pastimes from a fresh perspective, or learn new and better techniques,

The Angler’s Edge 1506 Hwy. 395, Gardnerville, Nev. www.theanglersedge.com

Adventures (760) 937-5680 www.mammothflyfishingadventures.com

CPR (Catch Photograph Release) Guide Service (760) 784-1524

Performance Anglers Guide Service and Outfitters P.O. Box 1688, Mammoth Lakes (818) 288-0584 www.performanceanglers. com

DB’s Fishon Guide Service 379 Juniper Dr., Crowley Lake (760) 935-4809 [email protected] (See ad on pg. 11) Eastern Sierra Guide Service (760) 872-7770 www.jaeger-flyfishing.com High Sierra Outfitters 130 S. Main St., Lone Pine (760) 876-9994 (See ad on pg. 93) Hot Creek Fly Fishing Ranch Mammoth Lakes (760) 924-5637 http://hstrial-hotcreekranch. homestead.com Ken’s Sporting Goods 258 Main St., Bridgeport (760) 932-7707 www.kenssport.com (See ad on pg. 11) Kevin Peterson’s Fly Fishing Adventures 85 Hot Creek Hatchery Rd., Mammoth Lakes (760) 937-0519 www.kevinpetersonflyfishing.com Kittredge Sports Mammoth Lakes (760) 934-7566 www.kittredgesports. com

Performance Guide Service/ Rick’s Sports Center 3241 Main St., Mammoth (760) 914-0730 www.performanceguideservice.com Sierra Bright Dot Guide Service Fly Fishing Specialist 1509 Lazy A Dr., Bishop (760) 873-3948 Sierra Drifters Guide Service Mammoth Lakes (760) 935-4250 www.sierradrifters.com Sierra Fly Fisher Tours P.O. Box 631, Bass Lake, Calif.

or explore areas of their big backyard they’ve only seen in photographs. For all of these folks, the services offered by local fishing guides and pack stations are invaluable. And luckily, the Eastern Sierra is flush with both – willing, ready and eager to educate, broaden horizons and add an element of adventure to angling excursions. Following are some of the guides and stations here to help …

(559) 683-7664 www.sierraflyfisher.com Sierra Fly Guide 2806 Boulder Dr., June Lake (760) 209-3260 Sierra Guide Group P.O. Box 451, Bishop (760) 872-9836 www.sierraguidegroup.com Sierra Mountain Trout Guide Service (760) 263-5013 www.facebook.com/pages/ SierraMountain-TroutGuideService/106914379349120 (see ad on pg. 44) Sierra Trout Magnet Fly Shop 2272 N. Sierra Hwy., Bishop (760) 873-0010 www.sierratroutmagnet.com The Troutfitter/The Trout Fly 2987 Main St., Mammoth Lakes (760) 924-3676 www.thetroutfly.com (See ad on pg. **) The Trout Scout (760) 872-9836 [email protected] (See ad on pg. 30)

Ken Sugahara of Carlsbad shows off the 3-lb., 2-oz. rainbow he caught at Crowley Lake during a guided fishing trip with his father. File photo

Mammoth Flyfishing

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

Agnew Meadows Pack Station P.O. Box 395, Mammoth Lakes (760) 934-2345 www.redsmeadow.com Bishop Pack Outfitters Bishop (760) 873-4785 (See ad on pg. 33) Cottonwood Pack Statiown Lone Pine (760) 878-2015 Frontier Pack Station Winter: 1012 E. Line St., Bishop Summer: P.O. Box 656, June Lake (888) 437-MULE (toll-free) https://sites.google.com/ site/fron tierpacktraindot.com/ home/about-us Glacier Pack Train Big Pine (760) 938-2538 Kennedy Meadows Pack Station Sonora Pass Summer: (209) 965-3911, (209) 965-3900 Winter: (209) 965-3900, (209) 928-1239 www.kennedymeadows. com Leavitt Meadows Pack Station 7386 S.R. Hwy. 108, Bridgeport (530) 495-2196 www.leavittmeadows.com Mammoth Lakes Pack Outfit Lake Mary Road, Mammoth (888) 475-8747 www.mammothpack.com

McGee Creek Pack Station 2990 McGee Creek Rd., Crowley Lake (800) 854-7407 www.mcgeecreekpackstation.com Mt. Whitney Pack Trains Mt. Whitney (760) 872-8331 www.rockcreekpackstation.com/goldentroutinfotop.shtml (See ad on pg. 75) Pine Creek Pack Station Bishop (800) 962-0775 Rainbow Pack Station Bishop (760) 873-8877 http://rainbow.zb-net.com/ Red’s Meadow Resort and Pack Station P.O. Box 395, Mammoth Lakes (760) 934-2345 www.redsmeadow.com (See ad on pg. 88) Rock Creek Pack Station Bishop (760) 872-8331 www.rockcreekpack station.com (See ad on pg. 75) Sequoia Kings Pack Trips Independence (800) 962-0775 Virginia Lakes Pack Outfit Bridgeport Summer: (760) 937-0326 Winter: (925) 349-5074 www.virginialakes.com (See ad on pg. 97)

113

Guide to Eastern Sierra Campgrounds The Campground Guide is intended to pro-

vide vacationers to the Eastern Sierra with a general overview of the campgrounds available in Inyo and Mono counties. Fees and other applicable information are always subject to change. The fee and other information included here was the most current data available when the Fishing Guide went to press. As a general rule, most campgrounds open with

the spring thaw and close before the first winter storm in the fall. Some of the campgrounds located at lower elevations and those privately or countyowned are open year round. Tuttle Creek Campground, managed by the BLM, is open year round. It is always recommended that visitors contact the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center at (760) 924-5500, or the BLM at (760) 872-5008, for the most up-to-date information as the summer camp-

ing season draws near. Visitors may also call the ranger districts at the phone numbers provided below, or visit the following websites, for up-to-date information: www.fs.fed.us/r5/inyo/recreation/campgrounds. shtml www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/bishop/camping/index. html www.inyocountycamping.com

Key: C – Concession; R – Reservations; DS – Dump Station ($6 donation); A – Handicapped Accessible; B – Bear Boxes Available; S – Sewer; E – Electricity; V – Vault Toilets; F – Flush

Campground & Information Number

Sites

Details

Elevation

Water

Fee

Max. stay

Lone Pine Area – (760) 876-6200

Horseshoe Meadow Cottonwood Pass Backpacker (walk-in) 18 B/V 10,000 piped $6 1 Cottonwood Lakes Backpacker (walk-in) 13 B/V 10,000 piped $6 1 Horseshoe Meadows (equestrian) 10 B/V 10,000 piped $12 1 Lone Pine Creek Lone Pine 43 B/R/V 6,000 piped $19 14 Lone Pine (group) 1 B/R/V 6,000 piped $60 14 Whitney Portal 43 B/R/V 8,000 piped $21 7 Whitney Portal (group) 3 B/R/V 8,100 piped $70 7 Whitney Trailhead (walk-in) 25 B/V 8,300 piped $12 1 Independence Creek Lower Grays Meadow 52 B/R/V 6,000 piped $18 14 Upper Grays Meadow 35 B/R/V 6 ,200 piped $18 14 Onion Valley 29 B/R/V 9,200 piped $18 14 Other Campgrounds Diaz Lake (Inyo County) 200 C/R 3,700 piped $14 15 Independence Creek (Inyo County) 25 3,900 piped $14 15 Tuttle Creek (BLM 760-872-5008) 83 DS/A 5,120 none in winter $5 per night/$5 for 14 dump station/horse corrals Goodale Creek (BLM) 43 4,000 none $5 14 Portagee Joe (Inyo County) 15 3,800 well $14 14

BISHOP AREA – (760) 873-2500

Big Pine Creek Big Pine Creek Sage Flat Upper Sage Flat Palisade Glacier (group no. 518) Clyde Glacier (group no. 518) White Mountains Grandview Ferguson (group) Bishop Creek Big Trees Bishop Park (group) Bitterbrush Forks Four Jeffrey Intake II Mountain Glen

114

30 28 21 1 1

B/R/V B/V B/R/V B/R/V B/R/V

7,700 7,400 7,600 7,600 7,600

piped piped piped piped piped

$22 $22 $22 $70 $70

14 14 14 14 14

23 3

V V

8,560 7,200

none none

donation $35

14 14

16 1 35 21 104 13 5

B/F B/R/V B/V B/F R/DS/F B/F B/V

7,500 8,200 7,350 7,800 8,100 8,200 8,200

piped none piped piped piped piped none

$23 $70 $23 $23 $23 $23 $20

7 14 14 7 14 7 7

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

North Lake (no trailers/RVs) 11 B/V 9,500 piped $23 7 Sabrina 19 B/V 9,000 piped $23 7 Willow 8 B/V 9,000 none $22 7 Table Mountain (group) 1 B/R/V 8,500 piped $70 Rock Creek Big Meadow 11 B/F 8,600 piped $22 7 East Fork 133 B/R/F 9,000 piped $22 14 French Camp 86 B/R/DS/F 7,500 piped $22 21 Iris Meadow 14 B/F 8,300 piped $22 7 Palisade (Group) 5 B/V 8,600 yes $70 7 Pine Grove 11 B/V 9,300 yes $22 7 Rock Creek Lake 28 B/F 9,600 yes $22 7 Tuff 34 B/R/V 7,000 yes $20 21 Upper Pine Grove 8 B/V 9,400 yes $22 7 Holiday 35 V 7,500 piped $22 14 Aspen (group) 1 B/R 8,100 yes $70 14 Mosquito Flat Trailhead (walk-in) 10 B 10,100 none none 1 Rock Creek Lake (group) 1 B/R 9,700 yes $70 14 McGee Creek McGee Creek 28 B/R 7,600 piped $20 14 Other Campgrounds Tri-County Fairgrounds (State of Calif.) 42 R/S/E 4, 140 yes $25 30 Millpond Recreation Area (private) 60 C/E 4,444 piped $20-25 14 Brown’s Town Campground (private) 100 C/E 4,147 piped $20-27 14 Glacier View Campground (private) 40 C/E 3,985 well $12-17 15 Pleasant Valley (Inyo County) 200 4,300 yes $14 14 Pleasant Valley Pit – Winter (BLM) 75 4,300 none $2 60 Baker Creek (Inyo County) 70 4,159 none $14 15 Tinnemaha Creek (Inyo County) 55 well $14 15 Taboose Creek (Inyo County) 50 3,897 none $14 15 Horton Creek (BLM) 49 DS/A 4,975 yes $5 per night/ 14 $5 for dump station

MAMMOTH LAKES AREA – (760) 924-5500

Convict Lake Convict Lake Mammoth Village Area New Shady Rest Old Shady Rest Sherwin Creek Pine Glen (overflow) Pine Glen (group) Mammoth Lakes Basin Coldwater Twin Lakes Lake George Lake Mary Pine City Reds Meadow Area Agnew Meadows (Equestrian and group sites) Minaret Falls Red’s Meadow Pumice Flat Upper Soda Springs Pumice Flat (group) Other Campgrounds Crowley Lake (BLM) Devil’s Postpile (Nat’l. Park Service) Mammoth Mountain RV Park

85

B/R/F/DS

7,600

piped

92 B/R/DS 47 R 85 B/R 10 7 B/R

7,800 7,800 7,600 7,800 7,800

piped $22 piped $22 piped $22 piped $22 piped varies by size

14 14 21 14 14

77 92 16 46 10

8,900 8,600 9,000 8,900 8,900

piped piped piped piped piped

14 7 7 14 14

B/R B/R B B B

$22

$23 $23 $23 $23 $23

Under B 8,400 piped $22 Construction $24 24 B 7,600 piped $23 56 B 7,600 piped $22 17 C 7,700 piped $22 29 C/A 7,700 piped $22 4 B/R 7,700 piped varies by size 48 DS/A 21 179 C/DS/S/E/R

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

9,200 7,679 7,800

yes piped yes

$5 $16 $27-$50

7



14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 n/a

115

LEE VINING/JUNE LAKE AREA – (760) 647-3044

Crestview Area Big Springs Deadman, Lower Upper Deadman Glass Creek Hartley Springs Obsidian Flat (group) June Lake Loop Aerie Crag (RVs only/overflow) Gull Lake June Lake Oh! Ridge Reversed Creek Silver Lake Lee Vining Area Lower Lee Vining Moraine Aspen Grove Big Bend Ellery Lake Junction Sawmill (walk-in) Tioga Lake (small trailers/RVs) Saddlebag Lake (small trailers/RVs) Trailhead Group (@ Saddlebag Lake) Other Campgrounds Lee Vining Canyon (Mono County) Lundy Canyon (Mono County)

26 15 15 50 20 1 B/R/V

7,300 7,800 7,780 7,600 8,400 7,800

none none none none none none

none none none none none $20

14 14 14 14 14 14

10 11 28 144 17 63

V B/F B/R/F B/R/F B/F B/R/F

7,200 7,600 7,600 7,600 7,600 7,200

none piped piped piped piped piped

$14 $22 $22 $22 $22 $22

3 14 14 14 14 14

53 20 56 17 21 13 12 13 19 1

B/V V B/V B/V B/V B/V B/V B/V B/V B/R/V

7,300 7,350 7,490 7,800 9,500 9,600 9,800 9,700 10,000 10,000

none none piped piped piped none none piped piped piped

$14 $14 $14 $21 $21 $16 $16 $21 $21 $93.75

14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14

6,800 7,800

none none

$7 $7

none none

182 54

BRIDGEPORT RANGER DISTRICT – (760) 932-7070



Bridgeport Campgrounds Honeymoon Flat N. Robinson Creek Paha Crags Lower Twin Buckeye Green Creek Trumbull Lake Obsidian Sonora Bridge Leavitt Meadows Chris Flat Bootleg Desert Creek Green Creek (group site 1) Green Creek (group site 2) Crags (Group)

47 54 22 27 15 65 11 45 14 23 16 15 63 13 25 30 45

7,000 7,000 7,000 7,100 7,000 7,000 7,500 9,500 7,800 6,800 7,000 6,600 6,600 6,300 7,500 7,500 7,100

yes $17 yes $20 yes $20 yes $20 yes $20 yes $17 yes $17 yes varies by size no $12 yes $17 yes $17 yes $15 yes $20 no none yes $52 yes $65 yes varies by size

CARSON RANGER DISTRICT – (775) 882-2766

Carson Campgrounds Lookout Mt. Rose Crystal Springs Markleeville Kit Carson Hope Valley Silver Creek Hope Valley (Group) Lookout (Group)

116

22 6,700 24 8,900 22 6,600 10 5,500 12 6,900 20 7,300 22 6,800 3-16 PAOT 1-30 PAOT

no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes no

$6 $15 $14 $14 $14 $14 $15 $25 $25

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

Index of Advertisers Automotive Services

Big Pine Shell.............................................. 17 Eastern Sierra Oil Co.................................. 34 Inyo-Mono Body Shop............................... 31

Entertainment/ Recreation

Aerohead Cycles........................................ 41 Blake Jones Trout Derby............................ 22 Bishop Country Club.................................. 39 Eastern California Museum & Bookstore......................... 14 GSC Off-Road Adventures........................ 37 Paiute Palace Casino ................................. 34 Paiute Shoshone Cultural Center.............. 36 Tri-County Fairgrounds.............................. 29

Gas/Markets

Big Pine Shell.............................................. 17 Bishop Paiute Gas Station......................... 26 Ft. Independence Travel Plaza.................. 13 Hi-Country Market & Hardware................. 19 Joseph’s Bi-Rite Markets............................ 43 Lee’s Frontier Liquor . ...................................9 Meadow Farms Smokehouse......................... Back Cover Walker Country Store & Deli..................... 97

Guides/Marinas/ Pack Stations/

Bishop Pack Outfitters ............................... 33 Bridgeport Reservoir...................................92 Crowley Lake Fish Camp......................... 118 DB’s “Fishon” Guide Service..................... 74 High Sierra Outfitters . .............................. 11 June Lake Marina..................................... 118 Ken’s Sporting Goods ............................... 93 Mt. Whitney Pack Train.............................. 75 Red’s Meadow Pack Station...................... 83 Rock Creek Pack Station............................ 75 Sierra Mountain Trout Guide Service........................................ 44 The Trout Fly and Trout Fitter.............................................. 3 The Trout Scout.......................................... 30 Virginia Lakes Pack Outfit.......................... 97

Lodging

Adventures in Camping . .......................... 71 Andruss Motel............................................. 97 Best Western/Bishop Lodge..................... 47

Best Western/Frontier Motel..................... 11 Best Western/High Sierra Hotel................ 81 Bishop Creek Lodge................................. 74 Bristlecone Motel....................................... 19 Cardinal Village Resort............................... 42 Carson Peak Inn . ....................................... 89 Central Reservations of Mammoth............85 Comfort Inn . .............................................. 47 Double Eagle Resort & Spa....................... 91 Dow Villa Motel . .......................................... 8 Elms Motel ................................................. 21 Fern Creek Lodge....................................... 87 Glacier Lodge............................................. 17 Mammoth Reservation Bureau ................ 82 Red’s Meadow Resort................................ 83 Rock Creek Lodge...................................... 78 Silver Lake Resort ...................................... 89 Tom’s Place Resort...................................... 77 Village Motel............................................... 35 Virginia Lakes Resort.................................. 94 The Westin Monache................................. 84

Miscellaneous

Caltrans........................................................ 49 Eastern Sierra Propane.............................. 36 Fire Safety (USFS)....................................... 72 Inyo County Firefighters.......................... 119 LADWP........................................................ 68 Mono County Sheriff’s Dept. . .................. 98 Smoking Cessation..................................... 95 Southern Inyo Hospital .............................. 6 Sterling Heights . ....................................... 36

Real Estate

High Country Cedar Homes...................... 86 Inyo Mono Title, Bishop ............................ 25 Rainbow Ridge Realty . .............................. 90 Sonja Bush................................................... 80

Restaurants

Bishop Country Club.................................. 39 Carl’s Jr........................................................ 38 Erick Schat’s Bakkery.................................. 23 Ft. Independence Travel Plaza.................. 13 Good Life Cafe........................................... 80 Holy Smoke Texas BBQ............................. 27 Jolly Kone.................................................... 94 Lee’s Frontier Liquor . .................................88 Meadow Farms Smokehouse......................... Back Cover Rock Creek Lodge...................................... 78 Tom’s Place Resort...................................... 77 Walker Country Store & Deli......................97

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

Retail

Bee Gee’s Beauty Supply ......................... 20 Ben Franklin Crafts..................................... 24 Eastside Sports........................................... 28 Bishop Paiute Gas Station......................... 77 Range & River Books.................................. 31 Sierra Thrift Mall ........................................ 20 The Sound Shoppe/Radio Shack . ........... 34

RV Parks/ Campgrounds

Bishop RV Park............................................ 29 Boulder Creek RV Park................................. 9 Bridgeport Reservoir RV Park & Marina........................................ 92 Creekside RV Park...................................... 45 Highlands RV Park . .................................... 36

Sporting Goods

Culver’s Sporting Goods ........................... 21 Golden Trout Lanyards............................... 34 High Sierra Outfitters . .............................. 11 Ken’s Sporting Goods................................ 93 Lone Pine Sporting Goods.......................... 9 Mac’s Sporting Goods . ............................. 40 Reagan’s Sporting Goods.......................... 53 Stroud Tackle ............................................. 73 The Trout Fly and Trout Fitter.............................................. 3

Visitor Centers

Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce ....................................... 92 Independence Chamber .......................... 86 Mono County Tourism....................... Inside Front Cover Northern Mono Chamber of Commerce....................... 96

Thank you to all of our advertisers! To become a part of the 63rd Annual Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide in 2016, contact Terry at The Inyo Register advertising department at (760) 873-3535, or via email: [email protected]. 117

boat rentals - slip rentals - honda marine dealer - fishing tackle

760.648.7726 - Visit us on Facebook at June Lake Marina june lake marina stocking trophy trout weekly during fishing season - last saturday of april thru oct. 31 760-935-4301

crowleylakefishcamp.com

Cabins • Full Hook-up RV Sites • Dock Spaces Pelican Point Grill • Lakeside Camping Aluminum & Pontoon Boat Rentals Kayak Rentals 118

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide

2015 Eastern Sierra Fishing Guide (Maps on pages 54-67)

119