Eastern Sierra update...03-26-05 - California Fishing

FishSlayer · 03-27-2005, 10:10 PM

I received this report from Sierra Drifters and I thought you guys who are planning a trip up there might like to read it.

March 26, 2005

Howdy friends and Sierra Drifters. Best fishes to all for this Easter 2005 fish report from the Eastern High Sierra.

Enough rain and snow already! Mammoth Mountain is reporting they have received over 500 inches of snow already this season and there is a chance for more on the way by the beginning of next week. The holiday weekend looks to be pleasant with perhaps some gusty winds developing on Sunday over the ridge tops and down in the Owens valley.

As I write this report Crowley Lake is still 95 percent frozen with the inlets to McGee Bay and the Upper Owens the only ice free areas. Look for many of the lakes above 8000 feet to be snowbound and the roads to the creeks will more than likely be closed or have snow and icy conditions for the opener. The road into Reds Meadow and the San Joaquin will open much later than usual and plan on very high run-off during July. High water will be a major factor this season in the early and mid-summer months in all the freestone creeks and tailwaters like the East and West Walker Rivers, Rock Creek, Rush Creek, Bishop Creek, Mammoth Creek, Hot Creek, Upper and Lower Owens River, etc. The backcountry will have a shorter season than in years past as the high passes will not be open until mid-late July. This year will be great for Bridgeport Reservoir and The EW as it will finally have sufficient water to keep it healthy into the fall. You may have to fish the alpine lakes more than normal as these areas will be stable. The fall will be very good this season and different than the last several years as the river flows and lake levels should be ideal instead of low.

Wahoo! · 03-28-2005, 08:00 AM

Thanks for the info. Sounds like it's going to tough fishing early in the season...

Eric · 03-28-2005, 08:14 PM

Thanks for the info fishslayer. good timing, i am heading up to the owen's this coming weekend. Sounds like fishing conditions will be interesting. I'll post a report next week and tony i will make sure to take some pictures.
Eric

PlatinumHooks · 03-28-2005, 08:31 PM

I knew it would be like this. that's why I wanted to hit it up about a month after the opener, but now I'm not sure what's gonna happen. Well, just think positive thoughts and hope for the best!

Eric · 03-28-2005, 09:07 PM

The fishing is sure going to be tuff but interesting. big cone head wolly buggers and streamers..Tony any chance of getting any flys to try out?
Eric

PlatinumHooks · 03-28-2005, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric

The fishing is sure going to be tuff but interesting. big cone head wolly buggers and streamers..Tony any chance of getting any flys to try out?
Eric

HELL NO!!! WHERE"S MY MATT 'n' TONY'S????????

j.k. buddy

PM me about it for sure

troutcatcher · 03-29-2005, 12:49 PM

Thanks for the update, looks like a tough opener this year.

PlatinumHooks · 03-30-2005, 12:08 AM

We've all got the "hardcore" mentallity here! Tough opener or not, I'm gonna make it a productive Sierra year for sure. Mammoth Lakes here we come!

FishSlayer · 03-30-2005, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony"PltnmHooks"Z.

We've all got the "hardcore" mentallity here! Tough opener or not, I'm gonna make it a productive Sierra year for sure. Mammoth Lakes here we come!

You might be able fish the Mammoth lakes by June, you just wont be able to get to the San Juaquin, Starkweather Lake or Sotcher lake until mid or late July. I am sure that Rush creek, Twin Lakes and other areas north will still be open by then too, its just the road to the Paostpile will take a while to open. Some hardcore fly guys do hike into the area before the road opens however.

PlatinumHooks · 03-30-2005, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishSlayer

You might be able fish the Mammoth lakes by June, you just wont be able to get to the San Juaquin, Starkweather Lake or Sotcher lake until mid or late July. I am sure that Rush creek, Twin Lakes and other areas north will still be open by then too, its just the road to the Paostpile will take a while to open. Some hardcore fly guys do hike into the area before the road opens however.

I'm down for the Hike to the Postpile!!!

FishSlayer · 03-30-2005, 02:02 AM

Thats because you are nuts! I will gladly wait for the shuttle busses to start running...I am really starting to get the itch however. I have begun watching any movie filmed in the Sierra's waiting for a scene near a river or lake and I have started stalking the websites for info and updates. I really want to float tube Rock creek lake and Convict lake this year...maybe if we get up there in June we will need to spend a day tubing Crowley too? SIGH!

jstcrzyengh · 03-30-2005, 02:02 AM

Boy am I glad I am not heading up there till the first or second week of august. Sounds like everything will just be opening. Scary to think that is still 5 months away.

FishSlayer · 03-30-2005, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jstcrzyengh

Boy am I glad I am not heading up there till the first or second week of august. Sounds like everything will just be opening. Scary to think that is still 5 months away.

I am also heading up in the first weeks of August, I am just going in June and July too...

jstcrzyengh · 03-30-2005, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishSlayer

I am also heading up in the first weeks of August, I am just going in June and July too...

Well, let me know when. Bryson and I are heading up there and will stay at the cabins in June lake, but I will probably be taking my bronco so we can go backcountry if we need to

I just want lee vining creek to be open that is all that I care about

FishSlayer · 03-30-2005, 07:53 AM

Creeks are usually accessable and fishable before the lakes are so you might be O.K., to far North for my weekend trips though.