Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Quick Casts: Sierra waters primed and ready

Inyo and Mono conditions excellent for this
weekend’s opening of the trout season:

Here’s a last-minute look at roads and waters

On the heels of a drier than normal winter and spring, opening day anglers will see conditions best characterized as a “carbon copy” of last year.

Going into one week before the April 27 kickoff, weather conditions have been on a typical “yo-yo” cycle. On the high end, temperatures have been holding on the warm side for several days, then switching to cold and windy for a couple of days. This past week saw a swing back to above-average temperatures with forecasts pointing to fair conditions for the opener, and breezy.

The state began stocking all accessible waters last week with 49,000 pounds earmarked for Inyo/Mono waters. This includes 12,000 pounds of tagged “trophy” fish, rainbows running in the 2- to 3-pound range.

One week before the opener the big question is: How safe will ice fishing conditions be? Prior to last week’s cold snap, many of the waters above the 8,000-foot level were showing what we call “blue spots,” an indication the ice is on its way to thawing and some were showing open water. Last minute conditions will be dictated by the temperatures the final few days before opener.

JUNE LAKE WILL be ready to go opening day April 27.

Below the 8,000-foot levee, snow is nonexistent. Ideal conditions will be enjoyed by shore anglers from Crowley Lake to Bridgeport. Lake levels, despite this year’s lack of precipitation, are holding at good levels at most locations, but will be dropping as we go into the summer months.

Here is an exclusive WON area-by area look at last minute conditions on lakes and roads.

OWENS VALLEY — Small streams from Lone Pine north are on the low side. Most road accessible waters are on the schedule for state plants except for a few of the smaller streams with cold water temperatures and low flows. Alpers plants are on the menu for Diaz Lake, Independence, Taboose and Tinnemaha creeks in county campground areas.

BISHOP — At the high elevations, roads to South and Sabrina lakes clear. South Lake is ice-covered and thawing with very little shoreline snow. Lake Sabrina is mostly ice-free but on the low side and will require a little legwork to access fishable water. Bishop Creek is in ideal condition with CDFW stockers and Alpers rainbows set for pre-season stocking. At the lower elevation near Bishop, the Lower Owens River is flowing at around 280 cfs and good fishable level.

Wardens to conduct wildlife checkpoint Tuesday, April 30

BISHOP — Anglers heading home from the Eastern Sierra after opening day weekend have something extra to look forward to. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife said it will be conducting a wildlife checkpoint operation on southbound Hwy 395, south of Bishop on Tuesday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The limit is 5 per day on trout, 10 in possession.

All anglers and hunters will be required to stop and submit to an inspection. CDFW officers will also be providing literature about the invasive quagga mussel and New Zealand mud snail. Also be advised, that if history is any indicator, a sobriety check may be administered on Highway 395 south of Bishop, Friday April 26.

Note that law enforcement has often had a sobriety checkpoint as you enter Bishop on Friday, and the California Department of Wildlife has a special surprise on Tuesday, April 30, with a checkpoint south of Bishop. Vehicle inspections will be mandatory. Don’t forget what the limit is, and at this point it will be too late to buy a fishing license.

CROWLEY, CONVICT AND ROCK CREEK — Crowley Lake has been ice-free since mid-March and slowly rising. Crowley Lake Fish Camp had docks out and boats in the water a month before the opener. Shoreline and access roads will be in good condition. Crowley Lake, anglers will be pleased to know, was primed with a mixture of 585,000 put-and-grow sub-catchables last August. If Crowley is on your agenda, don’t forget the mandatory quagga mussel boat inspection. Shortly before the opener DWP personnel will be conducting inspections at the Vons Market parking lot located off Hwy. 395 north of Bishop and at the south ramp at Crowley Lake Fish Camp. Bottom line, no inspection, no boat on the water.

Convict Lake Resort is in full operation. Lake was ice-free by March, no shoreline snow. Unlike last year, Convict Lake campground is in full operation opening weekend. Convict and Crowley lakes on the agenda for a pre-season plant of Alpers rainbows along with CDFW stockers.

The Rock Creek Lake Road is clear. The lake is ice-covered and beginning to thaw a week before the opener and there is very little shoreline snow.

MAMMOTH LAKES — The road to Mammoth Lakes Basin is open. Lakes Mary, Mamie and George are ice-covered with open water beginning to show on Lake Mary. Twin Lakes is thawing and should be fishable for the opener.

JUNE LAKE LOOP — All four waters: June, Gull, Silver and Grant lakes ice-free for more than a month. All area resorts and landings in full operation along with Forest Service campgrounds. In addition to CDFW stockers, plants of Alpers on schedule for June, Gull and Silver lakes. The road leading to the backside of Grant Lake is snow-free.

LEE VINING-TIOGA PASS — State Route 120 (Tioga Pass Road) is open from the intersection of Hwy. 395 to the Yosemite National Park boundary, but is closed at that point onward. Tioga Lake ice-covered and very low. Ellery Lake is mostly ice-covered but with an open water at inlet. The road to Saddlebag Lake is open with the water ice-covered and on the low side. Saddlebag Lake Resort is closed.

Lee Vining Creek will be stocked at lower elevations with Forest Service campgrounds open. Lundy Lake Road is open. The lake is low. Lundy Lake Resort is closed. County campgrounds below the lake are open. Virginia Lakes Road is open. All tthree lakes are ice-covered with Little Virginia showing signs of thawing. Virginia Lakes Resort is closed.

BRIDGEPORT — Upper and Lower Twin Lakes in full operation along with area campgrounds. CDFW stockers along with a bonus plant of Alpers rainbows for Lower Twin Lake on the schedule. Campgrounds on Robinson and Buckeye creeks are open.

Bridgeport Reservoir is on the low side but holding at a good fishable level. The boat ramp at the county campground is on the marginal side. Depending on the lake level by opener, best bet would be using only smaller craft. The ramp at Bridgeport Reservoir Marina in full operation. The reservoir will have a plant of CDFW stockers and Alpers rainbows.

West Walker River in Northern Mono County is showing signs of an early runoff with the warmer temperatures. Water level is on the rise and off -olor, however, the location is on the CDFW stocking schedule prior to opening day. There’s an outside chance State Route 108 (Sonora Pass) will be open. State Route 89 (Monitor Pass) will be open.

* * *

Of course, there are derbies and events planned throughout the Sierra that were detailed in a special April 12 supplement of Western Outdoor News and again in last week’s edition. For those coming up a few days early, pre-fishing at year-round waters is an option for early opener anglers in the Southern Sierra creeks, Diaz Lake, the lower and upper lower Owens River, Pleasant Valley Reservoir, Hot Creek and the East Walker.

TROUT OPENER: Show Berkley your stringer and win!

TOM’S PLACE — Show the Berkley folks your trout and Berkley bait and have the opportunity to win cash and prizes at the Eastern Sierra Trout Opener.

Berkley personnel will be handing out $5,000 plus in cash and prizes including one lucky angler will win a $500 gift card. Berkley teams will be walking the shoreline at the following lakes: June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake, Convict Lake, Lake Crowley, and South Lake, and Intake II. Look for the Berkley Team.

“Show Us Your Stringer,” said Berkley’s Bob Hoose, “and you will be asked to pick a card to win prizes. Furthermore, our guys will be helping anglers catch more fish with sampling of their new Berkley PowerBait Mice Tails and new Berkley Gulp! floating 2-inch Fat Trout Worm.”

The Berkley promotion will take place from early morning until late
afternoon Saturday, April 28. Said Marlon Meade, Berkley pro staff angler, "I am recommending anglers to use Vanish 2-pound fluorocarbon leaders with Berkley PowerBait Mice Tails in natural and red, or the new 2-inch fat floating Gulp! Trout Worms for the opener."

For anglers wanting to troll a plug, Marlon's favorite Eastern Sierra bait is the Berkley Flicker Shad 4cm in chrome clown color.

Posted By Sally On 04/24/2013 At 11:35 AM Comments (0) TrackBacks (0)

Tuesday, April 09, 2013

Banner year for Eastern Sierra trout anglers

Going into the 2013 season, all signs point to another banner year for Eastern Sierra trout anglers with more on the upside than the downside.

On the upside, conditions should be ideal going into the summer months. Unlike many past years, early season anglers won't be battling soggy conditions and lingering snow and ice.

This winter began with near record early snowfall in December — and that was it. January, February and March saw a major reversal ending up in the record book as the driest recorded for that period. Going into April the snowpack averaged around 50 percent of normal and was declining.

Early access will be the norm for many locations that are often times "frozen in" until early to mid June. High-elevation passes, Tioga, Sonora and Monitor are projected to be open by Memorial Day if not earlier. Going into April it was hard to locate any lake at 8,000-feet and lower that was holding any ice.

The majority of Forest Service campgrounds will be open and dry. The first week in April saw the docks in the water at Crowley Lake Fish Camp.

Western Outdoor News Coverage: As always, weekly coverage of the Sierra by WON will continue after the huge blowout coverage by several staffers opening day weekend.

On the downside, there will be a short early season ice fishing scenario with conditions questionable at the high-elevation waters. Lake levels are predicted to hold at good levels, similar to last year, until late summer, with a marked decline late in the summer.

There will be no shortage of trout. Early season, because of the warmer water temperatures, will see active feeding.

I took an evening drive by Grant Lake from my home in Lee Vining last week. The shoreline along the road was alive with fish feeding on an onset hatch. It looked like July instead of March.

Information from the Department of Fish and Wildlife is all accessible waters will be stocked before the opener. Projections are numbers will be equal to or a little higher than last year.

Inland Aquaculture's Alpers trout operation is in high gear after experiencing ideal winter trout growing conditions. Look for the heavyweights being stocked funded by Mono County's and The Town of Mammoth Lakes Fishing Enhancement Programs along plants destined for Inyo County waters adjacent to county campgrounds.

In addition, privately funded Alpers rainbow are earmarked for several lakes in Mono County and some waters in the high country above Bishop.

Crowley Lake anglers will again be required to have their boats certified Quagga Mussel free. Pre-opening day inspections will be in operation at the Von's grocery parking lot a short distance north of Bishop and at the Crowley Lake Fish Camp.

Posted By Sally On 04/09/2013 At 10:11 AM Comments (0) TrackBacks (0)

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Sierra opener looking good

One month before the traditional Eastern Sierra Trout opener April 27, conditions look outstanding, that is if Mother Nature doesn't harbor a grudge to manifest the last week in April.

Mid-March saw Crowley, Convict Grant, Upper and Lower Twin Lakes Bridgeport along with Bridgeport Reservoir ice-free. Other popular waters below the 8,000-foot elevation were on a "fast track" thaw.

Any remaining snow was confined to a few shady locations. The afternoon temperature range was warm enough to bring on an early spring insect hatch — and the trout population. Because of the dry conditions, many of the Forest Service and county campgrounds could be in operation, this being written March 21. And landing operators are taking advantage of warm spring conditions, gearing up for the season earlier than normal.

Here’s more news as we approach the opener:

— Unless we see a major change in what has been a persistent no major storm pattern, access to higher elevation lakes, Sabrina, South, Virginia and Lundy won't be an issue. There's a good chance the Tioga Pass Road (State Route 120 west) will be open before the opener to the Yosemite National Park boundary, allowing access to Tioga and Ellery Lakes.

— An opening date for the road leading to the Mammoth Lakes Basin, Lakes Mary, Mamie and George hasn't been determined, however, the road will be clear to Twin Lakes. The road leading to Saddlebag Lake will be closed.

— Because of the warm temperatures, Ice fishing conditions should be similar to last season, a mixture of stable conditions along with "iffy" thin ice spots. If the surface color is on the blue side, stay away. There were a few anglers that experienced the cold water early last season but were on the lucky side.

— It's a “go” on all accessible locations is the word from our Department of Fish and Wildlife. Barring any last-minute problems, that equates to right around 45,000 pounds of pre-season stockers destined for Inyo and Mono County waters. And judging by the number of holdover fish seen surface feeding the past week, there shouldn't be any shortage.

— For the first time, Mono County anglers will have an opening day shot at Alpers rainbows.Thanks to funding from the Eastern Sierra Fishing Coalition, fish running in the 2- to 4-pound range and better will be stocked in several lakes. This will be around a month earlier than the Mono County and Town of Mammoth Lakes programs which swing into high gear around Memorial Day.

"We'll be stocking trout funded by the Eastern Sierra Fishing Coalition the week before the opener," said Raven Angeles, Inland Aquaculture Manager. Crowley, Silver, Gull, Convict, Upper and Lower Twin Lakes Bridgeport and Bridgeport Reservoir are on the schedule. Depending on runoff conditions the West Walker River could be stocked, if not before the opener, a little later. Lakes Mamie, Mary and Saddlebag will be stocked as soon as the ice is out.

— In addition, Raven said June Lake will see a privately funded load of Alpers rainbows the week before the opener funded by June Lake Marina.

— At the lower elevation, Inyo County will be funding Alpers plants at Diaz Lake along with Tinnemeha, Taboose and Independence creeks shortly before opening weekend. Look for the heavyweights at locations near county campgrounds.

— More opening day Alpers fish are on the menu for the Bishop Creek drainage and Intake 2. Funding is coming from the Bishop Chamber of Commerce privately funded "feed our fish campaign.

— By way of footnote, a big question is will any trophy class wild brown trout make an early season showing. Two years back we saw three catches in the 15- to 16-pound range hit the scales the first two weeks. Last season it was late fall when a pair of heavyweights came in. The 2010 early season saw many waters iced up and just beginning to thaw before the opener. Last year, just about all the "big brown" waters were ice-free well before a month prior to opening day.

The pattern seems to be that the browns make an early season showing shortly and are satisfying their appetite after a lean winter because of ice conditions.Those years when there's an early thaw, they load up on food before the opener and play hard to get. Last year it was close to closing day when a pair of heavyweights close to the 20-pound mark made a showing. The theory is they become a bit more aggressive in the fall because of increased pres-pawn hormone levels.

WON readers can look forward to updated conditions around two weeks before opening day.

* * *

Martin Strelneck is the longtime WON Field Reporter for the Eastern Sierra, a retired three-term Mono County Sheriff, and lives in Lee Vining, CA.

Posted By Sally On 03/26/2013 At 9:25 AM Comments (0) TrackBacks (0)

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Dry spell, great fishing

Going into February, it’s been a rare “no storm” winter for the high country. After a 58-day dry spell, the first measurable snowfall blanketed the area Jan.21, then back to dry conditions.

Weather has been a double-edged sword. The country needs the moisture and the ski industry has taken a hit, but on the other hand conditions have been great for anglers focusing on the year round High Country waters.

Wind has been minimal and daytime temperatures have been hitting the mid 60s for Owens Valley locations with the low 50s for higher elevations. Long-range forecasts call for the conditions to continue — an ideal time for taking a break from the “freeway” trout-fishing scene.

On the year round trout scene, there’s more than 35-miles of Owens River from north of Bishop to south of Big Pine. Farther south it’s a little early, but bass are beginning to wake up in the rewatered Owens River from Big Pine to south of Lone Pine. Pleasant Valley Reservoir, a short distance north of Bishop, is a favored location for the float tubing clan or just soaking bait from shore on a warm sunny day.

Word from the Hot Creek hatchery is Owens Valley stocking will continue through the late winter and spring months. The schedule alternates between the river and reservoir—one week the river, next the reservoir. Look for rainbows running ¾-pound and better. The only hang up would be weather conditions limiting access.

Inland Aquaculture heavyweight Alpers rainbows, funded by Inyo County, will be back on the menu beginning around Feb. 6, Pleasant Valley Reservoir will be the target. The Owens River is on line for an Alpers stocking around Feb. 20 with the schedule alternating between locations into the spring months.

Not all Owens River and Pleasant Valley Reservoir trout are “truck trout.” Both locations support a thriving population of wild brown trout. With the colder winter water temperatures, the browns are a bit on the tempremental side, but they are making an occasional showing taking a liking to a properly presented nightcrawler.

For the fly angler, the special regulation stretches of the Owens River below Pleasant Valley Reservoir presents a year-round challenge. Existing conditions, water flows and warm temperatures continue to spice up the catching. Local guides cite a catching window from late morning until early afternoon.

For those into a little cardiovascular workout, the Owens River Gorge, upstream from Pleasant Valley Reservoir is “loaded” with wild browns and rainbows. For this small water, it’s a scenario of quantity, not size, with most of the catches in the 10- to 12-inch range. Access location is the powerhouse turnoff located on Hwy. 395 at the base of Sherwin Grade.

If you’re looking for change of pace, consider a guided Owens River float trip. Local guides work the river, offering access to more secluded locations, which are consistently productive.

If you’re into a little colder temperatures, it’s been many a year since vehicle access to Mono County’s Upper Owens River, Hot Creek and East Walker River has been high and dry. Reports have been positive at all locations with the bite turning on late morning after the surface water warms following chilly mornings. These are special regulation waters, catch and release, barbless hook lure or fly.

Down the road: March 17 marks the 45th annual Bishop area Blake Jones Derby which draws 1,000 anglers, the biggest single event of the year. DFG Inland Aquaculture will be stocking rainbows by the tonnage shortly before the event. Several thousand dollars in merchandise and cash will be up for grabs for winning catches. It’s a blind bogey format, so you need not be good, just lucky. It’s fun and loaded with prizes, thus, the big crowd. Two weekends before that (first Saturday in March each year) is the Southern Sierra’ Early Trout Opener and Diaz Lake derby.

For reliable information contact; Culver’s Sporting Goods, (760) 872-8361, Mac’s Sporting Goods, (760) 872-9201, Eastern Sierra Guide Service, (760) 937-2310, www.esguidejaeger@hotmail.com, Brock’s Fly Fishing Specialist, (760) 872-3581, www.brocksflyfish.com; Sierra Trout Magnet Fly Shop, (760) 873-0010, www.sierratroutmagnet.com.

For drift boat information contact; Eastern Sierra Guide Service (760) 937-2310, www. esguidejaeger@hotmail.com; Sierra Drifters (760) 935-4250, www.sierradrifters.com; Brock’s Flyfishing Specialists (760) 932-7362, www.brocksflyfish.com; The Troutfitter (760) 924-3676, www.thetroutfitter.com; Sierra Magnet Fly Shop (760) 873-0010, www.sierratroutmagnet.com.

For updated weather information; www.mammothweather.com, National Weather Service, www.wrh.noaa.gov/rev.

Posted By Sally On 01/31/2012 At 9:53 AM Comments (0) TrackBacks (0)

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Catch up

As many of us know, when you hit the 75-year mark, you qualify for all the benefits of the “Golden Years”-- good or bad. The past month I became intimately aware with one of the less desirable benefits in the form of open-heart surgery.

Thanks to today’s medical achievements, skilled doctors and a devoted (sometimes rather dominant) wife all is well. Now it’s time for a little catch-up on the Eastern Sierra scene.

Late fall conditions for year round anglers have been a complete reversal compared to last year. At this point in time, frigid temperatures and deep snow made access to high elevation year-round waters (Upper Owens River, Hot Creek and East Walker River) limited to skis, snowshoes or snowmobile. This year finds all the side roads snow free, high and dry making for easy vehicle access for just about any off the paved road favored location.

Based on long-range weather predictions, all indications are we aren’t going to see the first major storm of the season until after the first of the year. Downside is still frigid. Bridgeport and Crowley Lake area. Morning temperatures have been hitting the sub-zero mark. Spin-off is the trout population is locked into a short feeding cycle — late morning to early afternoon when the surface warms a few degrees.

Over the past few years, I’ve been the sounding board for complaints aimed at DFG’S hatchery stocking operations. Not so this year. The majority of my weekly e-mail fishing reports from locations from Bridgeport to Bishop consistently praised “stocker” operations. Major improvement in frequency, numbers and size topped the kudos. At this point DFG indicates next season will be a carbon copy of this year’s operation.

“So far we’ve stocked right around 850,000 pounds of catchables in Eastern Sierra waters,” said DFG Senior Hatchery Supervisor Gary Williams. We’re looking at a season total of 900,000 pounds. Right now we’re planting the Lower Owens and Pleasant Valley Reservoir. The heavyweight brood stock from Hot Creek Hatchery are scheduled for Owens Valley waters shortly after the first of the year.”

There was a noticeable absence of wall hanging brown trout making a showing this season. I can’t remember any hitting the teen poundage range. My recollection is the heaviest catch for the season was a 13-pound plus rainbow taken from the Lower Owens River late spring near Bishop-probably an Alpers plant that’s been dining on stockers for a couple of years.

If you’re looking for some “chilly” opening day action, check out Northern Mono County’s’ Topaz Lake. Catching at the popular winter water kicks off New Year's day. Conditions are ideal with a near-capacity water level holding all summer. The lake has been primed with California and Nevada rainbows and cutt bows. My prediction? There will be a good showing of holdover rainbows that have been increasing in size following steady habitat improvement since the 1999 flood.

A fringe benefit for Topaz angler is the annual derby hosted by Topaz Lodge and Casino. Cash and merchandise prizes will be awarded for any catch 2 pounds or better with the heaviest catch of the week good for $100. The derby runs until April.

Posted By Sally On 12/20/2011 At 10:57 AM Comments (0) TrackBacks (0)

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