Backpacking, Hiking, and Fishing in the Sierras

Hilton Lakes

2009-08-14T11:18:00.000-07:00

It has been too long since I posted any info, but I have some information on a great weekend backpacking adventure.

I spent 2 nights in the back-country very recently and it was an amazing trip. The location is Hilton Creek Lakes and the trailhead is located on the road to Rock Creek Lake. From Hwy 395, between Mammoth and Bishop, there is a well known sign that says Tom's Place. The road to Rock Creek Lake is at that turn off and is well marked so it should not be difficult to find.

The hike into these pristine alpine lakes is a 4 on the difficulty scale ( 1 being easy to 10 being very difficult ). That being said, you must be well prepared and have plenty of water and food. You can dayhike into theses lakes or backpack and stay a while. The trail is about 3-4 miles one way depending on what lake you decide to hike to.

Once there, you will have several lakes to choose from for your fishing or viewing pleasure. Most of the lakes in this valley are above 10,000 feet ( no fires! ) and 2 others are just below that elevation where camp fires are permitted. Bring your fishing pole, a camera, or just a book. Either way, you will be very happy you did this trip.

Fishing and Hiking Report!!

2009-05-21T10:30:00.000-07:00

I spent 4 days in the Sierras and it was picture perfect weather and great fishing!

Staying in the June Lake Loop area, I was able to fish the surrounding lakes, creeks and rivers.

Walker Lake --> located along the June Lake Loop between Grant Lake and Hwy 395, Walker Lake has always been a favorite of mine. An easy to drive dirt road leads you up towards Bloody Canyon. At the end of the road is a well established parking area and pit toilet where you can gear up for the hike and fishing experience. Once you're lakeside, find any spot along that south shore trail and get you line wet. I caught 3 beautiful fish while visiting this lake and all were caught on Power Bait. A couple of 1 pound rainbows and a 2-3 pound brook trout!! My father hooked up a 5-6 pound brown trout before snapping the line while trying to land the monster fish. It was amazing, for sure. Be prepared for a steep hike back to the car!! Bring lots of water!!

Rush Creek --> just before Rush Creek flows into Grant Lake has always been good fishing for me. Grant Lake is much lower than I have ever seen it, but it is also a controlled level, so there may be good reasons for it. Nevertheless, I put a Panther Martin in the water and walked the creek. I had a few strikes, but didn't land any fish. My dad did pull in a nice rainbow while he was there. Great scenery and the challenge of finding those elusive trout made for a great experience.

Owens River --> this amazing river starts above Crowley Lake from several mountain creeks coming together to form a large water flow. Any portion of the Owens River above Crowley Lake is considered the upper Owens. I have never fished the upper portion of this amazing river until this last trip. Beautiful landscapes come to life along this section of river in the Long Valley. Access would be via Benton Crossing Rd. off the 395 hwy between Crowley and Mammoth Lakes. I caught several small trout on Panther Martins and saw even bigger fish jumping. What a great fishing experience!! This portion of the Owens River requires you to use barbless hooks and you have 2 fish limit. Check and read all fishing regulations!!

It was an amazing trip and I will be posting some images from the trip very soon.

Check out all the links I have provided for accomodations in this area!!

Sierra Trip Planned

2009-05-14T10:58:00.000-07:00

I will be posting next week after my Sierra trip to update the current conditions and posting some images as well.

Fishing the June Lake Loop

2009-04-30T10:38:00.000-07:00

I will be traveling to the Sierras in May to test the fishing and provide first-hand information on early season conditions.

June Lake Loop:

In my opinion, this cluster of 4 beautiful lakes is ideal for a relaxing family getaway. North of Mammoth Lakes on Hwy 395 is the junction to the June Lake Loop ( Hwy 158 ). On Hwy 158 you will pass some of the most beautiful lakes in the Eastern Sierra. First is June Lake and the town of June Lake, Ca. Here you can grab a bite to eat, stock up on bait and tackle, and camp at 2 different campgrounds along the lake. Just beyond town lies the small and quiet Gull Lake. There are also 2 campgrounds located right off the highway next to Gull. Further down the winding road takes you to June Mountain Ski Resort, Reverse Creek, the Double Eagle Resort, and eventually Silver Lake. Silver Lake is a beautiful with it's aspen trees and glassy waters. There is a campground and RV park at Silver Lake, but if you want to stay in a rustic cabin, check out Silver Lake Resort. As you continue down Hwy 158, you will be driving alongside Rush Creek as it flows to Grant Lake and eventually Mono Lake to the north where you will find Hwy 395 once again.

June Lake: Fish alongside the south shore with access from the highway. Trout love the Power Bait and I recommend something bright in color. If you have a boat or want to rent one, the majority of the boaters fish the south east side of the lake and troll along the shores and deeper water.
Gull Lake: Fisherman's trail runs alongside the west side of this gem. Access to the trail is right off the highway next to the campground. All along this small and easy to hike trail are great fishing spots. I've had a lot of fun and success fishing these waters. It is a deep drop-off, so when it warms up in the summer and mid-day, the fish tend to stay near the bottom. Early morning and in the evening is when you can attempt to fish closer to the surface.
Silver Lake: This is my favorite of the 4 lakes. Early in the morning along the north side of the lake is best. There is a small creek that feeds the lake on this end with easy shoreline access and parking available. Set up close to the inlet and start fishing. You don't have to cast very far to get in the channel where these trout love to swim back and forth. You won't be disappointed!!
Grant Lake and Rush Creek: Rush Creek is a picturesque area with ample fishing locations all along it's banks. It is stocked by the DFG just like the rest of the lakes in the area, so there are always trout being pulled out of this creek. Rush Creek flows into the largest of the 4 lakes, Grant Lake. It's a big lake that offers not only fishing, but water skiing too. I like to fish the shallow waters near the Rush Creek inlet to the lake. Lots of dirt roads provide access to the shoreline, but be careful if you don't have 4 wheel drive.

www.silverlakeresort.net Silver Lake ( Stay Here!! )
www.ferncreeklodge.com June Lake
www.doubleeagle.com

Trout Season Opens on April 25th!!

2009-04-20T13:47:00.000-07:00

Trout season in the Sierras will open very soon.

I wanted to list some excellent fishing locations that will be easily accessible to any and all fresh water fishermen.

First, lets start with how to get to the Eastern Sierra Nevada in California. The Scenic By-Way of the Eastern Sierra is Highway 395. This highway runs north to south from Canada to Interstate 15 in the Mojave Desert of Southern California. From Southern California, you can access highway 395 from highway 14 or Interstate 15 and going north until you reach the 395. Once on the 395, you travel north to gain access to the Eastern Sierras, but don't forget to look around so you don't miss any of ther great views and photo opportunities along the way.

The trout season opens on the last Saturday of April. April 25th will be another start to an amazing fishing experience to all trout anglers who visit the Sierras.

Crowley Lake --> A popular destination for anglers on opening weekend, Crowley offers anglers boating and shore fishing opportunities. Although it may be crowded, it is easily accessible right off the 395 about a half an hour north of Bishop, Ca. Large trout have been caught every year on this beautiful lake and you won't be dissappointed. Bait - try using Power Bait ( brightly colored ) or medium to small spinners for crank bait fishermen ( I recommmend Panther Martin's).

Convict Lake --> Located just past Crowley Lake off of highway 395 and tucked away among towering granite peaks is the medium sized gem, Convict Lake. Again, this is a popular location on opening weekend, but with great rewards. Hungry and large trout patrol these waters just looking for something new to eat after the ice melts. This is a must fish lake any time of the year while trout season is open. I have had great success on this lake with Power Bait and the use of spinners along the south shore. Convict also has camping and resort accomodations available with a small general store for all suppplies.

www.panthermartin.com
www.berkley-fishing.com

Come back soon as I will be talking about other great fishing, hiking, and backpacking opportunities in the amazing Sierra Nevada Mountains . . .