Don’t forget we’ve gone to our Fall hours:

FALL HOURS:

Not sure if it was the two stockings last week or the catching part of fishing is picking up, but lots of fish being caught and not many were skunked this week. Catching has picked up, but it’s not on fire yet. NightCrawlers, Gulp Garlic Pinched Worms, PowerBait, Thomas Buoyants and some ‘little marshmallow thingys) were working back at the Inlets and in the corner by the spillway.

Moe Morales of the U.S. Army was the one using the ‘little marshmallow thingies’ that caught a nice 1-3/4 pounder – just enough for dinner.

The Lake went down now the Lake’s coming back up – might be due to SCE shutting down the outflow or the the three-quarters of an inch of rain we got last week along with some pretty good ThunderBoomers.

KEEPING THESE ITEMS FROM LAST WEEK

It’s a pet peeve of mine that if you catch a big fish or a limit just to have your picture taken for the webpage and then try and give your fish away – we won’t post your picture, but then again we may post it as ‘WASTER OF A PERFECTLY GOOD FISH TO EAT’! Crimp down your barbs, take a picture on the boat and release it for another day.

So Fall colors, what to say – there are a few Aspen that are starting to turn and some groves are looking a tad bit lighter and NO WE DON’T KNOW WHEN PEAK WILL BE!

Skeeters are still an issue, just not as big of one as it was, but when using the bug juice, try not to get it on your hands – you’ll transfer it to your bait and the fish just don’t like bug juice or sunscreen or lotion or cologne or perfume. Wash your hands in the stream or Lake to get it off, and then use some fish attractant on your hands. If you’re coming to the Lake, don’t forget sunscreen and dark glasses –the snow and sun makes it pretty bright against the blue sky. DON’T FORGET THAT JACKET.

Fishing etiquette is once again becoming a bit of a problem at the Lake and we don’t like problems. If you come upon someone fishing, please don’t fish right next to them – take a bit of hike farther down and don’t cast over into their spot. Same at the Inlet, there are so many areas to fish on this Lake go find another ‘soon to be’ favorite spot.

Hikers:

IT’S HIKING SEASON – BE SAFE AND HAVE FUN!!!

Inyo County Sheriff’s Office with a Search and Rescue Update:

Inyo Search and Rescue Update

INYO COUNTY, CA. August 29 – Inyo County Search and Rescue and the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office want to remind our recreating public that backcountry experiences inherently come with risks, and that proper planning and good judgement can reduce the number of call-outs for rescue personnel.

From June 2019 through the release date of this press update, there have been over 80 search and rescue incidents and an additional five deaths. This has put extreme strain on our all-volunteer team and other resources. Each year SAR experiences an increase in seasonal rescues and recoveries – this year is no exception. The Inyo SAR team has compiled a list of precautions for the recreating public:

• Do not hike alone or split up from your group
• Always share your itinerary with someone responsible – make sure they know where you and your group will be and what time you will return
• Be prepared for potential medical emergencies by being equipped with basic first aid gear
• Check local weather often and be prepared for sudden hazardous changes
• Know how to use your gear ahead of time; including: crampons, ice ax, ropes, etc.
• DO NOT USE SEARCH AND RESCUE AS YOUR BACKUP PLAN – Search and rescue is for emergencies only
• Safety is YOUR responsibility

Lastly, helicopters are dangerous, especially in the mountains. Use of helicopters increases risk for all involved, and damages the wilderness experience for other backcountry users. Do not assume a helicopter will be able to assist you. Weather conditions such as heat and wind can limit the ability to fly. Furthermore, other missions might take priority over yours. The bottom line – recreate responsibly

Sounds pretty much like what we’ve been saying!

If you’re planning on hiking – PLEASE BE PREPARED – hike with a buddy – leave a note on where you’re headed – when you’re expected back – what you’re wearing – take plenty of water & food – dress in layers – you’ll start out cool, but will probably warm up – CHECK THE WEATHER! Not only is your life on the line, so are the Search and Rescue Teams. Also, if you meet stock on the trail, please go to the low-side, that way if the mules are startled they’ll go to the high side and not down the canyon.

The ThunderBoomers have left, but we now have pretty strong breezes and a wind event Monday night. Here is the forecast for the week from www.weather.gov (enter Aspendell, CA in the search and scroll down to see the temps).