Much of the week was again dominated by periodic Thunderstorms, mostly in the afternoon, but the rain, which was heavy at times is welcome precipitation given the drought. Temperatures were more in line with seasonal averages with daytime highs in the 60’s early in the week. The weekend however brought some warming to the high country as temps soared into the mid 70’s during the day on Saturday and Sunday, much like what we’re used to seeing in mid July.

No doubt the forests will appreciate the much-needed water, especially the wildflowers which are now starting to show along the creeks and meadows. So far we’ve seen four species of wildflowers including Shooting Stars, Paintbrush and Iris.

With the warmer weather the mosquitos have finally made an appearance. Most of the skeeters are concentrated around the creeks or ponds but we’ve seen a few buzzing around our store in the evenings as well. The backcountry folks reported a lot of mosquitos above the 9500 elevation, far more than what we’re seeing in the 8000 – 9000 ft range. We’re not expecting a long mosquito season this year due to the drought, but they’ll certainly be around for a few weeks so be prepared. Never hit the trial without some kind of repellant, the most effective being DEET, as a cloud of mosquitos will ruin what would otherwise be an enjoyable hike or fishing excursion.

PCT & JMT thru-hikers are now showing up in numbers as the pass is becoming more easily passable with each day. Only Bishop Lake is reported to still have ice on it with the rest of the basin lakes being ice free. The parking up at the Bishop Pass trail, both overnight and day-use, was full to the brim Sunday morning as day-hikers, backcountry anglers, and backpackers were enjoying the wilderness.

Bishop Creek So. Fork
Creek fishing has been pretty good overall with most folks scratching out at least a few fish, if not a limit. Rainbows to 14” and smaller model Browns were the most common catches. Nightcrawlers and salmon eggs were the best baits with spinners, spoons and mini-jigs doing best for those who prefer lures. Fly anglers had a great week this week - use size 16 or 18 elk hair caddis or mosquito patterns, size 12 black ants, or olive wooly buggers for a mix of Rainbows, Browns and Brookies.

Weir Pond
Exceptional fishing this week, fly or spin. It’s all personal preference for fly fishers right now as folks connected on dries, nymphs and streamers alike, including a few larger Rainbows to 18”. Spin fisherman are doing best on jigs, trout worms or small spinners.

North Lake
Not as many reports as we’d expect from North Lake this week but those reports that did come in reported a decent bite, mostly for the bait dunkers. Chunky Cheese, Chartreuse, or Salmon Peach powerbait were the preferred doughs.

Intake II
Decent fishing for both the bait and lure folks this week, mostly catching Rainbows to 13”. The early bird has been getting the fish as getting the primo shoreline makes a big difference – the dam, pumphouse and pipe being some of the better spots.

Lake Sabrina
Lots of good reports from Lake Sabrina this week, mostly for the bait fishers and primarily from those fishing from a boat or float tube. Chartreuse or Orange Powerbait were the most common colors used by successful anglers. No trolling reports came in this week but with summer here and the peak season crowds coming in shortly, we should get more info on the trolling bite soon. For a more detailed report, visit our friends at Lake Sabrina Boat Landing by clicking here.

South Lake
South Lake continues to come up but not even close to the point where stocking is possible. However, a few of the more hearty visitors have been hiking back to the main inlet, which is really roaring right now with the warmer weather and heavy afternoon rain, and they’re doing surprisingly well manager a few very healthy Brookies in the 12” range to go along with an occasional Rainbow. No big Browns but its only a matter of time.

Fishing

The fish are biting all over the place in the backcountry with the best reports coming from Marie Louise Lakes, Long Lake and Treasure Lakes.

Out & About
The Sacramento Perch bite really picked up this week at Crowley Lake. Most of the Parchers Resort staff played hooky last Thursday for our first perch mission of the season and we managed 25 perch to just over 2lbs using Sierra Slammer 2” mini-swimbaits in rootbeer gold flake or motoroil red flake, and Berkley 2” powergrubs in pumpkinseed, both fished on 1/16oz ballhead jig. The fish were holding in 10-12ft of water on weed edges near sometimes island and Leighton Springs.

Sierrally,
Jared Smith & the Parchers Resort Crew