Southern Sierras

JUNE LAKE LOOP RAINBOWS & BROWNS
by Cal Kellogg
The trout season in the eastern Sierra Nevada opened on April 28 and most waters fished very well. Some anglers went with lures, other stuck with flies and bait, but just about everyone caught fish and at many locations limits were the rule.
(Bridgeport) According to Jim Ried at Kens Sporting Goods, Bridgeport Reservoir offered excellent fishing from tubes and
boats. The shore fishing was a bit tough, probably due to the lake being so full. Surface temps are in the high 50's and the fish are pretty happy. Trolling seemed to be the best bet, Rapalas, Thomas Bouyants, Needlefish and blades with crawlers all produced lots of fish.
Bait anglers who were out in boats also faired well with crawlers and PowerBait. The rainbow to brown ratio was about 60/40. Most of the fish being caught were in the 2 to 4 pound range with a few around 5lbs.
Twin Lakes was very good with most anglers we talked to were reporting lots of fish up to around 2 pounds. We also had one angler bring in an 8lb 10oz rainbow from Lower Twin, that's the biggest fish we've heard of so far. Boat anglers were doing great trolling with blades/crawlers, Rapalas and Thomas Bouyants. Shore anglers did well casting lures, crawlers and PowerBait, said Reid.
Virginia Lakes were excellent over the weekend. Some guys reported catching and releasing up to 70 trout. The ice was in good shape for the opener, but its not going to last much longer. If you go be careful. PowerBait and worms were the best baits.
(June Lake) Trout fishing on the June Lake Loop has been good overall with solid numbers of fish coming out of most lakes, according to the staff at Ernies Sporting Goods.
Limit-style fishing has been the norm at June, Grant, Gull and Silver Lakes. PowerBait has been the top offering, but worms, small spoons and small plugs are working too. It is interesting to note that some of the largest fish of the week were caught on spoons.
For brown trout, Grant Lake has provided the most consistent action, while the largest fish, including a 5 pound rainbow came out of Gull Lake.
(Bishop) The Trout Fly reported that flows have been moved up to 280 cfs on the Lower Owens. The water is still low enough for wading and the fishing is rated as good. Small nymphs draw a lot of attention from small to average size fish. For a shot at something bigger try working streamers.
Both the Upper Owens and the Owens River Gorge offer excellent fishing with their regulated flows. Early in the day the most successful anglers are tossing nymphs, but as the day goes on dry fly action gets going.
At Pleasant Valley Reservoir planted trout were hitting PowerBait, Pautzke Fire Bait and inflated worms over the weekend.
Sponsors
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Area Fishing Maps
Blass Lake
Beardsley Lake
Pinecrest Lake
Pine Flat Lake
Twin Lakes

Great Places to Fish
Most of the fishing in this area is accessed from the east side of the Sierras. In the Bishop area you might want to check out Lake Sabrina. Although regularly stocked, there are some old lunkers to be had. The area receives pressure from the southern Californians so you will find many of the rivers and streams are stocked frequently. For the adventurous, the area offers wilderness areas full of lakes and streams. Sorry you have to walk in. In the Bridgeport area the East Walker River offers brown trout to 10 lbs. for fly and spin fishermen. Upper Twin Lake has kokanee and some large trout. Other places to look into are Crowley Lake, Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, Convict Lake and Rock Creek Lake. All offer a variety of vacation and fishing options.