“Shoot and Scoot” 

That’s a term my brother Dave and I use and was in “Saving Private Ryan” when they were taking out that machine gun nest up on the bluff above the beach. We like to cast and move to cover more water and to find the fish. You gotta find them, cuz they ain’t gonna find you. The idea is to move up or downstream in whichever direction you’re fishing that day after almost every cast when fly or lure fishing. If the water is wide enough try more than one cast hitting different “lanes” or a bend big enough for multiple casts while working through it. Occasionally I’ll see an angler at one spot for an hour or more catching nothing and I think this isn’t Highway 395 with fish buzzing up and down all day. 

​

“Lob that lure” 

Unless I’m casting straight and low to keep under overhanging trees and bushes I’m mostly flicking that lure backhand or forehand with a slight lob. That gives me a split second to stop it short of the other side by cranking the bail shut. 

​

“First Cast Jinx” 

Fact or Fiction? Maybe if you believe in voodoo. But, every now and then it creeps up and gets ya. Recently I was fishing the Lower Owens Wild Trout Section one morning when on the very first cast hooked and landed an 8” Brownie. That was it the rest of the day. Dang it! Be wary if you do get one that first cast and think to yourself, Oh Boy, this is going to be easy. Don’t want to poo poo that voodoo!

​

Don’t be a “rude, crude, dude". (or dudette)

Give other anglers a wide berth respecting their sovereignty. You can always come back to that spot later if it looks like a good one. Few things get my dander up as much as when someone comes plodding along the bank on either side near me. Makes me wonder…..does this fool just plain not know what they’re doing? Which puts them in the stupid category. Or…..do they know what they’re doing and do it regardless. That lands them in the (excuse my French) A-hole category. 

​

“Stop and Drop” 

This is one of the good ones I use lure fishing mostly creeks and rivers working best in slower moving water getting great success. If a fish is following your lure but not taking it, stop reeling for a split second. Many times that fish will grab it just as it drops a bit. If that fish doesn’t but is still there eyeballing your lure give it a few cranks and do it again. Still there? Bob the lure up and down a bit. Or, at some time during this process and the creek or riverbed is clean enough (sandy or small gravel with no silt or debris) let that lure drop right to the bottom. I’ve had many fish, some big ones mind you, pick it right up. Craziest thing! Whether you hook one or they just seem to be playing with your lure it sure is a lotta fun to watch.

​

wild trout​

For myself, Wild Trout are those that are born and raised in the waters they inhabit. The last Wild Trout I kept was a Brook out of Gardisky Lake about 20 years ago going strictly catch and release since. I encourage all anglers to do the same in order to help sustain the population for the future. CDFW encourages keeping Brook Trout via the regulations allowing a higher daily limit than other species as they are overpopulated in most areas of the Eastern Sierra especially in the backcountry. The only Trout I do keep are stocked Rainbows caught in the local lakes and only when they’re unlikely to survive. Since I’m not a fan of eating fish (I know, strange but true) they’ll be passed on to local friends that enjoy them but don’t have time to fish.

​

“don't be cruel” 

…..to a fish that’s true. Many locations require barbless flies and lures, catch and release only either year round or switch from standard regs to that at some time during the year typically at the end of the regular fishing season until the beginning of the next. Keeping that Wild Trout catch and release thing in mind I’m going barbless also most of the time and always when fishing lures that have treble hooks. If those treble hooks are barbed it’s pretty much impossible to remove it without harming or even killing a fish that has gobbled up the whole thing. Sure, you might lose a fish or two but if you’re releasing it’s no big deal.

​

"there's hope in every cast"​

I mean, why else would we even try? Before that next cast what might you be thinking?.....”I hope I catch a fish”!! Enough said. 

​

“don't wade” 

At many of the mudsnail positive waters CDFW Fishing Notices posted state “Don’t Wade”. Wading in these locations is generally legal but frowned upon as they are attempting to discourage those anglers from wading a positive water then a negative soon after and transporting invasive mudsnails. Amongst other methods this can be avoided by freezing boots and waders overnight or changing them prior to moving to another water in the same day.

​

are you polarized?​

Not in your demeanor, but your eyewear. I’ve been out with folks that have sunglasses that aren’t polarized and they can’t see a darn thing in the water. Not the bottom, not the debris, not the fish! It’s so much fun to watch a fish come up and grab a fly on the surface or chase a lure and nail it. You want the ability to see into the water to keep that lure off the bottom and to avoid debris. That doesn’t require a high priced pair either. I’ve taken my inexpensive 80 buck glasses out with those costing 2 or 3 times as much to compare and really they’re all about the same. Mine have the bifocal at the lower half so no need to pull out readers to tie a knot.

​

“he's leaning” 

I’m sure you’ve all seen (or not) in the movie “While You Were Sleeping” when Joe Jr. says to Lucy while she’s talking to Jack, “He’s Leaning”. Don’t do that! This can aggravate any back issues you may have or just result in tired back muscles after a day out there. Seems we all lean a bit while fishing maybe without realizing it so try to keep it straight and even lean back a little when you can. I get a twinge of pain just watching someone actually bend over and reach to get what, maybe a foot or two longer cast.

​

lake fishing

The following tantalizing tid-bits apply to boat fishing (although shore fishing would be similar) the “put and take”, easily accessible local lakes. Those would be lakes that they put ‘em in, we take ‘em out. I’m going to use Gull Lake as the example here since we fish it the most during the season keeping in mind the same methods can be employed throughout the Eastern Sierra. There’s a ton of ways to successfully fish these lakes but we’re focusing on bait fishing only as it’s the most consistent and easy to use for young and old, inexperienced to seasoned anglers.

​

basic rig

Bait fishing doesn’t require fancy, expensive gear. A decent rod with a spinning reel that has a smooth working drag will do the trick. In fact, a young girl onboard last year got a nice Rainbow using a Disney “Frozen” kid’s rod/reel combo. This is how I set up my rigs……6lb test monofilament on the reel through a 1/4 oz sliding egg sinker to a barrel swivel which stops the sinker from sliding down to the bait and acts as a transition to the leader. From there 5’ to 6’ of 4 lb fluorocarbon leader to a #14 or #16 treble hook. Many people question that leader length but all things being equal may be the most critical piece of the puzzle. Here in The Loop, Gull and Silver Lakes have a lot of weeds so we want that bait floating above them. June and Grant Lakes not so much so 3’ to 4’ will do. I however, stick with the 5’ to 6’ in those lakes as well. Being a bit long doesn’t hurt, too short is not a good thing. 

​

Bait wise we’re using primarily the popular floating baits Salmon Peach and Garlic Powerbait, Garlic Pinch Crawlers, Mice Tails, and nightcrawlers blown with air to float with sometimes an added marshmallow. A nightcrawler (no marshmallow so the crawler will sink) with a bobber works equally well and at times better especially when fishing near the reeds where there’s submerged weeds that you want to keep that crawler above going with 4’ to 5’ of the 4# fluorocarbon leader.

​

basic approach

So let’s say you’re going to fish along the north shore at Gull Lake. Park that boat close enough that you can cast the crawler/bobber rig in near the reeds and the floating bait rig out to deeper water. Try to be far enough out to avoid anchoring in the heavier weed locations. Typically you’ll get more but smaller trout in by the reeds and a bit fewer but larger casting out to deeper water. You can fish the whole lake like this reeds or not.

​

"don't leave fish to find fish"

What could be more obvious? As long as you’re catching fish why move? Watch out for that notion that creeps in……”Hey, we know there’s fish here so let’s go try some other spots and come back later”. For whatever reason when you do come back it’s Nut’n Honey! 

​

"move it smove it"

Starting out I’ll usually hit my go to spot first and park it. If it doesn’t become the “Don’t Leave” spot and I’m there for about an hour fishing all around the boat without getting bit off I go. Maybe moving just a couple hundred feet, maybe more and continuing to do so until finding fish. Then there’s this scenario……I start getting fish right away then it dies off. So once again, off I go. Same thing the next spot. Some days this can be the case all day long catching a few at every stop and ending up with quite a haul. Just so it’s clear, I’m only keeping fish that I can’t revive and release successfully.

​

"a midsummer day's myth"

Each Summer a notion makes the rounds that it’s a waste of time to fish in the middle of the day. Fooey! We’re out on the water catching all day. Why? Simple. Fish deeper water. The fish haven't split-the-scene totally, just moved to deeper, cooler water.

​

TROUT STOCKINGS

A.K.A. Trout Plants, not fish finwear. Although, I have heard they hang stockings up on the mantle at Christmas.

For the most part the “Put and Take” lakes here are reliant on the stockings by the State, the County, the Marinas, and local organizations and towns therefore the fishing ebbs and flows accordingly. Again using Gull Lake as an example, last year catching was up and down from Opener to July 4th. Some days good, some days not so good. The State put in nothing until the week before Fourth of July when they dropped in 6000 lbs. of “catchable” (about 8”) Rainbows and Mono Co. along with the June Lake Loop Trout Stocking Fund added larger Rainbows from Desert Springs Hatchery in Oregon. The following week Gull Lake Marina brought in a bunch (not sure how many pounds) of 1-1/2 pounders also from Oregon. From then on it was awesome, easily having 20 and even up to 40 fish days. Unfortunately these plants are hard to predict and plan for as they are rarely announced if at all. They do somewhat occur regularly though before holidays and Season Opener. I do try to include them in my fish reports but it’s usually after the fact.

​

“tools in the shed"

When I have a handful of locations in mind for the next day’s fishing I usually decide which one the morning of after checking these sources: 

​

Weather 

During this heavy snow Winter of 2023 there’s only one option and that’s to head down to lower elevation and warmer weather near Bishop so I’ll check that and road conditions before jumping in the truck and driving down. In a milder season Upper Owens may be accessible at times or all Winter becoming another option. From sometime in May into early Fall it’s more about wind and thunderstorms. To check the weather I’m looking at the app on my phone that we all have just to get a general idea. The National Weather Service/NOAA forecasts are much more reliable. What I depend on the most is the Windy App when making that morning before leaving decision. Pinpoint locations (or close enough) can be selected and the accuracy is uncanny as far as predicting when, where, and how much precipitation, wind, etc. will take place. 

As an example; it’s a mid-Summer’s day and in one area thunderstorms are passing through at about 11:00 am and at another 4:00 pm. Guess where I’ll be off to? This is especially important when hiking in about an hour and the same back out to a backcountry spot. 

 

“Quick Map” 

Along with the Caltrans road conditions site I’m consulting their QuickMap which is beyond awesome. On the map there are icons to click on revealing road closures and why, roadside cameras, the lighted highway alerts, and even where snowplows are working. Word to the wise though, check both sites as they do vary a bit at times. 

 

The “Garminator” 

One Christmas my kids gave me a Garmin inReach device saying “You better keep this with you no matter where you go fishing”. So I do! The “Garminator” uses a satellite connection to send a SOS distress signal to Search and Rescue indicating your location while not relying on phone service. There are many

similar devices on the market and I believe some of the latest smartphones have the same capability. 

​

“Go with the Flow” 

LADWP has maps and flow charts of Upper and Lower Owens River including tributaries which can be found by googling Upper (or Lower) Owens River Flows. I take a look at these to see what’s coming through East Portal into Upper and out of Pleasant Valley Reservoir into Lower mostly out of curiosity, but……flow changes in Upper can induce fish to move upstream out of Lake Crowley and when too high, make Lower unsafe to wade or downright unfishable.

​

“fishing moving water"

This group of gems applies to fly and lure fishing our local creeks and rivers. 

​

LIMITATIONS

As Dirty Harry once said……”A man’s got to know his limitations”. So, man or woman, if you’re still working your way through the casting learning curve don’t try to do anything you can’t do. Distance and accuracy will come with time on the water and some practice when not. It’s not necessary to put that fly or lure right on the fish but rather near enough that they can see it. And believe me, fish can see remarkably well through the water. I’ve had them come from 30’ or more to chase what I’m offering. Also, use the current to drift down into their zone.

​

Upstream or downstream

Just about everything you read or hear is going to say always fish upstream since the fish are facing that direction and therefore aren’t looking at you. I’ll fish both ways depending on what I’m chucking. When fly fishing nymphs or terrestrials (hoppers, ants, stoneflies, etc.) heading upstream. With streamers, wet flies, and some dry flies that I fish like wet flies heading downstream. While lure fishing I’m generally working my way upstream casting both directions as the water dictates. Remember though,since the fish are facing you, you’ll need to cast further down than up with those flies or lures. 

And keep this in mind……if you’re wading upstream any silt, leaves, or whatever is flowing back behind you as opposed to down in front where you’re casting.

​

“Dip and strip”

Or “Dip and Reel” with that spin rod. I started using this technique while fly fishing and hooking bigger fish downstream. Now it has become pretty much a habit with big and small fish, up and downstream. For most of us, our natural reaction when hooking a fish is to pull the fly rod up which most times forces that fish to the 

surface where it commences to flop around increasing the chances of losing it. Dip that rod down as far as possible and into the water if you can resulting in a much better fish hooked to caught ratio. Better be ready though, many times a bigger fish will immediately, and quick like, start swimming upstream at you

following the weight of the line and now you’ve got to strip line in fast to avoid slack. There’s been times that I’ve thought the fish got off until I’ve stripped enough to catch up with it and hey, whatta ya know, still on. 

​

"sneaky pete's"

That’s an old, classic, neighborhood bar in Reseda, California. One of those with a waitress named “Boom Boom” and a long, wooden shuffleboard table with the sand on it so the puck slides easily. I think that bar may still be there. Anywho, you want to make like a Sneaky Pete while fishing by wading and casting upstream, hiding behind bushes, trees, rocks or whatever, staying in the shadows, keeping a low profile, etc. And of course, don’t stomp along the bank like Shrek the Ogre spooking the fish on your way. Many times they can hear you before they see you ya big Galoot! 

​

"one and done"

Let’s have this mindset……at each spot we approach while working that creek or river the first cast is the best (and most often only) shot at getting something. Maybe a grab or drawing a fish out of it’s hiding spot. But, Aha! Now we know that dude’s “Happy Spot”. Try a couple more casts in case that fish is aggressive enough or the “dumb one”. Usually the best tactic now is to move on coming back later and kicking in the Sneaky Pete thing to a higher gear.

​

"Up-n-down"

Whilst lure fishing, one way to control the depth of the lure is with the speed of the retrieval. Reeling faster as it comes downstream to you, slower back upstream. However, the best method is by simply moving the rod tip up-n-down. Up to keep off the bottom and over submerged objects, down to stay lower through the deeper, cleaner water.

​

backhand it!

Whilst fly fishing it’s extremely useful to backhand cast to avoid obstacles on your casting hand side and to keep the wind direction in your favor. The motion is basically the same as forehand bringing your casting hand over the opposite shoulder.

Fly fishing the Upper Owens is a perfect example of this as it winds around like a snake. So, you’re fishing a straight run and the wind is coming from opposite your casting side which is pushing the line away from you and your rod. No problemo! After fishing through the next bend you’ve done a 180 and now that same wind is pushing the line into you. Problemo! Backhand it! Problemo solved!

​

"beaver stubs"

Most creeks and rivers here (except Upper Owens where it’s wide open grassland) involve some bushwhacking. When doing so you’ll need to pay attention to what’s going on from rod tip to toe tips and watch out for those pesky “beaver stubs”. That’s what a beaver leaves behind after gnawing off a willow or tule shoot. I think those rascals do that just to mess with us humans. Got a pretty good gash on my upper cheek once after tripping on one hidden in the grass and smacking a branch on the way down. Ouch! Definitely left a mark! As my friend John said afterwards, “I thought fishing is a non-contact sport".

​

“Miscellany"

Here’s some random stuff to wrap this thing up for now, hopefully adding more later as they pop into my noggin.

RODS AND REELS

I go with mid-level priced fly and spin gear that I consider excellent without breaking the bank. Most of my fly rods and reels are Echo brand with Air-Flo fly line that add up to about $450. The rods I prefer are 9’0” 6wt, giving me a bit more distance with less effort and more oomph in the wind with a reel that has a smooth, adjustable drag. The 6wt fly line is in the $100 range and pale in color, not a bright, almost fluorescent orange, yellow, or green that can spook the fish especially on a calm backcountry lake or pond. 

 

For many, the first fly gear they acquire is a lower costing rod, reel, line “combo kit”. Most of the well known name brands are plenty good enough as long as the reel has that reasonably smooth, adjustable drag. I do suggest that before jumping up to the next level gear is to upgrade the fly line. Usually these kits include the maker’s lowest level line in the $50 range which doesn’t lay out smoothly and is too brightly colored so replace it with the $100 line I mentioned. My spin rod and reel setups for lure fishing range from $150 to $200 depending on where purchased. Rod wise, I like a 6’0” length that’s easier when bushwhacking and only needs to cast 100’ at the most. Favorite one for the price is a Fenwick “Eagle”, medium-moderate fast. By far, the best reel I’ve found is the Shimano “Nexave”, 1000. Since I’m chucking that lure several hundred times a day I want a reel that the bail doesn’t misfire (meaning it doesn’t close all the way when cranked shut). I’ve had some reels costing double or triple that misfire enough to get quite annoying. 

​

backcountry fishing

After fishing countless backcountry locations over the years I mostly stick to my two favorites, Mine Creek in Tioga Pass and Upper Rock Creek in Little Lakes Valley. The scenery is ”Beautimystical”!, the hike in fairly easy for about an hour to get where I want to, and most of the people I come across are hiking, not fishing. 

​

This is your classic fly casting, laying that fly out on a lake or pond with some creek fishing in between and stick to it exclusively although spin casting with small lures works well too. For myself, waders are essential here to cross the creeks and fish the opposite side from the hiking trails passing through and many of the best spots require wading into grassy areas filled with 6” to 18” of water. Mine Creek is 100% small, colorful Brook Trout while Rock Creek is mostly Brooks with a few Browns and Rainbows mixed in with a shot at a Golden hiking in further and higher.

​

all year fishing / check out those regs

The general fishing season in the Eastern Sierra is from the last Saturday in April through November 15th. A couple years ago CDFW extended the season in most of the creeks to year round switching to flies and lures only mostly barbless, catch and release between the general season dates. 

​

It can get tricky though, which is why you have got to thoroughly check the Inland Sport Fishing Regulations Booklet (available online, not in print), including the Alphabetical List of Trout Waters with Special Regulations. Some have been extended only in certain locations, others the season is actually shorter like McGee and Convict Creeks (again, only in certain locations) and Rush Creek between Silver and Grant Lakes which are now open only from the Saturday before Memorial Day through September 30th. Unfortunately during most years the creeks now open all year are inaccessible due to snow. 

​

For year round fishing I rely on Upper Owens (when not heavily snowed in like this year) and Lower Owens Wild Trout Section below Pleasant Valley Reservoir at a lower elevation and therefore milder, warmer weather. Both are barbless flies and lures only, catch and release all year.