Upcoming Fishing Outings

Owens River - Apr. 3rd-10th
Fishmasters: John and Elaine Cook - 688-1561

Fishing Opportunities: Fish for trout in tailwater river, several streams and a reservoir. Also bass in ponds (limited and dependent on how warm this spring is). For this year, Hot Creek and the Upper Owens will also be open. A big winter can affect access.
Climate: Sunny and warm to snowy. Strong winds are commonly encountered.
Lodging: Camping at Pleasant Valley Campground, elevation 4000 ft. RV or trailer recommended due to the possibility of extended periods of cold and wind. Camping fee about $12 - $15 per night. Reservations not needed. Motels in Bishop: Cost is $60 per night and up. Reservations are recommended.

General Plan: Fishmasters will stay at campground which is very basic, with picnic tables, fire pits and outhouses. We intend to go to town for breakfast, groceries, newspapers, showers and fly shops, which are in Bishop, a ten minute drive from the campground. Fishing is from mid-morning on; the fish don't wake up till then at this time of year. We will have a potluck barbecue dinner each evening at the campground.
Bring: Box of wood for campfire, small bag of charcoal briquets for barbecues, food and beverages, camping chair, your own tableware (cups, dishes, flatware). Camp stove, cutting board, basic cooking utensils, grill and dishpan will be provided. Bring a camera to take pictures to share at next year's picture show in January.
Fishing Gear: Rods: 2-6 weight.
Lines: Floating and sinking, sink tip type IX
Flies: Standard trout dry flies, including: blue winged olive, 16-18, Mr. Bill (Western Coachman), 14-16, elk hair caddis, 16-18, Griffith's Gnat, 14-18, standard trout sinking flies, including: tiger midge, 16-20, pheasant tail nymph 14-18, Hornberg or Loehberg, 12-14, Prince nymph, 16, Scintilla bubble nymph, 20, dark lord, 12-16, Bass and bluegill poppers, small and medium.
Waders: Neoprene with fleece underlayers for float tubing, breathable waders over fleece for river and stream fishing. Float tube and accessories: Gloves, warm cap to cover ears, hat, rain gear, warm coat, insect repellent (rarely needed), sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, 2010 fishing license.
Driving Directions: Sierra passes will be closed. Southern route to Hwy 395 via Bakersfield is recommended. I-80 to Reno then south on 395 is another option, but check weather and road conditions. Allow 8-9 hours' driving time. Refer to map.
Sign Ups: Not needed, but the fishmasters would like to know that you are coming, and approximately when you will arrive. Look for the club banner at the campground.

There are still a few spots open for the Roostercomb Fishouts. For the first one, which is April 16th to April 18th, there is room for two to three fishers. For the second, which is April 30th to May 2nd, there is room for one or two fishers, and for the third, from May 14th to May 16th, one or two fishers.
If you weren't able to call in earlier and you want to go to any or all of these fun fishouts, call Cecilia ASAP, at 335-5727. It's first come-first served, so call in soon!

I have the final specifications for the High Sierra Pack Trip. The date is Aug 30-Sept. 4. We meet at Vermillion Resort at Edison Lake at 7,500 feet elevation, one of the most remote access points by car on the western side of the Silver Divide in the High Sierra. High Sierra Pack Station will fit us for horses.
While the packers load our gear on a mule team, we might have an opportunity for breakfast. (pie optional).
We'll ride along the north side of Edison Lake, cross in front of the dam to Bear Ridge Trail Head, ascend up and over Bear Ridge via switchbacks. We'll ford Bear Creek at least once continuing on up stream to old Kip Camp (through reseach, I've found there are better camp sites 1/2 mile up stream) covering approx 10 miles. We set up camp at 9,100 feet elevation, on the stream side along the John Muir Trail.
While cookie prepares dinner we will have our first opportunity to wet a line in search for rare High Sierra Golden trout. Over the next five days we'll wake up to a fire and breakfast while we plan where to explore one of the most scenic reaches of the Sierra.
We'll hike to higher elevation lakes (10,000 - 11,000 fee elevation) in all directions, or head down stream for rainbow and brookies, returning to camp for prepared meals by a warm fire. Sept. 4th, we break camp for the final leg of our wilderness experience, once again saddling up to return via horseback to Vermillion Resort. Hot tubs are available a few miles down the road,.to watch the sun set on trip of lifetime. Cost is $800 per person Sign-ups will start on a call-in basis Friday May 7 at 7:00 PM.

The fishout will be over two one-week periods, September 25th through October 2nd, and October 2nd through October 9th. You may sign up for one of these two periods, or both.
Location: Mammoth Lakes is on the eastern side of the Sierras, six to seven hours' drive from Santa Cruz. There are many lakes and streams in the area for us to fish. We will be staying in condominiums in the town of Mammoth Lakes.
Cost: $270 per person per week. This covers seven nights' lodging with three meals per day. Sign up for either week, for $270, or both weeks for $540.
Meal Preparation: Each person will be assigned to a group for a Kitchen Day. The group will set out breakfast and lunch foods, store unused food, prepare the evening meal, and clean up on the day designated.
Sign Up: John Cook will take calls at 688-1561, starting at 7:00 PM, April 15th, and not before. Please leave your name, phone number, and which week you like to reserve, or if you wish to reserve both weeks. You may call in for yourself and one other person.
There is room for only 16 persons per week, and these 16 places will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To hold your place, we must receive your money before the May 5th club meeting. Mail your check, made out to John Cook, to P.O. Box 2822, Aptos, CA 95001-2822. This payment is non-refundable!
The fishmaster will maintain a waiting list for each week. If space for you is available by August 15th, you will be notified by telephone.
Unused Funds: Any funds received but not spent on the fishout will be used for prizes for our annual fundraiser.

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