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Literary accounts of fishouts in the recent past,
to make you sorry you didn't go.

Mammoth Lakes Fishout-Sept. 17th to 24th and Sept. 24th to Oct. 1st
Fishmasters: John Cook and Paul Schraeder

Comments from Participants:
* The Mammoth fishout is a treasure trove of do-able trips, changing weather and incredible wonders of nature. It's amazing how we disparate strangers manage to become friends through the vehicle of good and caring leadership and the bond that comes from a common interest in fishing and all the things that go along with fishing. - Ralph Berman

* I can't think of a California destination that offers as much variety or as rewarding a choice of fishing sites. We had just a touch of bad weather (that was very good for photography). I worked out a new fly (the "Woolly Mammoth Bugger") for Crowley, spent a lot of time trying to figure out the fussy fish at the very upstream end of Hot Creek, and enjoyed the colorful fish and foliage on the high elevation creeks, This was a very satisfying trip. - Mark Traugott

* First time with my wife, Sharon. It let me see everything afresh, through the eyes of a botanist and birder. Everything was new! - Kent Hull

* Incredible scenery and fall color, great food, and best of all, terrific people. They almost made me want to start fishing. - Sharon Hull

* I love this place. The mountains are incomparable, some of the best scenery in California. Loved fishing Crowley... almost got my fill. Crowley trout RULE! Midging at Six Bays, most days, was great, and produced many large (17"+) fish. Good friends, good food, great place. - Betty Rentz

* Fishing Crowley Lake means driving over a long flat high desert - full of potential wrong turns. Without the patient lead of those who "know the way," we could have been lost for days. But it was easier on day two and by day three we could lead others, if they would follow. John Cook gave us the Seven Mile Rule for finding Long Ears to fish the Upper Owens. The fly of the day was the Royal Coachman, and the curving river, need for longer leaders and keeping one's shadow off the water were a challenge. But we did get fish. - Ralph Berman and Ray Dow

* I liked the "Baskin Robbins" aspect of the area: so many fishing opportunities that it's difficult to pick. And, of course, the club members who freely give their insights and help. - Kirk Mathews

* This fishout is the best one, with the most kinds of fishing available within minutes of the condos. I call it the Crowley trip, not the Mammoth trip. Crowley is a world-class fishery, the club members are world-class people, and these great gatherings will be world-class memories for all of us. - Jim Otis

* The Mammoth Fishout is a magnificent combination of a wide variety of excellent lake and stream fishing in a beautiful environment. Most important, however, is the company you keep. The club members will go to any lengths necessary to instruct, inform and influence you so that your trip to Mammoth is a unique and outstanding experience. - Andy Moreland

* Wow, good friends, good food, good fishing, good music, great time! And Molly loved it too! - Deanna Raudman

* Discovered Long Ears, the Upper Owens - serene and beautiful. First time on Crowley, a 17 incher - Cecilia's hooked on Crowley for future fishouts. Three days of great fishing on the San Joaquin: nymphing produced catches of 13-15" rainbows and browns. Cecilia had a wonderful birthday with the gang, thanks especially to Lourdes and Joe Bigas.

* Great folks, many new plans, learned many hot tips. Oh, yeah, Doug S. kicked my butt going up the Owens Gorge, of course.-Harry S.

* Beautiful country, good people, tasty food, and big fish! All of that adds up to a great fishing trip! - Mark Bradley

* It's always beautiful and sunny at Mammoth - isn't it? The wind was new - but brief. Great fishing, great company and natural hot tubs - canŐt beat it! - Tom Pelikan

* Fished a different place each day. Each day I learned something new and caught a few fish. In the evening it was great to come back to a home cooked meal and a wonderful group of people where we shared our tales of the day. Many thanks to those who shared their knowledge and their flies. - Sophia Zadubera

* Best part: the delight of finding good quality fish in small streams. - Elaine Cook

* Returning to the Eastern Sierra never ceases to renew the soul, spirit and mind. Having an opportunity to share the experience with friends, priceless. - Walt Robinson

Joining Dick and me on this trip were Kathy Powers, Greg Foy, Bill Seaman, Lee Fitzsimmons, Laura Waldren, and Elaine Cook. As customary, we started the morning with a hearty breakfast at Casa de Fruta before caravaning over the dusty road to the ponds on Madeline Bourdet's 18,000 acre ranch. The cool waters didn't produce as many fish as we had hoped but Greg had no trouble with repeated hookups using his wonderful and unique home-tied flies, different from any the rest of us had. Lee, on the other hand, started off with float tube problems, i.e., it burst just as she prepared to take off from shore. With a cheerful disposition as always, she fished from the bank and succeeded catching a few bass. Elaine hooked into a couple of very large bass (no surprise here!) while fishing a pond by herself. As has become a tradition, Dick prepared a barbecued lunch which was greatly enjoyed by everyone.

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