BY ERNIE COWAN
MAMMOTH LAKES — August is typically a time when WON begins to scramble for good news about Eastern Sierra trout fishing.
Sure, the fish are there, but they get lockjaw as summer temperatures heat lakes and streams, and we typically see fewer fish on stringers and sizes are smaller as the bigger, older trophy trout sink into the holes in search of colder water and more oxygen.
So far, this year is different, and if you are a regular reader, you might remember that many veteran trout hunters predicted that might be the case, because many elements were in place to create that “right stuff” that brings one of those occasional epic Sierra trout seasons.
Hot Creek brown a day after catching
an even bigger one on Hot Creek.
That magic combination means anglers are pulling 10-browns from Hot Creek, several 6- to 8-pound rainbows and browns from Robinson Creek, a 10-pound rainbow for a shore angler at Convict Lake, and too many to name, 5- to 7-pound trout from places like Lake Mary, Lunday Lake, June and Silver lakes, Upper and Lower Twin lakes, South Lake and Virginia Lakes.
So, what is this “right stuff?”
In a nutshell, it weather, water and wiggly things (fish,) and this year all of those elements have come together in the perfect way to create the “right stuff.”
Let’s start with the weather.
It begins with winter before the season opens at the end of April.
The winter of 2023-24 was a heavy one, with records amount of snowfall and a hefty spring runoff that scoured out creeks and streams, which is important to keep them healthy.
Last winter (2024-25) was above normal, with a good snowpack that melted off slowly. This kept streams healthy, and the slow melt also keep a good supply of cooler water flowing into Sierra Lakes.
So far, this summer has not been a sizzling one. In fact, Mammoth Lakes weather last week never crossed into the 80’s and nights are actually chilly, sometimes bumping down into the 30’s.
Trout don’t like warm water, so these weather conditions have helped maintain water levels and temperatures most ideal for successful trout hunting.
With ideal weather and water conditions, the third leg of the stool is fish.
As mentioned before, landings, tackle shops, local chambers of commerce and merchants have now all embraced the concept of stocking trophy fish.
Those organizations, along with local governments and supportive sportsmen have contributed money to purchase bigger fish from hatcheries in Oregon and Idaho.
Is that working?
Incredibly well, in fact!
Historically, a 5-pound trout was a headliner in WON, but now, that will hardly make a mention. Ever week since the season began, WON has been filled with photos of 6- to 10-pound-plus rainbows.
Those trophy fish have adapted well to their new homes with many holdovers still around to thrill early season anglers when April opening day rolls around again.
Yes, we’ve told this story before, but it’s important to keep the three W’s in mind since this insight will help anglers understand what kind of a season is ahead.
For now, things are golden in the High Country. If weather stays mild, we may not see any slowdown in this fishing frenzy, but if we see August turn to sizzling heat, just remember, the fish are still there.
The secret is to adjust tactics, and you will still catch fish.
Those tactics include fishing early and late, before and after the sun is on the water, locating the deeper holes in lakes and streams, since you dependably find trout there.
The problem is, warmer conditions kill their appetite, so try various lures, baits and sizes until to find the magic combination.
Things may slow down a bit in the next few weeks, but conditions are still ideal for those later summer and early fall anglers looking for trophy trout. Fall fishing this year in the Sierra could be spectacular.
So, let’s take the tour and see what anglers currently have in store along the 150-mile expanse of the Eastern Sierra.
Bishop area waters and Lower Owens River—The Lower Owens is one place where it is currently very warm. Daytime temperatures are well into the 90’s. River anglers should be out at first light. While flows have dropped a bit, they are still too high for safe wading.
The higher elevations in Bishop Creek Canyon continue to enjoy mild temperatures and chilly nights. This has kept trout active at South Lake and Lake Sabrina and anglers are doing well at the South Lake inlets and around the rockpiles at Sabrina.
Intake II is stocked and there has been a good bite for anglers in float tubes working deeper water.
North Lake is stocked, and some bigger rainbows have been pulled from the outlet. Shore anglers and float tubers are also doing well for stocked rainbows and brookies at the inlet.
Backcountry trails to epic wild trout fishing spots such as Treasure Lakes, Blue Lake and Long Lake are wide open and a great destination for a day hike for wild trout hunting.
Rock Creek, Convict, Crowley and Mammoth Lakes area—Rock Creek Lake is holding some bigger fish, including a 7.02-pound rainbow reeled in by Robert Canales who was fishing from shore. The lake was also just stocked with a load of DFW pan-sized rainbows, and they have been filling limits.
Convict Lake continues to be wide open, but both shore and boat anglers connecting with larger fish, including a 10-pound rainbow landed by Ryan Bray from San Diego, who was tossing a nymph from shore near the inlet. The lake also received 700 pounds of trophy fish last week.
Crowley Lake begins its restricted fishing season on Aug. 1 when anglers are limited to unscented artificial lures only and a daily two trout limit of 18 inches or larger. Perch continues to be limited to 25 per day, but the same lure restrictions apply. The inlets are good for fly-fishing in shallow water with midges, or damsel flies.
Mild weather has kept the algae bloom down and trolling remains good in McGee Bay, Sandy Point to the Willows, Alligator Point and both Hilton bays.
Mary and Mamie lakes in the Mammoth Lakes Basin continue to provide anglers with some big fish. Early and late seems to be a pattern that is working best, but tube or boat anglers are doing good in the deeper waters and pockets. Limits and larger fish to 7 pounds are being caught.
June Lake Loop, Lee Vining, Lundy Lake—As mentioned above, the Loop has been outstanding with hefty rainbows coming out of June, Gull and Silver lakes, along with some nice browns for evening anglers at Grant Lake.
Anglers heading that way for the Labor Day weekend can take advantage of a boat and motor raffle sponsored by Ernie’s Tackle, Dan’s Guide Service, Sierra Wave, and Richard’s Boat and RV Center. Tickets are $5 each or $20 for five and the winner will get a 14-foot Crestliner Outreach boat and trailer fitted with a Mercury Outboard motor. The winning ticket will be drawn on Aug. 31, and the winner need not be present.
Lee Vining Creek continues to be stocked with trophy fish, thanks to the efforts of local merchants. Flows are good, water temperatures remain ideal.
Anglers now have full access to the higher elevation lakes around Tioga Pass. Ellery and Tioga Lakes have been good for smaller rainbows. Saddlebag Lake is free of ice and should be fishing very well, but there have been few reports.
Lundy Lake water conditions are excellent, and it has been stocked with trophy rainbows. Anglers have been checking in with some bigger fish. Early and late has been a good time to fish.
Virginia Lakes, Bridgeport area—Virginia Lakes are another high-altitude destination where temperatures have been mild. Carol Webb at Virginia Lakes Resort logged 19 anglers with trout between 5 and 7-pounds plus last week. Best baits have been pink and white Mice Tails, PowerBait and Pinched Crawlers. Lures that are working include small red/gold Thomas Buoyants, silver Kastmasters, and black with yellow dot Panther Martins. Fly anglers are using smaller flies and patterns such as parachute Adams, black caddis, and small mosquitos.
Bridgeport Reservoir has been best for bait anglers working the creek inlet channels with Pinched Crawlers, Mice Tails, Devil Tails, PowerBait and inflated nightcrawlers. Thomas Buoyants, small Rapalas and Kastmasters are good lure choices.
Upper and Lower Twin Lakes have not slowed down, with anglers reporting five to 15 fish per day, most running in the 1- to 3-pound range, along with the occasional 5-pound-plus fish.