Hibernating

Too hot to fish.

Expected in beautiful downtown Jackson:

Today - 99
Tomorrow - 105
Saturday - 106
Sunday - 107
Monday - 104
Tuesday - 101
Rest of next week - Mid-90's

Even too hot for a bear

Anyone know where Fall is?

August In Hope Valley

The annual camping trip to Hope Valley Campground was this weekend. We got to the campground about 2:30 Thursday afternoon. Got the Freedom Express set up, and called it a day.

Our home for the weekend

Friday morning found yours truly cooking breakfast. Breakfast is generally the only meal I'm allowed to cook.

Bacon, Eggs, & Toast on the griddle

I never noticed, but there is a huge rock outcropping (I think that's what you call it) right next to the campground. Funny, I've camped at Hope Valley Campground since the mid 70's. Just goes to show.

Rock Outcropping

The little guy in the picture below was a regular visitor to the site. 

Chip or Dale?

The rest of Friday was a hang out day. I did go across the street and dabble in the West Fork of the Carson River with "3".

West Fork of the Carson River

Wasn't much exciting happening. Upstream from the picture above, I did get a drive-by from a little 6" or so something and in the pool at the end of the picture, my fly got attacked by a dozen or so 2" - 3" somethings. They weren't even big enough to take the hook. The rest of the creek I fished was fishless.

Saturday about mid-day we took the Inflat-a-yak up to Upper Blue Lake for a spin (or paddle) around the lake. I decided to trail a Thin Mint on "3" behind just to "see". Now, either I got a hit (the line went straight) or I hit something on the bottom about 50 feet off shore. After that, nothing.

Inflat-a-yak

About half way across the lake, it started to get cloudy. When this happens in the mountains, you get one of two results. One, it goes away or two, it get really nasty.

Saturday chose nasty. We got back to shore and stowed the inflat-a-yak, drove back to camp and all hell broke loose.

I don't know if you're familiar with thunder storms in Northern Wisconsin, but this was every bit a Northern Wisconsin thunder storm. It's my understanding that once you see lightning and count the seconds to the thunder, I believe the ratio is one second to one mile. Thunder and lightning doesn't usually bother me. We got out of the truck, started putting the lawn chairs under the canopy and as I went out to get the last chair, The lightning and thunder came at the exact same instant. It was bright (really bright) and it was really loud. Like I said, thunder and lightning doesn't usually bother me, but this one made me jump about a foot off the ground.

So went the rest (from 1:30 pm) of the afternoon. Lightning and thunder until about 6:00 pm. Then rain until about 8:00 pm. Glad we got off the lake when we did.

So went our August camping trip. Next month, Upper Lake and that cool camping spot. Oh, I'll be fishing before then.

Stay tuned.

I Got Nothing

Happy Thursday.

A Guest Post

You all know that I'm not one to do guest posts. In fact I don't think I've done more than 1 or 2 in more than 1050 posts on this blog.

When Andrew Lowen approached me about doing one about the "June Lake Loop" it tweaked a soft spot in my fishing heart.

One of the lakes in the June Lake Loop is Gull Lake. Many years ago I went on vacation with my 1967 Chevrolet Truck that looked like the picture below.

1967 Chevrolet Truck

I had this piece of shit cabover camper on it and it was the beginning of "camper" camping for me. We drove up as far as San Francisco and I was able to see my cousin Mark (Yup same name as me. Same last name too). Unfortunately he was one that died too young. He was only 33 and died (I just found out recently from another cousin) of Lymphoma.

From there we swung across the state into Reno then down Highway 395 and stopped at a motel (for a shower) at Gull Lake. The experience at Gull Lake was one of those awesome fishing experiences. From shore, with a black Panther Martin, 10 Rainbows (the limit then) in about 20 minutes. I had never caught that many so fast. Sans the soft spot for Gull Lake.

In 2010 My wife and I passed through the June Lake Loop on our way to visit my cousin in Kernville. It was one of those deja-vu, goosebump, experiences.

So when Andrew approached me, I couldn't say no.

Take it away Andrew...............

JUNE LAKE LOOP - A TROUT FISHING HEAVEN

The only thing better than plentiful trout fishing? Plentiful trout fishing in the heart of the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains in Inyo National Forest. This is a beautiful area that's well-stocked and has brown, cutthroat, rainbow, and even the occasional brook trout. Alpers trout are planted in the region for more variety. 

The June Lake Loop is a special place, not just because of the fishing or the natural beauty, but also for the sense of community. Newcomers and those who've been around before will feel welcome and right at home. 

There are four main spots in the June Lake Loop where serious anglers can get in on the action. 

June Lake

Source: https://flic.kr/p/5jkSiM

While the namesake of the June Lake Loop isn't the biggest lake in the area, it's the best-known. Don't be afraid to try roadside spots when looking for the best fishing; the coves near the lake's marinas are known to be great choices too, as is the middle of the lake off the far shore. One rule of thumb? The harder a spot is to access, the better the fishing. Think of it this way: more people will opt for the easier places, creating more competition. Go for the trickier locales (safely, of course!) and reap the rewards. 

One favorite spot? The area near Boulder Lodge on the south-central eastern shore. Don’t forget to grab some mealworms to enhance your bait arsenal: since mealworms are so similar to a trout’s springtime diet there’s a good chance they’ll take a nibble on one.

Silver Lake

Source: https://flic.kr/p/5jpwLm

Silver Lake is the place to go when you want to take your fishing just a little slower. Not only is it a great place to catch brook trout and rainbow trout, but the views are divine. We recommend Silver Lake in particular for its natural beauty, including “idyllic views and phenomenal sunrises.” Start out early in the day to catch a glimpse of the sun rising over the lake and be sure to take your time and really savor the wilderness.

Don’t forget to check out Rush Creek’s entry into Silver Lake for some great fishing!

Gull Lake

Source: https://flic.kr/p/B1KpJE

This small lake just southwest of June Lake is a favorite among fly fishermen. Be sure to stop in the Gull Lake Marina or one of the numerous local bait shops to get the exact location of “The Rock,” a favorite spot known for its great fishing.

Gull Lake is also one of the more family-friendly spots in the June Lake Loop, since it’s a great place for kayaking, canoeing, and other water sports. There’s a little something for everyone here!

Grant Lake

Source: https://flic.kr/p/cCXkNo

This is the largest lake in the June Lake Loop. Due to its 1,100-acre size, Grant Lake is popular for water skiing, jet skiing, and wakeboarding, all permitted to take place after 10:00 AM. Fishers shouldn’t be deterred, though; the lake’s size allows for everyone to have their own fun. If you’re looking for rainbow trout, Grant Lake is the place! Try Sheepherder’s Bay, and don’t hesitate to set up somewhere on the eight miles of shoreline that offer plenty of great spots to try your luck. Those looking to catch brown trout should try the peninsula.

Since the success of a good fishing trip is due in part to things that are out of your hands, like weather and unforeseen circumstances. The best way to plan and enjoy your trip is to build some flexibility into the itinerary. You don't have to plan for the apocalypse or get too extreme, just be sure to leave yourself some wiggle room in case you need it. 

Also, don’t be afraid to get back to basics! No matter how experienced a fisherman you are, it never hurts to bring an extra fishing map, have a chat with some locals, and ask for advice. After all, fishing is about more than just fish: it’s about learning, relaxing, and appreciating the world around you.

Andrew Lowen and his family have been a part of the June Lake community since 1968, where they now own a Yosemite Gateway Chalet. They love June Lake and are eager to share the experience with those who appreciate the grandeur that the Eastern Sierras have to offer.

Thanks Andrew. So if you're down that way, stop in at The Yosemite Gateway Chalet . It's a mighty nice looking place to stay. 

The Thrill Of Victory And The Agony Of Da Feet

None of you know this, so it's a new revelation.

Some years ago my feet started going numb. Went through the whole neurology thing and the final decision was that 40% of the people that have "Peripheral Neuropathy" don't know why they have it or where they got it. It's kind of like having your feet shrink wrapped.
   
Years ago I worked for an oil company down in Sacramento. One of the stupid things we did was remove the markings on the drums with Acetone, bare handed. Didn't think a thing of it. One time while I was in the hospital I mentioned it to a nurse and she asked if I've ever worked with hazardous materials. I related the two sentences above and she said, that's it. That's why you have the Neuropathy.

Well as the years went by, it slowly crept up my legs to about mid-calf. Which brings me to the title of this post. Yes, the agony of da feet.

For our fishing yesterday I gave Yuki the option of bait dunking at Bear River Reservoir (they planted this week) or fly fishing on Silver Fork Creek. He opted for the latter. As is typical with creek fishing so is rock hopping. Very bad for feet with Peripheral Neuropathy. Even though I say my feet are numb, if I step on a rock barefooted, I go straight through the roof. So, a half mile of rock hopping is agony of da feet.

On top of that, I did not see a single fish, nor did Yuki, nor did the guys on the other side of the creek. It was a complete washout so enjoy the pictures of the creek.

Let me also say, that I'm in pain this morning. Come on, I'm going to be 71 next week. Give me a break.

We packed up and headed for Bear River Reservoir. The spot by the dam where we usually fish was not occupied, although there was a couple a little further away from the dam so we parked there.

Yuki set up two rods with Power Eggs and I set up two rods with the usual (rainbow Power Bait of course).

While I was able (you'll see why), I took a couple pictures.

Across, the dam on the right 

Oh look, Mark with a fish

Wow, another fish

Holy Cow Batman, they're coming in droves

Now this I have to comment on. That yellow rod holder is one of the tire chocks from my travel trailer that Yuki decided would be a good rod brace. He actually used two. My trailer is in the shop for warranty repairs so I had them under the back seat. Worked pretty well for him. I made sure they got back home with me.

Tire chock rod holder

Oh look, another fish

Let me see if I can put the rod down before another bite.

No, I didn't catch all the fish. Yuki caught two. He kept one and threw the other back. Too small.

I caught nine. 

Into the ice chest for smoking.

We ended up (The Thrill of Victory) with two limits of about 10" stockers that Yuki took for smoking.

So there you have it. The Thrill Of Victory And The Agony Of Da Feet. 

Guest post tomorrow. 

Stay tuned.