Well, we had a total of 7 days of snow and then lo and behold, Spring was back. Beautiful sunny days with a hint of a breeze. Ahhhh, what more could you ask for. Well, I'll tell you, how ???bout BIG fish. Yup, we got our stocking for the BISHOP CREEK CANYON SUMMER CLASSIC TAGGED TROUT DERBY. Rainbows (Alpers) ranging in size from 2-1/2 pounds up to 8 pounds were stocked in the stillwaters Sunday ??? that would be LAKE SABRINA, SOUTH LAKE, INTAKE II, NORTH LAKE and WEIR POND (and that would be the little pond below South Lake) courtesy of Bishop Chamber of Commerce of INYO COUNTY ??? Thanks INYO! You can register at the following locations: Lake Sabrina Boat Landing, Parchers' Resort, South Lake Landing, Bishop Creek Lodge, Creekside RV Park, Cardinal Village Resort, Culvers, Brocks, Macs, Owens River Fly Shop and Bishop Chamber of Commerce.

The Piute Palace and Adopt-a-Creek is sponsoring the "CASH OF THE DAY" where the waters of INTAKE II, NORTH LAKE and the BISHOP CANYON CREEKS will be stocked with tagged fish redeemable at the PiutePalace for CASH. No registration required ??? just fishin' and catchin'.

Prior to the BIG fish stocking, fishing had improved a bit over last week with most fish coming from the inlet ??? that would be the Dingleberry Inlet ??? the one in the back right corner. A few limits were brought out trolling with the Kastmaster or Red and Gold Thomas Buoyant. Yellow was the PowerBait, Zeke or Gulp color of choice. Just ask Jacob and D'Lisa Banta who had the one-two punch going. A 4-1/2 pound Alper took Jacob's yellow Gulp, broke his line and went after D'Lisa's bait that landed the beaut just around 6:30 Sunday evening.

Here's the info on the Trout Derby:

BISHOP CREEK CANYON SUMMER CLASSIC
TAGGED TROUT DERBY
Sponsored by Bishop Chamber of Commerce of Inyo County
June 1st through June 30th, 2008

Entry Fee - $5 per angler
Kids 12 & under - Free
Tagged Alpers Trout were stocked in the STILLWATER fisheries of the canyon on June 1, 2008: Lake Sabrina, South Lake, North Lake, Intake II and Weir Lake (the pond below South Lake)

Tagged fish will be redeemable for cash prizes from $50 to $500. There are 5 tags worth $500 out there.

In addition to the tagged fish, all registered participants are entered in a raffle to be held at the end of the Derby. Raffle prizes include a $500 prize, a $500 Fall Fishing package, a beautiful trout wood carving - courtesy of High Sierra Wood Carvings and other tackle and bait sponsors.

Huge loads of Alpers Trophy Fish were stocked in area lakes to keep the fishing FANTASTIC during the month of June.

Sponsors thus far: LIP RIPPERZ, BERKLEY, OKUMA, FISH TACO CHRONICLES, HIGH SIERRA WOODCARVINGS, BISHOP CREEK LODGE, PARCHERS RESORT, CARDINAL VILLAGE, SOUTH LAKE LANDING, LAKESABRINA BOAT LANDING and ADOPT-A-CREEK

We would also like to introduce you to our newest employee, Nick fromKansas. He worked at Mammoth Mountain during the winter and just wasn't quite ready to head back to the Land of Oz just yet. He just hasn't gotten his fill of the Sierras just yet- but then again who has! The temperatures are warming up again (thank goodness) into the mid 40s for the nightly lows and into the mid 60s during the day. Hopefully, no snow due in until October, but you never know. You may want to check out Howard's forecast at www.MammothWeather.com

Remember your sunscreen, dark glasses and bug juice as we have a few of those pesky skeeters making an appearance. Ponchos may also be needed this weekend - you never know!

ALWAYS PACK A JACKET! ! ! ! Nimrod is living up to the meaning of his name (remember? "a great and devoted hunter") ??? no longer a "Catch and Release" hunter, but a hunter whom eats what he catches and is very proud of his catches going from door to door for all to see. Hi wanted so badly to get in with those big fish although I don't think he could believe how BIG they were. And Lo will hopefully get his lion cut this week.

Hope to see you all soon!