Alpine Lakes and Streams: including Mammoth Lakes Basin, Rock Creek Lake, Convict, Virginia, June Lake Loop, Twin Lakes

The snow line (excluding north facing slopes) is about 9200 feet. Access is good to all drive to locations and the water temps are coming up with the long July days.

The stocking programs are in full swing this summer and most areas are getting planted a few times each month. Tubing these areas is really fun and trolling streamers while gazing at the magnificent waterfalls is awesome.

Full sinking lines using patterns in the #8-14 range will work at most locations. Some of these lakes have callibaetis mayflies and using a Pt or CB patterns will get you into good numbers during the morning emergence.

Look for concentrations of fish around drop-offs and ledges, submerged trees and stumps, or along weed lines and shallow bays during low light periods.

The Freestone Creeks: including San Joaquin, Rock Creek, West Walker, McGee, Lee Vining, Convict, Rush Creek-actually a tailwater)
Have all been very high for an extended period this summer. Most are currently above normal and will remain difficult to cross or wade until mid-August. Keep a close eye on children or pets near any white water.

Pocket water fishing is a blast, but we are a ways off from this type of fly fishing until the flows drop more. I suggest you stick to the large meadows and large pools if you want to fish the freestone creeks and rivers.

Terrestrial patterns work well in the alpine fisheries. Hoppers, crickets, and ants are good imitation profiles for fly casters fishing the meadow areas. The deeper pools can be fished with San Juan worms and crystal tiger midges beneath an "Under-cator". In the larger creeks like the West Walker and San Joaquin I suggest chucking some streamers at the rascals. These high visibility patterns are good choices with high water and opportunistic trout.