Opener of fishing season in Mono County went very well despite the typical snowstorm, wind and cold!! We got all of our rental boats out and most everyone caught fish. Quite a few Brown Trout and large Rainbows filled the nets. A big thanks to Mono County Tourism, http://www.monocounty.org , for procuring large stockers from Oregon. (http://www.desertspringstroutfarm.com). Also The local BFEF was able to plant 40-50 trophy size fish as well. The CDFW, California Fish and Wildlife, planted Brown Trout from the Fillmore Hatchery and if we got some stockers from the local hatchery, well….we are not really sure. Tight lipped, worse than bad fishing…More on that dysfunction later. OK.. 1st the bad news… We have SUSPENDED BOAT RENTALS on the Reservoir due to drought and other serious considerations. There is still 2.5 miles of water in the lake. Launching can still be done down at Bathtub Area near the Dam. Where we had the boats, just does not work. Wind almost destroyed fleet just the other day. Have tried for years to accmodate visitors by hauling boats to where there is water but cannot do that anymore. Sorry about that. It just doesn’t work.

We are seeing historic drought conditions in the West. Not a good thing.. Reservoirs, in particular, get affected more than High Alpine lakes. The Bridgeport Reservoir (holds 43K acre feet now…5,700 ugh) Very low,…. BUT…. good water temps, clear and strong Dissolved Oxygen Levels, (DO’s). Fish are plentiful, spread out, hungry and growing. We expect fishing,catchin etc. to do well throughout June and into July. After that, ask Mother Nature!!! Shore Fishing continues to be great most days. Time of day, weather and placement of bait or lure determines your success.. Nightcrawlers or Power Bait(Salmon Peach, Rainbow, Glitter) presented 18 inches or so up off the bottom is bringing home some of these “Trophy Trout” Sardine oil or anything “fishy” that you can buy off the store shelves will always help your chances also. Trolling in the Narrows or in 4-5 feet of water off of Rainbow Point is also doing well.. Rapala’s, Needlefish, Thomas Bouyant’s, Spoons, Swim -Baits, Trolling Flies… Use it all !! AGAIN.. Launching only near the Dam at the “Bathtub”. Please do not attempt launching your boat anywhere else such as the County Launch Ramp. You will get STUCK!! Am working on signage to direct folks to correct area. ( MC does not seem to care…Oh and just fyi.. anyone can camp for free, yes for free, along the shore or on any dirt road.. This is what BP is promoting anyway.. sarcasm intended…)

FLY FISHING….. Midges at this time of year. We have a full supply of great bugs that we get from Sierra Drifters Guide Service http://sierradrifters.com… check out Tom’s reports for info, always updated, unlike myself, LOL, and accurate. STREAMERS!!! Use them… Call or come by to get directions to best area’s and techniques.. Want to learn??? Call me.. It becomes a “Spiritual Experience” and probably will change your life for the better… Have plenty of professional Guides to teach you. ALSO… with our “Fisheries in danger of going away, CATCH and RELEASE is a good thing to get used too. Don’t get me wrong here, I love to eat Trout, but KEEP only those you will eat!!! Thank Thank and You!

In Summary… Despite low water, it is a great time to fish the EASTERN SIERRA!!! Creeks High-Alpine Lakes and Reservoirs are all waiting for you!! AND.. Bring your ATV’s, Camera’s, Bikes, Dogs. Horses and Aeroplanes!!!! It still is the “Land of Opportunity!!” (I stole that from somewhere!!!) So much do do here in Mono County!!! The list is long and having lived in the County since 1961 (dating me) I can director concierge your whole vacation!!

Thanks for reading and Newsletter SOON!!! Follow us on FACEBOOK and send us your PICTURES!!! We will try to make you famous!!

Jeffrey and Handy PS A huge THANK YOU to the following people that helped me open… Jason G. Julia W and Mr. Dave Bull… you guys friggin Rock!!

Call 760 932-7001 or better yet, Stop by!!