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View Full Version : E. Sierras w/ Matt D, Ron and SR. 10/27-30 (tons of pics)



tacklejunkie
10-31-2008, 11:20 PM
I have a lot of pics so I'll try and keep the reading to a minimum. We used 4 different cameras for this trip. Sorry for the inconsistent photo sizing.

I planned a few months back to hit the Eastern Sierras while the GF was out of town for a few. Didn't really have any specific place in mind, just planned on spot hopping and learning more of the area. As the date drew closer, Matt D, Ron and Brian were all starting to get into the fly and anxious to check it out as well. Next thing you know it was the four of us heading up for the week on a mission!

Thought we might do a bit of hiking and camping while on the trip for a change of scenery and a chance at some of the fine fish the Sierras have to offer. The window of weather looked slim but we decided to give it a shot anyways and packed accordingly. On with the photos!

I left for Bishop a day early to secure base camp and do a bit of spot hopping. Here's Whitney on the way up. I have a feeling I may be taking a picture from the opposite end some day.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSC_0075.jpg

Of course, I hit several tackle shops and loaded up with more than I needed. After which, I grabbed a bite to eat and left town for base camp at the Owens
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSC_0082.jpg

Much calmer than last trip
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1154.jpg

One of the biggest crayfish I've seen. That's my huge foot..
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1160.jpg

Went up the road to check out the dam
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1161.jpg

The fish were hitting on top. Saw a family of 3 catch 1
No fish for me on day 1. Farmed at least 10 in the Owens wild section on barbless gear.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1162.jpg

The next morning. Just before Sunrise at base camp
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1165.jpg

Decided to try my luck at some spots on Bishop Creek for the first time.
Picked up first fish of the trip on the good 'ol Panther Martin Holographic.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1175.jpg

I got the honor of fighting that trout through rapids from his pool on 2lb. Long skinney lil guy reminded me of back home.
I love finding little creek cubby holes!
Spotted another very large brown nearby this area.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1176.jpg

This shot actually came out somewhat! Clouds spread so thin they created a visible spectrum like a rainbow lining.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1179.jpg

Since I was half way there already.. I went to see South Lake for the first time really quick. Here's a few shots from up that way..
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSC_0085.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSC_0088.jpg

South Lake and beyond
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSC_0090.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSC_0093.jpg

Was beginning to wonder when the crew was gonna make it up,
so I headed back down to town to fish in close and gain cell reception.
Check out the O near five bridges for nada.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1180.jpg

Then found a small cut of Bishop Creek off a dirt road. Saw lots of fishing garbage and "no camping" signs, so I figured day use fishing was OK. A nearby DFG officer later confirmed my figures.
Managed two bows here, both of which had been C&R'd a time or two already. Evident by previously ripped lips and rashed up scales.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1182.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1183.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1184.jpg

Then I got "the call" from Matt and met them down by the fly shops.
After some supply gathering we headed back to base.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSC_0098.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/100_0838.jpg

Weather looks good! Time to get down to business. It won't be that way long.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1190.jpg

Ron and Matt learned there really is animals abound when they left the windows down.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/100_0848.jpg

Breakfast with "Brookie"
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1191.jpg

Mc'Golden :LOL:
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1192.jpg

Ron decided to go a bit last minute so ran the Jansport and
clip rig. Animal style!
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1193.jpg

Despite how it may look, that's actually a pretty comfy setup!
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1196.jpg

Brian taking it all in while Ron targets some sly micro brookies
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/100_0852.jpg

...............
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1199.jpg

first lake
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1200.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1201.jpg

second lake
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1202.jpg

third lake
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1205.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/100_0859.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/100_0862.jpg

fourth lake
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1207.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1208.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1209.jpg

fifth lake
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1213.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1215.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1214.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1218.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1226.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1227.jpg

The start of the hike :LOL:
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1229.jpg
Continued in next post..

tacklejunkie
10-31-2008, 11:20 PM
Half way
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1234.jpg

Up the hard part, one more small climb.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1237.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1238.jpg

Brian made it first!
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1239.jpg

I missed one on the stimulator, and Brian hooks up!
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/100_0867.jpg

Then Matt hooked up!
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/100_0868.jpg

Another for Matt! Good size!
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/100_0870.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/100_0871.jpg

My "Luxury Item" - Beanie Weenies on the UL can stove.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1242.jpg

It was a cold night. Ron toughed it out with minimal gear without a wimper.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/100_0873.jpg

First light. Nice and sunny!
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1244.jpg

Literally 20 minutes later, starting to snow!
One last wet line before it's time to outrun the storm.
NW
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1245.jpg
SW
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1246.jpg
SE
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1247.jpg
NE
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1250.jpg

Ron also caught a golden right before we left
He has the pic of it though. Not sure if I can get it from him..
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/100_0869.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/100_0877.jpg

The snow coming in on our way out
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1252.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/100_0880.jpg

Brookies, chillen.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/100_0884.jpg

That's about the end of our mission. We had planned to stay a little longer but didn't want to chance that small blizzard that rolled in. You can't see it in the pics but it was snowing at times. We still managed to get in there and catch some of those beauties though! Didn't feel like sticking around bishop the rest of my time up there and wasn't sure if it was going to rain there or not so decided to head home!

Fish count:
TJ - Two bows and a brownie, countless farms including a dink brookie and a few goldens
Matt D - 2 goldens
Brian - 1 golden
Ron - 1 golden, few missed goldens

All in all a fun trip! I'm glad you guys hooked into those fish! I'll get one next time and it only gives me a reason to go back again as well as other places. You won't forget that for a long time. I still have memories of my first backpacking trips 12 years ago. Glad you all came with me and we had a freakin blast out there! Not bad for a last second decision! I can only imagine what we could do if we planned in advance!

Thanks for taking the time to load our pics and read the report!
Just left and already can't wait to go back..
-TJ

soulsurfer
10-31-2008, 11:32 PM
That was smokin TJ....thanks for sharing. Those trout sure have vibrant colors.

DccFISHerMan
10-31-2008, 11:38 PM
Madd props on all the pics man!!! takes time outta fsihing to take all those pics. Sweet trip im jelous... Big time!!!

matt duarte
11-01-2008, 12:29 AM
hahaha hell ya dude!!! you put our trip together beautifuly! glad i sent you all my pix to so it could all be on one report! those goldens are something else! awesome fighting fish for there size!
what could i say...... the sierras is a beautiful place! ill never forget this trip TJ! especially that damn ROCK TERRIS!!!! thats one huge mofoin rock pile/mountian! without those hiking sticks i had i would of not made it lol saved my arse many times from fallin backward! plus i think i was fighting altitude sickness.... felt real dizzy,like pukin,legs were real wobbley! but i sucked up and and hoped for the best and kept truckin...

the next morning on the mountain ron found some huge bear prints on the ground near camp that were way bigger than a normal human fist.

oh ya and those damn raccoons stole me freakin king size twix!!!

when ever your ready TJ let me know and ill be back there with you! i wish the storm didnt roll in so we could of stayed longer like we planned...

SoCalGuy7
11-01-2008, 06:38 AM
Awesome report TJ. One you guys won't forget!

Ronira
11-01-2008, 06:48 AM
Freakin sweet dawg, I used to do that kind of thing back in the day. Beautifull pics bro. Now I'm all homesick.

retired/lasd
11-01-2008, 06:57 AM
That was indeed a huge crayfish, have never seen one that big up there, did you eat it?

tacklejunkie
11-01-2008, 08:18 AM
That was indeed a huge crayfish, have never seen one that big up there, did you eat it?

Nah, I tossed him back. Just wanted a few quick pics.
Could have made a living on 'dad tails up there.
He really was a large one though, rivaling some of the biggun's I've seen at Gregory locally. It's tough to get a grip on his size from the pic angle. It had a blueish brown tint on top and the claws were reddish on the bottom. The huge craws were out at the river in full swing.

Reminds me of fishing craws and bullfrogs out the Kern when I was very young.

Crustaceans and mollusks/shelled animals like clams and muscles are the only foods I'm allergic to. It's unfortunate, as I love to eat them as well. If I would have eaten that crawdad it would become "difficult but not impossible" for me to breath :Rolls Eyes:

I've been told several things.. but the one that seems the most logical is the iodine in the animals that disagrees with me. (although I have not been allergic to straight iodine in the past?!)
Go figure.

Thanks for the comments guys. That was off the hook!
When I got home I received my next challenge waiting for me in the mail from CD. Gotta pull a fish from the surf on my fly rod!
I swear there was a bug up there on the hill that looks EXACTLY like CD's winged caddis imitation he sent me to try. I'll save those 4 flies for next time I get to altitude.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1253.jpg

chris
11-01-2008, 08:37 AM
great report

City Dad
11-01-2008, 08:54 AM
Great report and pics as usual, TJ. Those goldens are beauties!

bstolton
11-01-2008, 10:01 AM
awesome report, great pics. would love to catch a golden those are beautiful fish. that looked like a long hike but well worth it. hope we have a good winter so next years conditions will be good. once again awesome job guys.

bill

tpfishnfool
11-01-2008, 10:16 AM
Great report and pics. What chain of lakes was that ?

Badfish2
11-01-2008, 10:20 AM
That one picture with the s style river cutting through that grassy area was awesome. I have a lot of respect for you guys carrying all that gear up there... it's not an easy thing to do. You picked a perfect time to head up, unfortunately I think my trip up next weekend won't be so warm

fishing_addict
11-01-2008, 10:21 AM
Best report I've read in awhile! So jealous.... I gotta plan one like that sometime soon. Thanks for a great post!

matt duarte
11-01-2008, 10:47 AM
cant forget this pic! i love it! took it in the moring before we started the long walk down
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f172/oneUPfabrication/100_0875.jpg

Roostertail
11-01-2008, 12:41 PM
Some of the most brilliant goldens I've seen. Really pretty.

mth1997
11-01-2008, 01:07 PM
Nice job fellas.

Next time you guys go, stay a night at the campground at the trailhead to get used to the elavation. I did that on my trip this year and had not even a hint of altitude sickness. One nights stay is free to backpackers at that campground and if you bring your own wood you can have a fire too.

tacklejunkie
11-01-2008, 02:11 PM
Nice job fellas.

Next time you guys go, stay a night at the campground at the trailhead to get used to the elavation. I did that on my trip this year and had not even a hint of altitude sickness. One nights stay is free to backpackers at that campground and if you bring your own wood you can have a fire too.

Yes I read about being able to stay at the trailhead the first night of your permit dates. I was concerned about making it up there in time to fish for a few hours and get back out though as I knew the storm was approaching Thursday night. I actually pushed Matt to get there a day early so we would have a chance at it in case the weather did go south. If we would have got there on the projected dates, it would have already been too late.

I have never had a problem at elevation. When I was younger it used to get my uncle and he'd be puking the first day every time. I guess staying the night at the Owens at 4,000ft wasn't quite enough for you guys. I thought about the trailhead camp but we'd have had to come back down for supplies before we went back up again too.

Next time, I'll take it into more consideration.. for sure. Matt did get a bit wobbly there for a second. :EyePop:

diamondbear
11-01-2008, 02:20 PM
absolutley a great report , It reminds me of my younger , years ago fishing up in the back country of the Sierras . During the summer months I would pack in a 1 man raft and fish the deep water during the day with worms , ha GREAT PICS // db

nismotech91
11-01-2008, 05:17 PM
AWESOME REPORT AND PICS!!!!!!!!! You guys are hardcore!

matt duarte
11-01-2008, 07:44 PM
Next time, I'll take it into more consideration.. for sure. Matt did get a bit wobbly there for a second. :EyePop:

haha ya if i didnt have those hiking stick things i proly would of fell over lol... the 50lb back pack didnt help either.... but i made it! haha and im down to do it again! it was all worth it ever every lost breath, every torn muscle haha

steve092
11-01-2008, 09:11 PM
That water is crystal clear, it's amazing.

Looks like you guys had a great time.

pattitude
11-01-2008, 10:17 PM
Great pics & nice job on the goldens, wish I would have made it up to the golden lakes!!!!

seal
11-02-2008, 08:47 AM
Nice job! Pretty hardcore. One of these trips I have gotta get back to the high country lakes. Well worth the effort and roughing it on the camping.

CalamARI
11-02-2008, 11:45 AM
Really nice pics there.
Thanks for the report.

brando123
11-02-2008, 09:30 PM
Wow man, You def have the best reports!! I got military stuff so i miss the sierras and fishing, Thanks man the pictures help alot! Looks like you guys had a great trip!.

Trout-Slayer77
11-03-2008, 10:28 AM
TJ....awesome report as usual....and great pics !!!! love those goldens !!

El Weirdo
11-03-2008, 12:25 PM
TJ...The travel channel shoud give you a gig!! outstanding job....

matt duarte
11-03-2008, 01:36 PM
TJ...The travel channel shoud give you a gig!! outstanding job....

haha thats what we were saying... we were thinkin of bringing a video camera on our fishing trips and get some footage of us fishing and catching and what not and send it in ahhaa

jeff4321
11-03-2008, 08:47 PM
you didnt get your brookie.. bummer

matt duarte
11-03-2008, 09:20 PM
lol ya those brookies were spookie fish except that last one chillin in 4 inches of water in the pic lol the goldens we awesome though fought hard for there size! tasted good to! ssshhhhhh hahaha j/p or am i? haha

troutdog
11-03-2008, 09:39 PM
Awesome report TJ, what a great adventure to share with your buddys. Your friends pack looked like mine when we hiked in Yosemite....good stuff, thanks for the pics and detailed info.

TD

Liteliner
11-03-2008, 09:55 PM
Man tacklejunkie you get around. :LOL: Looks like a great time out there. Hopefully next year I get my shot at one of them goldies. Thanks for another :Cool: report.

mammothfishin
11-04-2008, 01:07 AM
Solid work for so late in the season. I hope my August trip report helped you out. You should go back in the summer when the water levels are higher and the night time temps are a lot warmer. It really makes sipping whiskey and drinking beer much better. The next time I am up in that area I'll be skiing. Good work.

notice the water levels. August 15th 2008.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y72/sherwinskier/Backpacking%20Treasure%20Lakes/IMG_5446.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Sierra%20Backpacking%2010-27/DSCN1239.jpg

Badfish2
11-04-2008, 01:27 AM
yeah all the lakes are down by this time of year.. evaporation is crazy in the sierra.. can take away up to a foot of snow a day and drop some lakes an inch a day.

tacklejunkie
11-04-2008, 09:34 AM
Solid work for so late in the season. I hope my August trip report helped you out.

notice the water levels. August 15th 2008.

Indeed, your report was sort of my jump start back in to backpacking I think. Been too long for sure. Thanks a million for the inspiration. :Wink: I'm sure it will lead me to some amazing places.


you didnt get your brookie.. bummerDidn't get a golden either! But I got bit by both, and there's always next season. ;)
It was nice to know the goldens and brookies hit my home tied custom stimulator fly. I catch trout everywhere on that fly! All year long.

Granny Fish
11-04-2008, 12:04 PM
Awsome photos TJ. :Cool: Sounds like you guys had a great trip.

buttflyzzz
11-06-2008, 07:13 PM
thanks for the picts. man i wana go fishing so bad

chivo
12-01-2008, 07:44 PM
those are some sweet pics looks like a trip to remember.