Belated Trip Report: John Muir Wilderness

[teejay]

Hello:
First, I would like to introduce myself as a new member. Second, I apologize for the late posting. By the time I figured out how to put the pictures from the camera into the computer, then photobucket , and finally sign up for the forum, the report was slightly dated.


I started my solo trip at the Bishop Pass Trailhead at Southlake on the Saturday before Father’s Day. My family (kids are grown now) had hid a surprise father’s day card in my food bag which I discovered at the trailhead while transferring the grub into the forest service required bear canister. After lashing tent, sleeping bag, rods on to the pack and then receiving some last minute fishing tips from well wishers in the parking lot, I head up the trail.
The trail climbs steadily through the aspens above South Lake before entering the John Muir Wilderness.


Trail Junction: To the left for Bishop Pass; to the right for the Treasure Lakes. I decide to go left and take a detour of the main trail to check out the brookies at Bull Lake.


The wilderness boundary


Trail climbs southeast from the main trail at the Bull Lake Junction.


View north across 10 acre Bull Lake. The Sierra crest and Mt. Goode in far distance.


View from Bull Lake’s outlet towards the illuminated Inconsolable Range in the far distance. Chocolate Peak lies in shadow on the right.


View west from inlet of Bull Lake (10,780ft.)


Southwest view of Hurd Peak over Bull Lake.


I set up camp in a dry clearing overlooking the lake. The shaded areas were still damp with an occasional lingering snow patch. The weather conditions were improving over the unsettled conditions of the previous week, although the nights were still cold. No mosquito issue; however, I’m sure that has changed. I did notice some midge activity.


Fishing was good for small Brook Trout to around nine inches. I had read some accounts of the lake containing rainbows as well but I’m now doubtful if this is currently accurate.
I primarily fished a LaFontaine Beetle pattern although I had some luck in the morning with an Adams.










On the way out on Monday, I took a scouting trip down to lower Marie Louise Lake. The lake looks promising and I noticed fish activity on the water but did not have enough time to fish -darn! Overall, it was an excellent Father's day present. Thanks go out to my family.
Well, until next time,
teejay

[DCCTrouserTrout]

Getting them on the lil Griffith's Gnat... Nice work up there and great pictures!!!

[mth1997]

Great report, thanks for sharing! Gotta love the solo backpack mission.

[Mondo21]

What Fantastic pictures!!! Thanks for the report. Late report,the pics made up for that! Cindy

[rotto84]

Nice report and pictures.

Welcome to FNN.

[bsp]

Gotta love hiking and fishing. If you like backpacking, definitely try hiking the PCT (south bound) starting at Kennedy meadows. I didn't have a rod when I did it, but I saw a lot of good quality fish.

[Skyler]

Very nice! Gotta love it up there.

[Roostertail]

Really nice report and great photography. Thanks for sharing.

[dnsjess]

beautiful area, nice fish and great time sound like an excelent trip.
Welcome to the board

[troutdog]

Excellent report and pics, thanks for sharing the adventure and welcome to the board!


TD