April 25, 2002
Snowflakes drifted aimlessly down, covering our tent in French Camp with a light dusting. Despite the light snowfall, the moon peeked through the clouds on occasion giving us enough light to set up our fishing gear. Our lantern was a savior.
We had arrived late after leaving work in LA a little early to try to beat the traffic. It didn't help. We got stuck on the 14 just past the 5 junction. Some high speed pursuit had ended there, and 4,300 CHP units, a helicopter, and 23 news crews ensured that those of us fortunate enough to arrive in time to witness this, would not be going anywhere anytime soon. Three hours later, they finished their investigation and we were on our way, however we lost a lot of time. We had planned on arriving around 6:30, getting a bite at Tom's Place, then setting up camp and our fishing gear before dark. We missed by nearly 4 hours, arriving after 10. In addition, we hadn't expected snow to be falling. It started near the turnoff to Lower Rock Creek...just a light snowfall, but definitely enough to get our attention. "What's the opener gonna be like?" we wondered. At midnight we passed out to the comforting sound of snow lightly brushing the tent.
Four hours later, as the snow continued to fall, we hooked the boat to the truck, tossed our gear into the bed, brewed enough coffee to wake a hibernating bear, and piled into the truck for the short drive to Crowley Lake. Unlike last year when we were one of the first ones in line, this time there were at least 60 boats ahead of us already. By sun-up, another 100+ would be behind us. We drank our coffee, finished three boxes of donuts, and told our fish stories, which got more absurd the more we drank. They had a tough time believing my story of that 23 pound brook trout I caught on a chocolate-marinated hot dog last summer out of Marsh Lake. I can't understand why. I swear it's true.
Anyhow, as the first light began to appear over the Whites, they opened the gate and the hoardes of anglers with their boats and six months of pent-up optimism poured down to the water's edge. By 6:30, our boat was in the water and I was tying my first lure of the season. Snow was still falling in the Sierra. We couldn't see the range at all, but on the lake it wasn't too bad. It was probably about 29 degrees, but it was windy...gusting to 30 mph. The wind chill made it tough to tie that lure, but I managed. The hot coffee helped a lot. Typically, I fish by trolling a wet fly, such as a wooly bugger or matuka, but I felt that it was a little too early in the year for that, so I grabbed what I thought would work well in this lake...a perch Thomas Buoyant. About 100 yards from us, another boat had already hooked into a nice rainbow. It looked to be around 2-3 pounds. Their excitement made us get ready that much faster. I was the first in the boat to finish rigging up, so I tossed my line out, let the line run out about 40 yards, and clicked the bail. I was driving the boat at a slow troll, but had some trouble with the wind and had to occasionally pick up the speed to control it. Ice was already beginning to form on the guides, so I cleared it. Then, as I began to relax a bit, I felt a tap on the lure. It wasn't a hit, just a nudge, but it quickly got my attention. Then nothing...nothing.
____________________________________________
Greetings Rock Creekers! As I'm sure you know, this Saturday is opening day of the 2002 Eastern Sierra fishing season. Time to break out the gear, dust it off, and get ready to catch that first rainbow trout of the season. Summer's just around the corner!
WEATHER
Like last year, this winter was dry and spring has been warm. As a result, a significant amount of snow has already melted from the range, especially the east side. Therefore, a lot of country that is not typically accessible this early in the year will be. However, unlike last opening day which was about as perfect as one can expect, Opening Day 2002 looks to be blustery, cold, and snowy at times. The snow level on Saturday is anticipated to be around 6,000 feet. To check the very latest before you leave, visit the weather page. Be sure to click on the Real Audio forecast. It's pretty reliable.
CAMPING
On Wednesday, April 24, Tuff Campground and French Camp opened for the season. The new campground concessionaire had hoped to open earlier, but waited until the contract with the forest service that included the new updated rates was signed. For the first time, camping in Rock Creek has an "off-peak" and "peak" season, and rates will change in reponse to these seasons.
"Off-peak" will be from now until May 19, and again from September 21 through October 31. Midweek rates during this time will be $11 a night, very good considering the new tax. Weekend rates will be $13-$15 a night depending on the campground.
"Peak" season will be from May 20 through September 20. Rates during this time will range from $14-$16 a night depending on the campground.
The group camp rates will be consistent all summer...$45 a night at Rock Creek Lake, and $55 a night at Aspen. Firewood will also be available in the campgrounds for the first time this year. Visit the camping page for complete details.
CONDITIONS FOR THE OPENER
TJ Chase and his wife, Rayni, help manage Rock Creek Lakes Resort and live in Paradise, both literally and figuratively, down in Lower Rock Creek. The following information about the current conditions is from TJ, sent to me on April 23...
------
MAMMOTH
Lake Mary Road is still closed and will not be open or plowed until mid
May. The Twin Lakes in the lakes basin have very little open water.
Everything else in the Mammoth Lakes Basin is still frozen.
BISHOP CREEK
The road is plowed and open to both South Lake and North Lake. The lakes
are still frozen with a lot of rotten ice, but there is access to the creeks
from the road closures to both lakes (this was the report as of last week, so
there may be open water come the opener). You will encounter snow (rotten)
in quite a few areas up higher, so be careful when walking across snow patches
to the water.
TIOGA PASS/LEE VINING
Tioga pass is still closed at the gate 5 miles west of 395. Access into
Lee Vining Canyon is clear and pretty snow free until you reach the Edison power
plant. Of course, that's where the fishing stops.
JUNE LAKE LOOP
June Lake Loop is open and all of the lakes are free of ice and snow.
BRIDGEPORT
The road to the twin lakes in Bridgeport is open and snow free. Rose at
Twin Lakes Resort reported that the lower lake was completely thawed and was
pretty sure that the upper lake was thawed as well. They've been having
gorgeous weather this week, in the mid 60's, as is the case everywhere. Be
aware though, weather changes are expected for opening weekend.
So the bottom line is, upper portions of Rock Creek above the lake, the Mammoth Lakes Basin and Virginia Lakes, don't look good for the opener. Everywhere else, including pretty much everything east of 395 looks good. Flows in the creeks look good and hopefully the weather cooperates with us. Have a great weekend! Maybe I'll see you out there.
TJ
------
So there you have it. Fishing season's here and summer's coming! Just remember to be extremely careful this weekend if you're planning on fishing one of the frozen lakes in the area. Much of the ice is rotten and dangerous. To be safe, fish the creeks or lower elevation lakes until the ice melts.
Until next time, take it easy and THINK CREEK!!
Tim