May 19, 2002

Greetings, Rock Creekers!  More campgrounds are opening up, the weather's warm, the snow's melting and Mule Days is next weekend, so it's time for another newsletter.


WEATHER
    The weather in the Eastern Sierra has been beautiful for the past week, with highs in the upper 50's and lower 60's at Rock Creek Lake (9,700 feet).  Lower elevations were obviously a lot warmer.  Bishop was in the mid-upper 80's.  The warm pattern will come to an abrupt halt during the early part of the coming week, as a cold, winter-like storm enters the region from the Pacific.  During the period from late Sunday through Tuesday, snow, wind, and colder temperatures are forecasted.  Snow accumulations of 3-6 inches may be possible during that time frame.  Luckily, warmer temperatures and a lack of precipitation are expected for the Memorial Day holiday. As you know, the weather in the Sierra can change rapidly, so come prepared regardless of the forecast.  Stay updated on the weather page.



CAMPING
    Most of the campgrounds in Rock Creek have opened for the season, including Rock Creek Lake which opened on Friday the 17th.  The only campgrounds left to open are Pine Grove and Upper Pine Grove.  Fallen trees currently posing hazards in the campgrounds need to be removed prior to the opening of the campgrounds.  The trees will be cleared this week, and the campgrounds will be open for the weekend.  Only the first 2 loops of East Fork are open currently.  There are trees on the upper loops that still need to be cleared, but they will be removed by the coming weekend as well.  All but the upper-most loop of East Fork will be open by the 20th.  Speaking of East Fork, the campground managers reported the first visit of the season from one of Rock Creek's California Black Bears.  A family had to go out to breakfast after a bear indulged itself on a flat of strawberries and other fixins.  The bears must be hungry.  Be sure to store your food appropriately during your visit!  Use the bear box in your site if it has one.  If it doesn't and you're not sure about proper food storage, ask a manager.  They'll be more than happy to help you.


FISHING
    Rock Creek Lake thawed on May 13, and since then fishing pressure has increased.  The weekly stockings by DFG in both the creek and lake have begun, so the fish are there.  In fact, even prior to the stockings, anglers were doing well in the lake using bait.  Limits were common with rainbow Power Bait and nightcrawlers.  Gold Super Dupers and Phoebes have also been working recently.  The creek was poor during the opener in April, but has since become much better.  It's amazing how a couple truckloads of trout can improve a fishery, isn't it?  Worms, Power Bait, and salmon eggs have been working well in the creek, along with small Rooster Tails and Panther Martins.  I haven't heard any reports regarding flyfishing yet.  I'll be doing a lot of fishing on the lake during Memorial Weekend and will have another report after the holiday.


BACKCOUNTRY
    The trails in Rock Creek's backcountry are still quite snowy, especially Little Lakes Valley.  The road to Mosquito Flat remains closed, as a few 1-2 foot drifts still cover the road in sections.  However, the forest service may take a vehicle inside the gate and try to "assist" the snowmelt in order to get the road open sooner.  Snow on the trail to Little Lakes Valley is patchy to Heart Lake, but solid beyond that point.  I will have reports for the Hilton Lakes trail and Tamarack trail after the holiday weekend.


SUE'S PIE AND THE RESORT
    On Saturday of Memorial Weekend, Rock Creek Lakes Resort's restaurant will once again be open for business, meaning that blueberry, Dutch apple, strawberry, and other tongue-teasing treats from Sue's oven will be on the
menu.  Drop in for a taste of Sue's "Pie in the Sky."  In addition to the restaurant, boat rentals will be available, and the store with its wide selection of tackle, camping gear, drinks, non-perishable food, and other items will be open.  The resort's cabins are already open.  Last I heard, there were still openings in a couple of the cabins for the Memorial
Weekend!  Give the resort a call to check availability...760-935-4311.


Well, that about it for this newsletter. If you're planning on coming up for the holiday weekend, drive safely and have a great time!  Maybe I'll see you around the lake.

Until next time, take it easy and THINK CREEK!

Tim