July 11, 2001

---WEATHER, ETC.--- 

Greetings from a cooler and refreshed Rock Creek.  After over 7 weeks of dry and very warm weather, Rock Creek and the Eastern Sierra have been blessed with 7 straight days of precipitation.  Today is the first day in a week in which 
significant precipitation is not expected.  Since July 3, Rock Creek Lake has received nearly 2 inches of rain, while many areas in the Eastern Sierra got significantly more than that.  For example, on Saturday Lone Pine was greeted 
with over 2 inches of rain in a HALF AN HOUR!!  Needless to say, a variety of problems occurred in and around Lone Pine as a result of the inundation.  In addition, the mountains above Bishop Creek received a light dusting of SNOW 
yesterday afternoon, along with the Whites.  The snow was not significant and melted today, but it gave us all a reminder of just how changeable weather in the Sierra can be during ANY season. 

The moist airmass that brought us the much-needed precipitation has moved to the east and a drier southwesterly flow from the Pacific has taken its place.  As a result, precipitation has been taken completely out of the forecast beginning 
tomorrow, and the weather will remain dry into early next week.  A cold Pacific system MAY enter the Pacific Northwest by Tuesday of next week, but it is NOT in the official forecast as of today.  Systems like that usually bring lots of wind and cooler temperatures to the Eastern Sierra, but rarely contain precipitation.  To check this forecast stay updated on the weather page... 
http://www.rockcreeklake.com/weather/ 


---FISHING--- 

Fishing has remained good in Rock Creek.  Fishing pressure has been relatively light for July in response to the recent adverse weather conditions, and water levels have increased dramatically.  Although several Alpers Trout were planted in late June, few have actually been caught, including those two 14+ pound monsters.  The rain of the past week has cooled the surface water temperature.  As a result, the trout are once again surface feeding, particularly late in the day.  Try a blue dun, Rock Creek Special, elk hair caddis, female adams, or other small dry fly.  The usual streamers (matukas, wooly buggers, etc.) are doing well, especially for anglers trolling, float tubing, or wading near the inlet.  Lures that continue to produce limits include Thomas Buoyants, gold Kastmasters, frog or gold Super Dupers, and Hot Shots.  Bait fishermen are doing well using Power Bait, Sierra Gold, and nightcrawlers. 

In the creek, bait fishermen will find worms, salmon eggs, and the trusty Velveeta cheese working, along with Power Bait and Sierra Gold.  Small spinners including Panther Martins and Rooster Tails (which will ALWAYS be a part of this report) are always a fun and effective way to fish the creek.  The small dry flies mentioned above along with small nymphs (hare's ears, prince nymphs, pheasant tails) will also catch fish. 

The largest fish caught in the past week was brought in by Larry Sharp of Upland.  His six pound monster was the fourth largest fish to come out of the lake this year.  He caught it using rainbow Power Bait.  Good job, Larry!! 


---TRAIL CONDITIONS--- 

As you might expect, the recent rains have turned the Eastern Sierra's dry, dusty trails into near perfect backcountry thoroughfares (did I just use that term?), and with the current excellent weather expected, this is as good as it 
gets for backcountry travel in the Sierra...period.  It's amazing that more people aren't taking advantage of the weather and trail conditions.  In actuality, very few people are currently in the canyon. This is THE TIME to be here! 


---PIE--- 

Okay, Sue REALLY wants to make more pie everyday!  I think that the Sunset article coming out this weekend will help her fulfill her dreams.  The August issue of Sunset will be including an article about the BEST PIE in the Western States, and Rock Creek Lakes Resort is part of the article.  The article will include some of Sue's recipes, along with tips on making pie crusts, which is the true value of her pie.  Sue's gonna kill me.

-------- 

Well, that's about it for this newsletter.  I hope to see you up here taking advantage of Rock Creek soon.  Until next time, take it easy and THINK CREEK!!!! 


Tim