August 1, 2001

---WEATHER--- 

Greetings from an absolutely gorgeous Rock Creek!  Since the rain and thunderstorms of a couple of weeks ago, each day has been beautiful, with mild temperatures and no precipitation.  This morning's low 
temperature of 40 has been typical of the past couple of weeks.  Several mornings have actually been in the mid 30's, a bit cool for this time of year.  Highs have been consistently in the upper 60's to low 70's.  Today's forecast is once again suggesting a return of monsoonal moisture to California by Friday, with a significant push of moisture and thunderstorms possible by Sunday or Monday of next week which may continue for much of next week.  This forecast isn't set in stone, so check the weather page for the very latest forecasts and conditions before heading up to the Eastern Sierra... 
http://www.rockcreeklake.com/weather/ 



---WILDFLOWERS, FALL COLOR--- 

As a result of the extremely dry winter and warm, dry spring and summer we're experiencing, water levels in Rock Creek are very low for this time of year.  The creek is at a level more reminiscent of early-mid September than August 1 and the lake is down considerably as well.  Snow on the peaks is as minimal as I've seen it in August.  Fireweed is in full-bloom, signifying the end of the wildflower season.  A few beautiful patches of lilies, paintbrush, columbine, 
wild rose, and lupine can be found in the more riparian areas along the road, down by The Pond, and in the backcountry.  In response to the dry conditions, a few patches of fall color are already beginning to show up around the lake and up on the Wheeler Bench near Sand Canyon.  This promises to be an early year for fall color in the Eastern Sierra.  I'll keep you posted on its progress through this newsletter. 



---BEARS--- 

As we approach mid-summer, the bears are beginning to realize that it's time to start filling up for their winter slumber, and are consequently becoming more active in the canyon.  For the past few nights, bears have been spotted in the campground at the lake and here at the Resort, but have done very little damage.  A few campers left out food items at the lake and a bear got into them, but that's to be expected.  The items were NOT in the bear boxes provided in 
each of the lake's campsites.  The bears also dumped over a few trash cans and recycling bins here at the Resort and over near the boat dock at the lake.  If you plan to camp in Rock Creek, please heed the warnings about bears and do your part to keep the bears in check by storing your food responsibly and chasing bears out of the campgrounds.  Ask the campground managers about the most appropriate ways to do this. 

Bear boxes have been installed in ALL campsites at Rock Creek Lake, Upper Pine Grove, Pine Grove, Palisade, and select sites in East Fork.  On the camping page of the site, I'll include the specific sites in East Fork that have bear boxes once I get that information.  You can email the campground managers on the website to find out 
that information as well... 
http://www.rockcreeklake.com/camping/ 



---FISHING--- 

Fishing in Rock Creek has continued to be very good. Despite the low water levels, fishing in the creek has been good, particularly with worms and Power Bait.  I've also been hearing that Velveeta Cheese is working well.  Lure fishing is difficult in the creek except in slow, deeper water.  Try a #1 PMRG Panther Martin or black or green Rooster Tail for best results.  Dry flies that have been working include blue duns, Rock Creek Specials, elk hair caddis, female adams, green body mosquitoes, and black gnats.  Beaded hare's ears, prince nymphs, and pheasant tails are just a few nymphs that have been working in the creek. 

The above nymphs and dries will also work well in the lake, although streamers have always been especially productive in the lake.  For the best results try TROLLING an olive matuka, wooly bugger, wooly worm, or Twin Lakes Special.  These flies also work well from a float tube or from shore with a bubble/fly combo or flyrod.  The lake can 
be waded easily near its inlet for best flycasting.  Despite the usual success of flies and lures, BAIT has been especially 
productive lately.  TJ Chase, an employee of the Resort, was over at the lake working this afternoon and mentioned that every other rod seemed to have a fish on, and most of those hooking up were using nightcrawlers and Power Bait.  In fact, the last 5 large fish that have been caught have been caught on bait, particularly nightcrawlers.  Since my last newsletter, a 9 pound 2 ounce rainbow (Johnny Little), 6 pound 9 ounce rainbow (John Mosher), and a 3 pounder were all caught on crawlers, a 4 pounder was caught with Power Bait, and a 5 pound 12 ounce rainbow (Scott Gage) swallowed a salmon egg.  All these pictures are on display here at the Resort. 

And the big fish will continue to be caught because another load of Alpers Trout ranging between 3 and 13 pounds were stocked TODAY!  This stocking, combined with DFG's stocking of both the creek and lake on Monday ensure another week of fabulous fishing here in Rock Creek Canyon.  Tight Lines! 



---COURTESY--- 

On Sunday I had to work at 9:30 and had about an hour and a half to kill before work, so I grabbed a trashbag and headed over to the lake to see what I could collect.  I walked from the outlet east about 200 yards, and in that span filled a 33 gallon trash bag about 3/4 full with everything from Power Bait jars to worm canisters, beer bottles, soda cans, and LOTS OF FISHING LINE!  How many trash bags do you think we could fill if we walked the ENTIRE lake??  I hope it makes you sick to think about.  I walked to work today from the south end of the lake along the road and was amazed at the amount of trash on the roadside as well.  Next time you're fishing at the lake, please take some time while you wait for that 10 pound Alpers to strike to pick up around the area you're fishing.  You'll be amazed at what you'll find in the willows and rocks around your spot.  If each of us only picked up within 10 yards in either 
direction of our fishing spot, the lake would be cleaned up quickly.  Please DO YOUR PART to keep this Sierra Jewel pristine. 

One other important thing to be aware of is your speed as you approach the Resort and lake.  As you ascend Rock Creek Road and cross the Inyo County line, please slow down.  Within a quarter mile of that point is both the resort and lake, with a great deal of cross traffic and pedestrian activity.  I've seen in the past few days cars traveling at over 50 mph as kids played and ran within yards of the road.  A speed bump would be a great addition, but in the meantime, think about what may be up ahead and slow down.  Thanks. 



---RESORT NEWS--- 

Many of you that subscribe to Sunset Magazine have seen this month's article titled "Pies a la Road," featuring a special little cafe in the Eastern Sierra...Rock Creek Lakes Resort!  If you haven't seen it, Sue's fresh peach pie recipe is included, along with a short snipit about the resort.  The pie's nutrition facts are also part of the article... UGGGHH!!!!!!  A link to it is located on the resort page of this site.  I especially like Sue's description of her kitchen in the article. 

PUPPIES!!!  Hannah, Jim and Sue's Golden Retriever, had 10 puppies in the middle of July...7 females and 3 males.  They've grown a ton in 2 weeks and their eyes are opening up to the world around them.  Unfortunately, they're already spoken for.  Later in August they will be outside for the public to see.  

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Well, I guess that's about it for this newsletter. The next one I send will be from the Trinity River or the concrete jungle.  I plan to spend the next 3 weeks relaxing on the Trinity and preparing for my next year of teaching which begins in late August.  Until next time take it easy, stay cool, and THINK CREEK!!!! 

Tim